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Cap the Film Incentives and Kill the Film Industry in Michigan? Not Yet

Film Industry Supporters Crying Wolf Over Governor's Plans for Film Subsidies

… Detroit Free Press column, film industry proponent and popular … state’s refundable, unlimited film incentives, you might as well … that a cap “…effectively chases films away. No successful tax-incentive … studio wants to be the last film in, then find out the money … way. They just won't come.” Film industry supporters insisted … more

Michigan taxpayers funded artistic and financial flops in last film-subsidy effort

In movies and subsidy programs, the sequel is rarely better

… package of bills to subsidize films and commercials. The hope is … original. And the initial film incentive program in Michigan … movies and TV shows to be filmed (at least partially) in the … is that getting Hollywood to film in Michigan will help showcase … travesty. The trailer for the film raised questions about whether … more

Batman and Superman vs. Taxpayers

Film subsidy costs taxpayers almost $8 each

… in profits last year $35 million to film the "Batman vs. Superman" movie to be filmed in Michigan. In the past, we've looked … one is on the hook for $7.80 for the film. Perhaps taxpayers can request that … when the movie is released in 2015. Film subsidies are bad policy, opposed by … more

Michigan Chamber CEO Blasts Film Subsidies as a 'Boondoggle'

Bill extends film subsidies indefinitely

… legislation to extend Michigan’s film incentive subsidy program indefinitely. … Commerce CEO Rich Studley blasted film subsidies during withering … of taxpayer dollars spent on film subsidies would be better employed fixing roads. “If the Michigan film subsidies were a movie it would … “A total of $26,551,106 in film credits were claimed from the … more

Films or Potholes?

Cost of film subsidy program would repair over 5 million potholes

… allocating $50 million for the state's film subsidy program. Previously, the budget … increase on residents they should end the film program and use the money for infrastructure. … million lawmakers are pledging toward films for the upcoming fiscal year (all … 14,706 students. For a lot of reasons, film subsidies are one of the least efficient … more

December 5, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Vote Report

Road funding, religious freedom, film subsidies & more

… interest.  Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” Senate Bill 1103, Extend film producer subsidies: Passed 73 to 37 in the House To extend the law authorizing state subsidy payments to some film productions until 2022 (under current law it ends in 2017), and make some … more

Clock is Ticking on Michigan's Film Subsidies

Unless the bill is vetoed, film incentives end soon

… which would kill the state’s film subsidy program, was presented … presented. It's hard to argue that film subsidies have been anything … appropriated to the coffers of film studios, there were fewer film jobs in the state than when … as many twists and turns as film subsidies over the past seven … more

Michigan bill revives film subsidies, adds cash giveaway for touting state in commercials

Film subsidies failed to have a lasting impact the first time around

… subsidize companies that make films in the state. A new set of … These references include "filmed in Michigan," "Pure Michigan," "Michigan Film & Digital Media Office," and the Michigan Film Industry Association logo. … veterans. If, for example, the film company has expenses of $100 … more

Michigan Has Fewer Film Jobs Than it Did Prior to Incentive Program

$500 million later, 100 fewer jobs

… million later, Michigan has fewer film jobs than it did when the state … Statistics, Michigan had 1,561 film jobs in 2013 (the latest year … In 2008, the state had 1,663 film jobs. See chart nearby. Michigan … million per year subsidizing film productions. Previously, the … million to the program. Because film productions are so mobile, … more

Will Michigan Taxpayers Be Giving KISS Millions For the Rock Band's Film?

Gene Simmons slaps down socialism but KISS film may accept film subsidies

… in incentives the Michigan Film Office approved in 2011 for the KISS film "Cadillac High"? Simmons has … would have to reapply for the film incentive and hasn’t yet, said … spokeswoman for the Michigan Film Office. It is unclear what … Productions, who applied for the 2011 film incentive, was not returned. … more

Box Office Bombs: Made in Michigan

Many films are getting more money from Michigan taxpayers than they are at the theaters

"The Genesis Code," a film shot in Michigan, received about … stories during the two years of filming and its theatrical release. The film received a lot of media attention because it was filmed in west Michigan. The audience … listed in the 2009 Michigan Film Office annual report found … more

October 24, 2014, MichiganVotes Weekly Report

Extend film subsidies, and more key votes from 2014

… that occurred this week. Senate Bill 1103, Extend film producer subsidies: Passed 32 to 4 in the Senate … sunset on the law authorizing state subsidies for film productions, and make various changes to the formula … distributing $50 million in state tax revenue to film producers through in the current fiscal year. … more

Hey! Is that Brad Pitt in the Frozen Food Aisle?

Almost every argument in favor of film subsidies is wrong

… terminate the state's subsidies to film producers. ForTheRecord highlights … “They are about to kill the film industry in this state, a move … million state taxpayer dollars to film producers. Michigan had 1,663 … two pictures since Michigan’s film subsidy program began in 2008, … “I’m Still Here.” Neither was filmed in Michigan, according to … more

Republican-led Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Continue 'Big Hollywood' Film Subsidy

Senate passes bill 34-4, House 92-15

… a bill allowing the state’s film subsidy program to continue, … much as $100 million for the film subsidy program. The bill … limits how much the Michigan Film Office can authorize, and once … bill converts the previous film incentive program into a direct … required assessments of the film subsidy program to include … more

Film Incentives Clearly Hurt

Studies show a lack of positive economic impact

… eal Rubin laments the elimination of Michigan’s film incentive at The Detroit News. But he paints a … can find different effects, but the studies of film incentives are clear. As Dr. Michael Thom, a professor … nonpartisan Tax Foundation — have argued that [film incentives] don’t succeed at creating jobs or growing … more

Michigan Taxpayers Already Paid for 'Oz'

Film costs state taxpayers almost $9 each

… Powerful," opens today. The film cost the studio about $200 … through the state’s generous film subsidy program. In fact, … residents should be seeing the film for free. Michigan has 4.5 … taxpayers, and the state gave the film studio $39.7 million to shoot … percent of Michigan expenses to film makers — essentially a check … more

Film Subsidy Bucks Buy Video Games: Does Hollywood Glitz Still Shine?

… for Michigan’s controversial film tax subsidy, taxpayers are … games. In August, the Michigan Film Office awarded Scientifically … George Clooney this month at a film festival what he thought about filming in Ann Arbor. Clooney’s response: … releases an annual report on film subsidies, described in one … more

How Would You Spend an Extra $130?

Film incentive programs take from everyone to give to a few

… Confidential, Brandeis University economist Bob Tannenwald remarked that film incentives were a bad deal for taxpayers. "Another way to look at that … $13 for each year state policymakers put $50 million of tax money in the film incentive budget. more

Film Incentive Bill Sows Its Own Expansion

… primed to expand the state’s film incentive program, which has … rewriting the law was to allow the film office flexibility to use these … Senate-passed version of the bill gives film productions shooting in Michigan … state doesn’t let the Michigan Film Office decide how much each … authority, depending on how many films are awarded assistance. The … more

Michael Moore's 'Greed' Message Doesn't Apply to His Film's Financiers

Film incentives an accepted part of business plans

… Inc. taxpayer subsidies for filming in Michigan. Yet the Flint … applied for tax credits for filming part of the movie in Michigan. … July 2008 at the Traverse City Film Festival and questioned the logic of the Michigan Film Incentive program, which reimburses … subsidiary of Viacom, and Overture Films co-financed "Capitalism: A … more

What Michigan can do with $500 million rather than giving it to Hollywood

There is no reason to resurrect film subsidies

… Legislature considers bringing back film incentives. Michigan offered … Forty-three states currently offer film subsidies, hoping to become … May 2022 that the costs of film credits far exceed their benefits. … officials adopted a $500 million film subsidy. To this day, the promise … through the original failed film subsidy. It is also the same … more

Warning: Increase Film Subsides Now and Risk Regrets Later

… million, one-time allowance for film subsidies in Michigan. This … Richardville, R-Monroe, on the film subsidies: “(Richardville) … million allocated to the state’s film incentive program for new movie … working on a bill to change the film subsidies that would “take … they proceed with expanding film subsidies beyond what the governor … more

Riches-to-Rags Story Developing For Movie Operations in Michigan

House budget proposes eliminating state's $50M film subsidy program

If the state’s film subsidy were a movie itself, it likely would … proposing to eliminate the film credit completely. Nancy Cassis … only legislator to vote against the film subsidy. "I think the mounting … the economic return of using film credits is minuscule and actually … have led people to rethink the film tax giveaway.  "… the 'handwriting … more

New Evidence: Film Incentives Still Don’t Work

Research from Michael Thom analyzes a variety of programs

… was once the most generous film incentive program in the nation. … showed that despite giving film producers half a billion dollars … there were no signs that the film industry in Michigan was actually … than 40 states and found that film incentive programs, on the … employment, gross state product or film industry concentration in a … more

GOP Budget Spends More on Film Subsidies

Picking Hollywood over taxpayers

… money being spent on Michigan’s film subsidy program. Spending taxpayer … for the program. Michigan’s film subsidy used to be the most … give-backs. Last year, the film subsidy gave millions to rich Hollywood studio films like "A Very Harold and Kumar … picking and choosing Hollywood film stars over taxpayers — there … more

Film Subsidy Supporters: Mich. Program a Failure

A 'race to the bottom'

… panel last March at the Milken Institute in California featured several film incentive boosters who admitted Michigan’s subsidy program was a bad call. … of the Tax Foundation was the lone opposition. Henchman pointed out that film incentive programs are a “race to the bottom” and don’t create permanent … more

Michigan Film Subsidy Winner Costs 10x More to Make Than It Earns

… n advocates of the Michigan film tax incentives said the 42 … not what they had in mind. Filmed in Grand Rapids, the movie … incentives, according to the Michigan Film Office. Had it been filmed in Louisiana, it would have … reportedly not happy that the film setting was switched from New … more

Michigan Senate Votes to Remove Sunset Provision Ending Hollywood Subsidies

Bill also removes cap on high-paid actors; now moves to the House

… 32-4 to extend the state's film subsidy program beyond its … said the money used for the film subsidies could better be spent … roads right now, rather than films, we get much more bang for … reaches the House. The original film subsidy bill passed 108-0 in … no uptick in the number of film jobs. The State House proposed … more

Senate Votes to Continue Film Subsidies

Will House put Michigan residents above Hollywood actors?

… sunset provision for the state’s film incentive program, meaning … asked by MIRS News about the film credit program. “These states (with film incentive programs) are essentially … job. Due to the nature of the film industry, most of the jobs … California has tripled its film credit spending to over $300 … more

Will Michigan GOP Continue Michael Moore Film Subsidies?

Program is a waste of taxpayer money

… advisory council for the Michigan Film Office. The office is in charge … some of the costs for his 2009 film “Capitalism: A Love Story” … $1 million from Michigan’s film subsidy program. In the end, … from Michigan taxpayers to film some of the movie in his home … considering a bill that would end the film incentives fiasco once and … more

Plot to Kill Film Credits Begins to Look Plausible

… realistic chance that Michigan’s film subsidy program will end soon. … obviously something like the film credits would be something … paying for something like the film credits. Clearly a major reason the film credits hadn’t been eliminated … Snyder has never liked the film credits. In the summer of … more

Road Work: Should State Prioritize ‘Horse Boobs’ or Highways?

Subsidized film festival starts today

… state, including the Ann Arbor Film Festival. I wrote about this … festival in 2018. This year’s film festival is one of many organizations … poetry readings. The Ann Arbor Film Festival’s organizers describe … one of the oldest avant-garde film festivals in the country. It … OFFENSIVE. In previous years, films shown at the festival included … more

State Subsidies for Hollywood Dying in Iowa and Drawing Fire In Missouri and Michigan

… having second thoughts about film tax incentives. Iowa is cancelling … Governor-Elect Rick Snyder has said that film credits aren’t sustainable … that recommended ending its film incentives. The report stated: … Governor-Elect Terry Branstad, said the film credit in their state will … suspended. “He doesn’t support the film tax credit,” Albrecht said … more

What Happened in Five Days?

State Rep. Rose Mary Robinson changes her mind on corporate film subsidies

On the March 6 episode of “Off the Record,” State Rep. Rose Mary Robinson, D-Detroit, said she is a “left winger” who wants to eliminate Michigan’s film credits. “I know the Teamsters are interested in this bill,” she said. “I usually do support labor when it creates jobs, but on this one I think I … more

Film Tax Credits Don’t Grow the Economy

… on the state’s newly minted film tax credit program, the governor … Development Corporation reported that film incentives created zero full-time … Michigan actually has fewer film-related jobs than it did before … But Michigan is not alone. Film tax credits, more commonly … be all that surprising. The film industry has never been known … more

Hollywood Grinch: Michigan Taxpayers Give 'A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas' Millions

Does the film violate the state's obscenity standard?

… Christmas” $8.3 million for filming in this state. The state reimbursed … the statute that allows the film subsidies. The law has “a … spokeswoman for the Michigan Film Office, didn’t respond to an email asking how the film office determined whether "A … Real Steel or Reel Steal? New Film Costs $4.26 Per Michigan Taxpayer … more

Film incentives still don’t make sense for Michigan

Michigan corporate welfare meets Hollywood accounting: What could go wrong?

… to 2015, Michigan subsidized film production up to 42% of costs. … amount greater than the taxes a film company paid resulted in its … were the only benefit, few films would get shot in Michigan. … that lawmakers can sell their film credits to other taxpayers. … program clearly subsidizes films. Companies get a check worth … more

House Vote on Terminating Michigan Film Producer Subsidies

House rejects $50 million per year program

… million in state tax dollars to film-production companies. According … Michigan had 1,663 full-time film-industry jobs in 2008, and … provision requiring any leftover film subsidy money be used to reimburse … funds for losses from a past film-related deal. The Granholm … 2015 House Bill 4122: Repeal film producer subsidies (House Roll … more

While Taxpayers Shell Out Big For Hollywood Stars, Media Fawns

Michigan continues 'Big Hollywood' film subsidy

… the town they just finished a film in. The actors then offer generic … pay-for-play, thanks to Michigan’s film tax credit program. Clooney’s … Engagement” got $5.23 million in film subsidies and “Answer This” … Real Steel or Reel Steal? New Film Costs $4.26 Per Michigan Taxpayer Michigan Film Subsidy Winner Costs 10x More … more

'Low Winter Sun' Buzz Ignores Taxpayer Subsidies

Media reports overlooked $7.5M state taxpayers paid for TV drama to film here

… where the drama series was filmed. "I was intrigued to see … costs thanks to the Michigan Film Office's film credit. That's higher than New Mexico, which has a film incentive that pays up to 30 … Louisiana and Alabama also have film incentives that reach as high … more

Legislator ‘Stunned’ By End Of Film Subsidies, Knocks Other Corporate Handouts She Approved

Democrat voted for $1.2 billion in 'huge tax breaks and sweetheart incentives'

… pilot episode here, under a now-defunct Michigan film subsidy program back in 2015. In a Gongwer News Service report, Love expressed her dismay that the film subsidies program had ended. “I was stunned then … Gilbert. And she voted against ending cash handouts to film producers in 2015. Love didn’t respond to an email … more

Taxpayers Handcuffed By Money Being Given To Beverly Hills Cop Production Company

Viacom reported $3.7 billion profit in 2013, but Michigan taxpayers will surrender $13.5 million for filming in the state

… million in Michigan while filming. Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman … Foundation, who has studied film incentives around the country. … 2008 why Michigan should give film subsidies to a corporation … Reasons Government Subsidies For Films Are A Bad Idea Film Incentives: The $50 Million … more

Three Reasons Why Michigan Should End Film Incentives

Results show the investment is not worth it

… which would end the state’s film incentive program. The legislation … appropriation. The state should cut the film incentives once and for all … reasons: 1. No increase in film jobs. According to the Bureau … Statistics, there are fewer film jobs in the state today than when the film incentives began in 2008. … more

Film Incentives: The $50 Million Sequel

State Rep.: 'I think the studios made a big push for them ... they won me over'

… recommended cutting Michigan's film incentives in half, to $25 … didn't include any money for the film incentive program. The Senate … again. Appropriations for the film incentives are one item within … lead to a compromise on the film incentives, such as setting … amount is $50 million. "These film subsidies are a classic case … more

Film Incentives Don’t Generate Economic Development

Incentives are a poor use of resources

… the efforts of the Michigan Film Industry Association to reinstitute … pulling the plug on the last film incentive. Most scholarly research … will publish a new study on film incentives by economics professor … Development?,” looked at whether film tax credits had a positive … research does “indicate that the film industry may be bolstered by … more

Why Film Subsidies Must Go

Independent studies show Hollywood corporate welfare a bust

… recent column on Michigan's film incentive program should have … would yield a clear conclusion: Film subsidies have to go. Researchers across the spectrum agree that film incentives don't create jobs. … conservative Tax Foundation says the film incentives "are costly and … there are an equal number of film jobs now as then — about 6,000. … more

Michigan Was Right to End Film Incentives

New report backs up legislators

… voted to wrap up the state’s film subsidy program – with the … time. More than 40 states have film incentive programs, but a review … value of giving tax dollars for film production. A state report … what happened in Michigan: Film production picked up when the … program, Michigan had fewer film jobs than before the subsidies … more

Film Incentive Supporters Ignore the Facts

No evidence that Michigan's program is worth the cost

… communications for the Michigan Film Office, responded to an op-ed … co-authored about Michigan's film incentive program. Unfortunately, … many independent studies on film incentive programs; nearly … transportation — all money losers — the film incentives were not designed … fiscal tool to create revenue. Film incentive programs are not … more

Another Film Subsidy Failure

Michigan 3D media company, Speedshape, paid by taxpayers to help make Spy Kids 4, owes taxes and rent

… taxpayers thanks to Michigan film incentives in 2011 to do post-production … press release from the Michigan Film Office. The Weinstein Co. paid … $1.8 million by the Michigan film tax incentive.  However, Speedshape … said she is bothered that the film was not shot in Michigan yet still received film subsidies. "You should [at … more

Power to the People: 2015 Brought Some Key Reforms to Michigan

Bye-bye film subsidies, hello limits on improper or abusive police and prosecutor actions

… elimination of costly subsidies for film producers and new laws that … prosecutors. Death Sentence for Film Subsidies On July 9, Gov. … which phases out Michigan’s film subsidy program. Launched in … from Michigan taxpayers to film producers, many of whom did … Michigan actually had 102 fewer film industry jobs. The road to … more

Lone Democrat Votes Against Party Line on Film Subsidies

On June 18 the Michigan House voted to repeal a film producer subsidy program created in 2008 by former … corporate welfare.” ForTheRecord says: Since 2008 the film subsidy program has given some $500 million in tax breaks and direct cash subsidies to film producers, entirely paid for by Michigan taxpayers. … more

Government Report Shows Film Jobs Stagnant Despite Incentives

State has pledged approximately $400 million from taxpayers for little return

… the nation's most lucrative film incentive program, then Gov. … a result of our aggressive film incentives we are not only … happened in one key aspect of the film industry — post production … spokeswoman for the Michigan Film Office, said in an email that … Numbers from the state on overall film jobs also show stagnation, … more

Michigan's Film Incentive Program Has Been A Bust

Taxpayers have spent nearly $450 million with little to show for it

… Michigan changed its open-ended film incentive program to a capped … has devoted $444.7 million to film productions from both the tax … designed to establish a permanent film industry. Approved film productions spend money in … and even the agglomeration of film producers in California — also … more

Firefighters or Mitch Albom's Movie Subsidy?

… is spreading among Michigan film subsidy beneficiaries and backers. … million. The Free Press’s main film subsidy cheerleader, Mitch … Detroit Free Press, a failed film studio project is the reason. … privately owned utopian 104-acre film studio and “retraining program,” to a scaled down studio and film school on city-owned property, … more

Hollywood Battles Michigan's New Budget Chief

“There’s no other place in state government where we just say ‘we’re going to pay 42 percent, and let us know what the bill is.’”

The battle over Michigan's film subsidy program has reached … reducing monetary favors to the film industry. Since then, the … warned Variety on Feb. 22. “Michigan's film industry to fade away along … strident supporters of the film incentives, which include a … subsidy of up to 42 percent for film or television production in … more

House Budget Puts Roads Above Film Subsidies

Some Republicans protecting Big Hollywood corporate welfare

… which would end the Michigan film subsidy program and strip down … have been big backers of the film program, even pushing to have … of the biggest fans of the film incentive.” “It didn’t get … the state of Michigan.” The film subsidies are an inefficient … dollars. There are no more film jobs in Michigan today than … more

Stage Doors and Broken Windows

… self-interested plea for more state film subsidies that ignores the … cap the previously unlimited film subsidies at only $25 million. … side of this equation that the film subsidy beneficiaries and proponents … is precisely the refrain of film giveaway advocates when they … associated with subsidized film projects. Completely ignored … more

House Committee Votes to End Michigan Film Incentives

$500 million spent with no overall increase in jobs

… Michigan’s $50 million per year film incentive program. The vote … front of the committee, saying film incentives are a poor use of … spent about $500 million on the film subsidy program since it began … been no overall increase in film jobs in the state. Film incentive programs are widely … more

Cost to Replace Lost Jobs with Michigan Film Subsidies: $39.4 Billion

… Agency estimates that Michigan film production tax breaks and subsidies … counted. During that year the film incentives' net cost to taxpayers … these lost jobs with subsidized film production jobs would have … "direct" jobs generated by film production subsidies would … of which would have gone to film producers. Replacing the approximately … more

So Long Film Subsidies

Other 'economic development' programs should be next

The state will no longer offer new film productions taxpayer money to shoot movies in Michigan. This is an incredible development considering that film incentives passed with only one dissenting vote … acknowledged that this was ineffective for the film industry and should apply that same thought to … more

That's a Wrap! Film Subsidies Terminated

Bill ending program now a law

… that phases out Michigan’s film subsidy program. The measure, … of 2015, prohibits the state film office and the relevant agencies from entering into any new film subsidy agreements or adding … continue to have a Michigan Film Office to assist moviemakers … Michigan taxpayer dollars to film studios, there were 102 fewer … more

Analysis of Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117m - and No Film Job Growth

… two years since Michigan's film subsidy program became law, … fewer people employed by the film industry in Michigan than before … subsidy program began. The film subsidy program was signed … authorized $117 million in film credits, and the Department … extracts from businesses. Film incentive supporters often … more

Taxpayer Funded Films Flop With Viewers

Taxpayer advocate: 'Economic health is not created when people's labor is used to make things nobody wants'

When "Love and Honor" was filmed in Ann Arbor in 2011, it received … when the movie was released, the film was more like its original … production company $1.6 million in film incentives for $4.1 million … office. Entertainment One Films said "Freaky Deaky," which … movie received $2.8 million in film incentives for $7.8 million … more

Star Struck: Why States Chase the Film Industry with Subsidies

While economists on the right and the left say they shouldn't

… opportunity to put Michigan’s film subsidy program to rest. Instead, … another demonstrating that state film subsidy programs are bad investments, … Massachusetts, authored a study on state film subsidies four years ago when … CBPP study was that “state film subsidies are costly to states … CBPP, but his opinion of state film subsidies hadn’t changed. The … more

Michigan May Send Film Credits to the Cutting Room Floor

Bill looks to end subsidies, $500 million and no job gains later

… originally appropriated for film production subsidies in the … spokeswoman Katie Carey said the film credit program “has been a … credits, you'd find that with the film credits, that's one of the … spent $494.4 million on the film credit program from 2008 through … cut the $12 million from the film production subsidies was issued … more

Why Politicians Love Film Subsidies

Sen. Stabenow to appear in Batman v. Superman

How do you get politicians to approve of spending $500 million on a film subsidy that pledged to create jobs but ends up with fewer jobs than it did before taxpayers coughed up half a billion? ForTheRecord says: Easy. You put them in a movie with Ben Affleck. more

Select Few Benefit from Film Subsidies

While crumbling roads affect everyone

… "Batman vs. Superman" being filmed in metro Detroit demonstrates … Susan Dorris, Oakland County film commissioner, provided little … people get the idea that the film subsidies are a great deal. … lot of economic literature on film subsidy programs, and it is … have spent $450 million on film subsidies so far with no real … more

Film Subsidy Money Has to Come From Somewhere

Actress's defense a case study for why movie program is an economic failure

… taxpayers as part of the state’s film subsidy program. The legislature has scaled back the Michigan film tax credits, which previously … was your experience like filming the show in Michigan and seeing … kind of impact the state's film credits made during a down … was fantastic. (Critics of film credits) keep saying they want … more

Michael Moore ends film festival 2 years after $1M grant

Taxpayers gave a cool million for anti-capitalist auteur’s movie shindig in Traverse City

… chael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival is permanently closing … COVID relief money. Only one film festival has been held since … “literally saved the Traverse City Film Fest and our theaters.” Moore, … receiving state subsidies while filming an anti-capitalist documentary. … Michigan Legislature approved a film subsidy program in 2008, aimed … more

Five Reasons Government Subsidies For Films Are A Bad Idea

Politicians help Big Hollywood soak taxpayers for few benefits, much harm

… percent of expenditures for film, television, music video, video … recently debated Michigan's film subsidy program on Fox 2 in … enterprise. Here they are: The Michigan film subsidy program does not create … chart nearby). It's true that film production companies tend to … reported by the companies and the film office might show up in another … more

Media Ignores Costs In Film Coverage

Lawmakers exchange bad policy for Hollywood glitz

The Michigan film subsidy program is a perfect example of how … of stories about the Disney film, "Oz: The Great and Powerful," … granted its subsidies, the film program brought the state only … subsidies achieved no growth in film jobs in the meantime. The film subsidy program takes tax dollars … more

Michigan film credits could cost state $2B over a decade

Extra credits given to women and minority-owned businesses

… that together would revive film credits, which have been defunct … 30% tax credit for eligible film productions shot in Michigan. … year “unless the (Michigan film office) decides that a greater … the earlier iteration of the film credits. “When you look at … couple of hundred jobs in the film industry,” Hohman testified. … more

Senator Called Film Subsidies 'a Waste,' Now Votes to Continue Them

… said he considered Michigan’s film credits to be “a waste” and … voted to extend Michigan’s film subsidy program beyond 2017 … could be spent on out-of-state film industry salaries. "He (Rep. Daley) has voted for the film credits about every time." … Daley. "In my opinion, the film credits are a waste. According … more

State Film Incentives are the Real 'President Business' Villain

… points out a not-so-subtle anti-business message of a recent blockbuster film titled “The Lego Movie.” The movie’s villain, voiced by Will Ferrell, is … taxpayers still had to pay Warner Bros. $35 million in cash subsidies for filming the movie “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” in Michigan. Soaking taxpayers … more

Little House on the Subsidized Prairie

Melissa Gilbert says she won't start theater company unless Schauer wins

… the subsidies it delivers to film producers from the current … creating a sustained state film industry has been challenged … Legislature voted to limit its film subsidies. It currently offers … considered for major future feature films.” According to the Washington … Gerbes, director of the Maryland Film Office, said the first question … more

Public Employee Pension Systems Raided To Pay Film Studio Bills

Michigan teachers and state employee systems paid $1.68 million so far for Pontiac studio

… Foundation in Washington, D.C., has analyzed state film credits around the country and said they seldom … Public Policy, said he would like supporters of the film tax credit be held financially responsible for … Lemberg blamed the studio’s financial struggles on the film tax credit being reduced.  The state reduced the … more

$72 Million in Film Credits Not Reported by Film Office

The Michigan Film Office, under Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s watch, … it gave out to Hollywood’s film producers, according to James … reports put out by the Michigan Film Office. Hohman caught the budgeting … report put out by Michigan Film Office and compared it to the … past two years.” Michigan Film Office Spokeswoman Michelle … more

Film Transparency – Just say No?

… transparency in the state’s film subsidy program. On Dec. 17, … measures require the Michigan Film Office to regularly post specific film production spending and credit … lack of transparency in the film industry in March, 2009 (see … to "obtain $12.5 million in film infrastructure credits from … more

Governor Describes Film Subsidies as Jobs Program, so "Why Not Give Them Spoons?"

… Press characterizes Gov. Jennifer Granholm's understanding of the state film production subsidies: "Goal of film tax credit is jobs, not more revenue." There's a story from the 1960s about … more

Fuzzy Film Math

… Free Press on the Michigan Film Office stated that its tax-credit … study promoted by the Michigan Film Office. According to a Michigan State University study of the film incentive program, there were … year-round jobs created by the film productions in 2008. But LaFaive argues that the film incentives may not have "created" … more

The GOP Politicians Who Voted Against Ending Film Subsidies

Those voting for more tax credits explain why

… would eliminate the state’s film subsidy program. The action … City, did not vote. Michigan’s film subsidies date back to 2008, … would inspire a home-grown film movie industry to take root. … in the number of full-time film jobs here, from 1,663 to 1,561. … failure to generate a state film production industry is consistent … more

Analysis: Lawmakers Fail to Answer Questions About Film Subsidy Transparency

… lawmakers about the Michigan Film Incentive and how well it's … What can you tell us about film money?" appear common-sense, … to think that the existing film incentive legislation offers … certain extent. The Michigan Film Office makes its legally required … much of the information in the Film Office report, supported only … more

Politicians Should Stand Up for Taxpayers

Instead of sending their money to Hollywood

Proponents of the Michigan film subsidy program, which like all corporate welfare programs takes money … brought to the state. Maryland spends $40 million on film subsidies, most of which goes to that one show. … Michigan, which spends $50 million per year on film subsidies, is if politicians would finally stand … more

From Here to Eternity?

Motion Picture Association of America letter wants permanent corporate welfare for movies

… rs are constantly told that film incentives are supposed to … considered for major feature films.” The MPAA represents nearly every major film and television producer in … 2005 without any uptick in film jobs. In California, the state’s … movie industry. The king of film production is Hollywood, but … more

Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117m — and No Film Job Growth

… two years since Michigan's film subsidy program became law, … fewer people employed by the film industry in Michigan than before … subsidy program began. The film subsidy program was signed … authorized $117 million in film credits, and the Department … extracts from businesses. Film incentive supporters often … more

Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency

… filmmakers had chalked up while filming in Michigan and submitted … directed by Clint Eastwood and filmed in the Detroit area, McMillin … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, has said alcohol would … refunds allowed by the state film credit legislation enacted … become an issue as the Michigan film incentive program may give … more

Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency

… filmmakers had chalked up while filming in Michigan and submitted … directed by Clint Eastwood and filmed in the Detroit area, McMillin … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, has said alcohol would … refunds allowed by the state film credit legislation enacted … become an issue as the Michigan film incentive program may give … more

The Irony of Michigan's Film Incentive Program

A documentary criticizing subsidies gets them while another praising the program does not

… Love Story” and received $845,145 in corporate welfare from the Michigan Film Office. Chris-Teena Constas made the movie celebrating corporate welfare called “Jane of All Trades: The Rise and Fall of the Michigan Film Incentive” and didn’t get any money from the state. ForTheRecord says: more

Film Subsidy Secrecy May Be Ending

The details of how film production companies have been spending … offering the most lucrative film incentives in the country. … question is whether the Michigan Film Office will be as transparent … to state that the Michigan Film Office is permitted to release … surrounding reimbursements that film companies incur while in this … more

Hollywood Transforms Itself to Milk Multiple States for Movie Money

'Transformers' movie series got millions from taxpayers in Michigan, Illinois and Florida

… Michigan in 2010, then-Michigan Film Office Director Carrie Jones … "one-of-a-kind locations" during the filming. However, Michigan wasn’t … also spent $24 million for filming 30 days in Illinois and received about $7.6 million in film tax subsidy money from our … another $621,000 from Florida's film office for eight days of filming … more

Is Shooting a Film in Detroit Like 'Being in Prison'?

… the actors who worked on the film made what appeared to be a … Actor Paul Giamatti compared filming a movie in Detroit to "being … Kelly. Giamatti was in the film, shot partly in Ann Arbor and … $4.9 million subsidy that the film received. "The Ides of March" … 2010 report from the Michigan Film Office. ~~~~~ See also: … more

Sorry — Your Film Office Success Story Was Not Found

… Ken’s Diner — was part of the filming for the movie in 2008, and … issue story about Michigan's film tax incentives. That article … didn't work. The Michigan Film Office promoted it on its website … Michigan. According to the Michigan Film Office website, the Oink Joint … huge tourist attraction." The Film Office stated that $30,000 … more

Commentary: Governor Should Veto Film Incentive Bills

… to exceed 32 percent of a film’s expenditure, down from 42 … But other than this cap the film office will have no control … million has been authorized for film subsidies this year, taxpayers … past a cheesecake. Once the film office runs out of money, lawmakers … and citizens to provide this (film) incentive” when reporting … more

MichiganVotes.org June 3 Weekly Roll Call Report

… here. Senate Bill 383, Revise state film subsidy program, passed 37 to 1 in … revise details of the state’s unlimited film subsidy program, now limited by Gov. … million that can be handed out to film producers). Under the bill, the state government film office could still grant “refundable … more

MichiganVotes.org June 17 Weekly Roll Call Report

… Voted "No" Senate Bill 383, Revise film and other corporate subsidy programs, … House To empower the state government film office to grant smaller tax break/subsidies … authorized by the state's unlimited film subsidy program. The program will be … by the Legislature to hand out to film producers. The House added unrelated … more

Michael Moore Urged to Withdraw Film Subsidy Application

… application from the Michigan Film Office, which would reimburse … for costs associated with filming in the state. According to … site boxofficemojo.com, the film has generated $15.9 million … the tax subsidy. The Michigan Film Office isn’t releasing how … dollars. Cassis said the Michigan Film Office told her Moore qualified … more

New Film Office Report Misleads and Shows Undercounting

… annual report of the Michigan Film Office confirms this. It shows … office had been undercounting film incentives in previous reports. … its programs. The Michigan film office administers a subsidy … liabilities generated by the film productions never exceed the … companies interested in building film studios. Undercounting An … more