Freaky Deaky

The Michigan Film Office repprts that the feature film "Freaky Deaky" is approved for a film incentive from the state. The film is based on the novel by Michigan author and New York Times bestseller Elmore Leonard and will be directed by Charlie Matthau. The premise takes place in Detroit and follows the exploits of a former group of 60’s radicals when they meet again in 1974.

“Elmore Leonard stands shoulder to shoulder among Michigan’s most noteworthy authors, and we are thrilled that ;Freaky Deaky', a story that unfolds across the city of Detroit, will be shot right here where it belongs,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “This project will employ our workforce and infrastructure, showcase our state, and highlight the work of Elmore – a great Michigan talent. It is a terrific project and an exciting Pure Michigan opportunity.”

"Freaky Deaky" was awarded an incentive of $2,864,020 on $6,926,071 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 235 Michigan workers. Leonard is a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Detroit.

"Have a Little Faith" to film in Detroit suburbs

The Michigan Film Office states that "Have a Little Faith", a made-for-television movie, has been approved for a film incentive from the state. The film is based on the #1 bestselling book by Mitch Albom of the same title.

The story is about a journey to discover faith with the help of a childhood rabbi and a Detroit pastor.

“The city and sprit of Detroit play an integral role in Have a Little Faith, so it is only fitting that this movie be shot in the very place that helped to inspire this story,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “In addition to hiring Michigan crew and vendors, this project also presents an opportunity to showcase Michigan to a wide-spread national television audience.”

"Have a Little Faith" was awarded an incentive of $2,355,945 on its qualified Michigan expenditures and the film office expects the production to hire 226 Michigan part time workers.

"Have a Little Faith" is the seventh project approved under the new policy and guidelines issued by the Michigan Film Office. In 2011, nine projects have been approved with $12,988,399 in incentives being awarded on $31,271,545 of approved production expenditures for the year.

Thor Takes in #1 Spot

Thor comes to collect. A $66 Million dollar opening weekend, with 60% of its domestic take coming from 2,737 3D screens proves not only the public's interest in superhero fun, but also 3D films. The global cume is $242 Million. Now having seen it, I stand by the 2D version just as well as I would the 3D version. The film is a perfect set up for "The Avengers" with Nick Fury's cameo after the credits showing us the figure known as the 'Teseract' - a piece that we will find out more about in this summer's "Captain America: The First Avenger." Little known that the character of the Beast who is also an avenger will show up in this summers "X-Men First Class" bringing all these movies together in a giant Marvel Studios Onslaught of Cinema. Although the mitten state of Michigan lost out on "The Avengers" filming in our realm, the production is set to resume south of us in Ohio for those interested in tracking down a potential job as a background 'extra.'