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.'

Reality Show approved for Incentive!

The Michigan Film Office announced that the television show "Domestic Justice" is on the approved list for a film incentive from the state for the show’s pilot episode. The plot is described as a "...reality show with Honorable Vonda R. Evans, who will work with litigants to address domestic discord in their lives and provide solutions in a lively forum for participants and viewers."

“This pilot episode will put the necessary framework in place to get the reality program "Domestic Justice" off to a successful start,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “The Film Office is pleased to be able to award the project an incentive and is excited about the future prospects of this program.”

"Domestic Justice" has been awarded an incentive of $32,109 on $78,450 of projected in-state expenditures for the pilot episode. Evans currently serves as a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge. The project is being produced by S3 Entertainment Group in Ferndale.

One Last Call - Premiere Next Week

"One Last Call," the film is set to premiere at the historic Royal Oak Main Art Theater 7pm on April 27th, 2011. "One Last Call" is an art house film with Lynchian appeal. It is a story based in redemption where a young man, Tom, and his newly found friend, Dodge, venture out on a night’s binge that leads them to their final temptation in the young woman known only as Red Dress. In giving into thered herring they are taken on a journey they never expected, and their road ends on the night’s one last call.

"One Last Call" is an Indie feature-short film, and it is in the genre of the supernatural thriller. The production is considered a feature-short; a short film that is between 21 to 60 minutes in length."One Last Call" is recognized in its category for being a short film at the level equal to that of a feature length film and doing so with no budget. The production utilized nine locations, studios (both film and music), professional equipment, Michigan talent agencies, local entertainment acts and businesses, their own soundtrack and music video, with all above-the-line and below-the-line roles being 100% Michiganders.

The concept of "One Last Call" was born in 2009 from the mind of the screenplay writer’s daughter. Inspired by her daughter’s story, she developed the screenplay in conjunction with her Masters Program for Entertainment Business at Full Sail University. "One Last Call" soon became a collaboration of over 40 people on its team, and with close to one hundred Michigan extras. Being a no budget indie short film meant the team had to utilize what they had along with the support of several generous sponsors, which included; Benito’s Pizza, Coca Cola’s Fuse, Commune Night Club of Royal Oak, Valentine Vodka of Ferndale, and NVIDIA.

AWOL approved for Michigan

Fresh news from Lansing, The Michigan Film Office announced the feature film AWOL as being approved for a film incentive from the state. The Film Office says that it is based on a true story of a Michigan solider, takes place during the Vietnam War and is set in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas.

“This project not only tells a great story, it also highlights the home-grown filmmaking talent we have here in Michigan,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “From the screenplay and producers to the story’s setting, this is a Michigan-made film from start to finish and we are thrilled it will be shooting here in the state.”

The Statute that is used to guide approval decisions includes the following.

1. The production is financially viable.

2. Utilization of existing infrastructure (studios, post-production facilities, film labs, etc.).

3. The number and wage levels of direct jobs for Michigan residents created by a production.

4. Ability to show Michigan in a positive light and promote the state as a tourist destination.

5. Magnitude of estimated expenditures in Michigan.