Troy Studio Host Film Premiere

RED CARPET FILM SCREENING UNVEILS AT TROY’S OWN STUDIO

By: Sam Logan Khaleghi

Photography By: Jerry Richart

At the top of their game, industry kudos was given to NextWave Media Studios this past weekend as they hosted their first official red carpet movie screening.

The film was “James and Jenna,” a sci-fi action caper about a group of robotic androids searching for their place in a futuristic world. The film was shot entirely in the southeastern Michigan area and was directed by Indiana resident Chris Martens.

Although government support for Hollywood productions have been the state pillar of the cinematic enterprise as of late, local smaller productions hold firm that filming in Michigan will continue.

“It was an exciting time to be filming in Michigan considering all the attention the area is getting from the film incentive program, but I think the state is a great place to make a movie whether or not the incentive stays. There is a diversity in scenery that is unmatchable anywhere else,” says Martens.

NextWave Media Studios is owned and operated by CEO Nancy Skinner; she is a democratic radio host who has appeared as a contributor to political shows on Fox News, MSNBC and CNN.

The company has existed as one of metro-Detroit’s premier studios offering production services, TV uplinks, webinars and webcasts.

The 88 seat auditorium that they run is also referred to by Skinner as “a digitorium.” It was not only filled by cast and crew members, but also lucky members of the metropolitan area who were first come first served and emailed for advance seats.

“We are glad to accommodate all independent filmmakers. To do that honor is our passion. The state of film in Michigan is dire and we want to draw attention to all the great talent that we have. Michigan is a hotbed of talented young people who need an outlet for their creative works,” says Skinner

The evening began sharply at 7pm with complimentary valet parking leading into the foyer; additionally supplemented by hors d’oeuvres that included shrimp and finger sandwiches alongside cheap plastic glasses rimming with expensive white wine. After a solid hour of chin wagging and wordlessly applauding the filmmakers with hugs and handshakes, the lights began to dim as people tip-toed, couching in their chairs. The film displayed to an audience that was articulately receptive with cheer to the visual effects laden production.

Sharon Baseman, marketing director of NextWave pointed out that there are hopes for future red carpet events at the location and further involvement filmmakers.

“I hope people know that we are here and have been here. Whether it is a corporate event for local company, private screening or grandiose movie premiere, we can do it,” says Basemen.

Filmmaker Chris Martens hopes that this advance screening will set off his film festival premiere and forthcoming showings across the country.

“Filming in the metropolitan Detroit area was a fantastic experience, since the film takes place in a futuristic Detroit. We shot in the city but also Troy, Bloomfield Hills, and now with the power of movies, we’ll be taking Michigan to the rest of the world,” says Martens.

Fore more information on the film and view a trailer visit www.jamesandjennamovie.com