I, Alex Cross Approved for Credits!

"I, Alex Cross" has been approved for Michigan Film Credits - The film, set in Detroit, features the character Alex Cross from the James Patterson novels and stars Jean Reno, Matthew Fox and Tyler Perry. It is being directed by Rob Cohen ('The Fast and the Furious').

“With more than $3 billion in worldwide sales, the Alex Cross franchise is an incredible opportunity for Michigan to tap into as we work to promote our state nationally and around the globe,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “This is the type of high-level project that ensures our Michigan crew has the experience necessary to compete with the best is the business. In showcasing the talent, and the incredible locations, Michigan has to offer this is another great project for our state.”

"I, Alex Cross" has been approved for an incentive of $3,573,943 on $8,509,387 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 209 Michigan workers for temporary work.

“We are very pleased the Michigan Film Office has approved I, Alex Cross, and we appreciate the hard work on the part of the film office team in guiding us through the application process,” said project producer Paul Hansen. “Our entire team looks forward to filming in Detroit and featuring the city in our movie.”

Upcoming Theatre Auditions

Some of metro-Detroit areas theatre companies are holding joint general auditions for the 2011-2012 theatre season June 20, 21 and 27, 2011, at the Furniture Factory located at 4126 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226. Auditions will be held from 6pm to 11 pm. Appointments must be made for reservation and made by e-mailing frannie@magentagiraffe.org.

Theatres attending auditions will be Abreact Performance Space (Detroit), The AKT Theatre Project (Wyandotte), Blackbird Theatre (Ann Arbor), Breathe Art Theatre Project (Detroit/Windsor), Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company (Detroit), Matrix Theatre Company (Detroit), Planet Ant Theatre (Hamtramck), The New Theatre Project (Ann Arbor) and Who Wants Cake? Theatre (Ferndale).

Headshots and résumés should not be attached to the e-mail. No appointments will be made by phone.

Actors are to prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues no longer than three minutes total. Auditions will be timed. Actors should bring nine sets of headshot/résumé and all schedule conflicts for the season (one set for each attending company).

All roles offered will be paid. Most theatres may offer Guest Artist Equity contracts.

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.