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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

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

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

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

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

Whitmer asks for ideas to grow Michigan

Governor’s new Chief Growth Officer has a heavy task: Only Washington, D.C., has grown more slowly than Michigan

… college graduates find their futures elsewhere. Nothing the state has tried has reversed the outflow of young, educated people. Not Cool Cities, not film incentives, not Pure Michigan commercials. The growth council will seat 28 members. Governor’s advisory councils can be created through executive … 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

What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving should be an everyday event, not a rare occasion

Johnny Depp has earned $650 million over his lifetime. His films, including the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, “Platoon,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “Alice in Wonderland,” have grossed more than $2 billion. And he used this wealth to its fullest. Depp reportedly owned 14 homes, … more

Biden Blowout: Spending Bill Unnecessary and Harmful

State lawmakers must act to minimize waste

… spend, she apparently has the resources now to realize her dreams. It would be unwise, however, given repeated failures of MEDC programs, such as MEGA, film incentives and the Pure Michigan tourism promotion program. These aren’t the only bad ideas that abound, but it is pretty clear from the spending … more

Granholm’s Green Energy Boondoggles No Bar To Selection As Biden’s Energy Secretary

Former Michigan governor finally gets gig 12 years after pitching herself to President-elect Obama

… needed to ensure Michigan’s economic success in the 21st century,” Granholm quoted herself. The company was said to be a manufacturer of flexible thin-film modules, and was approved for a $17.3 million state tax credit in 2008, to be paid out over 20 years. According to Granholm, United Solar Ovonic would … more

Beer, Tattoo Art and Groceries: Is There Nothing the State Won’t Subsidize?

Governments do a lousy job at creating jobs through its handout programs

… In addition, the report also notes that the state promoted the Lansing Art & Craft Beer Festival and a “Brew and View” screening of the iconic 2004 film “Mean Girls,” complete with craft beer available for the audience. And these are just entries from the 2019 report. The state has also promoted beer … more

Whitmer Permits Fans At High School Sports While Tigers Play To Empty Stadium?

… issued June 25, “No live audiences are allowed, except for staff of the facility at which a sporting event is held and media personnel reporting on, filming, or otherwise documenting the sporting event.” These provisions suggest Michigan may see a fall sports season where high school football teams play … more

Media Watchdog Says Michigan Clinic Staged The Crowding at Virus Test Drive-Through

Conservative site says officials wanted it to look busy for the CBS cameras

… as a Cherry Health insider, directing employees to enter the drive-through line just “to make it look busy.” Project Veritas states that a CBS News film crew pulled medical professionals off the floor to drive their vehicles into the testing lane, thereby giving the crew a longer line of cars for its … more

Planet of the Humans

New Jeff Gibbs/Michael Moore documentary targets green energy

… between love and hate.” The film feels like the response of … that scene, Gibbs opens the film by detailing his belief in … environmental movement. But the film takes a twist from the stereotypical … wildlife habitat. Early in the film, Gibbs explained how he once … California for solar. He films the awkward confusion at PR … more

Some Greens Rejoice Over Environmental Effects of COVID-19 Restrictions

There is no “silver lining” to impaired human well-being

… swans, fish, and dolphins are effectively fake news. As National Geographic explains, the videos of dolphins swimming in Venetian canals were actually filmed at coastal areas in Sardinia, an area where dolphins are known to regularly congregate. The swans, also seen in Venetian canals, were common before … more

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Now, Part 2

Our economy recovered and grew with less corporate welfare

… advanced battery tax credits, Michigan Film and Digital Media Incentive and the … tourism subsidy programs Michigan’s film incentive was created in 2008 and cost … was put down. The state had fewer film jobs in 2013 than 2018. The Legislature … Growth Authority and the Michigan film incentive program. At the same time, … more

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Today

The state is in a more resilient position to weather an economic storm than at any time before

… Recession, Gov. Rick Snyder reined in corporate welfare, shuttering the expensive and failed Michigan Economic Growth Authority and ultimately the state’s film production incentive program, too. Since then, lawmakers have trimmed state budget appropriations for the agencies that oversee jobs programs. Funding … 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

Bill Extends Criminal Sanctions To Eavesdropping Via Siri, Alexa, Smart TVs

Law’s definitions of eavesdropping, surveillance, secret records date from 1966

… time when citizens would have a Siri in their pocket, an Alexa on their dresser, and a so-called smart television that could potentially record and film everything that happens in their living room. “Consumers are slowly becoming aware of the danger of private conversations being recorded by their … more

Union Twists Man’s Inspirational Bootstrap Story Into Smear

‘Misguided human beings . . . using other people as pawns’

… Contractors, a national trade association of nonunion businesses. His message to the dozen or so prospective trainees in attendance when the video was filmed? Achieving your goals of secure, well-paid employment that will support your dreams and a happy family will require sacrifice and perseverance. You’ll … more

Not Much Difference Between Current Corporate Handouts and Recliner Subsidies

Slouching towards subsidies

… economy. This means that their costs are real. The people who want Comfort Michigan could argue that recliner subsidies are costless, too. It’s what film producers did when they got taxpayers in Michigan to pay for 42 percent of their expenses. And lawmakers bought it, too, though they wisely reconsidered … 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

How to Control the Pension Debt

The costs of pension liabilities have grown out of control

… can stop it. A young Steve McQueen eventually figures out that it doesn’t like the cold, so the town freezes it and transports it to the Arctic. The film gives me the same feeling I get as I watch the government pension scandal across the country. Pensions provide retirees with a decent income in retirement. … more

Advocates Of Green-Themed Spending Program Say It Boosts Economy

‘But studying butterflies and dragonflies ... has no direct impact on property values,’ says critic

… multiplier effects to get people to support more taxpayer funding. They have advocated things such as transit spending, the Earned Income Tax Credit, film tax subsidies, arts spending, historic preservation tax credits, early childhood education and tourism advertising. Jason Hayes, director of environmental … more

How to Control the Pension Debt

The costs of pension liabilities have grown out of control

… can stop it. A young Steve McQueen eventually figures out that it doesn’t like the cold, so the town freezes it and transports it to the Arctic. The film gives me the same feeling I get as I watch the government pension scandal across the country. Pensions provide retirees with a decent income in retirement. … 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

A Plea for Skepticism about the MEDC: An Open Letter

Lawmakers should take a closer look at economic development programs

… self-aggrandizing public relations statements. Another case involves the disastrous film incentive program, which wasted $500 million before being shut down. In … tapped by the MEDC to measure the impact of the first year of the Michigan film incentive program. The researchers declared it a success and a corresponding … more

State Corporate Welfare Didn't Work For Greenville

Centerpiece of previous governor’s economic policy, has also been favored by current candidates

… incentives from state, county and city governments. The result was a $45 million tax incentive package for United Solar Ovonic, which would make thin-film solar cells in Greenville. Granholm toured the company facility in Greenville in March 2008. According to the Detroit Free Press, it employed 185 … more

Dr. Jim Hines Talks State Government

‘If renewable energies are so good ... then why not get rid of the subsidies and the mandates?’

… and losers, more often than not, you’re wrong, you’re off. And I think there’s some great examples of that right here in Michigan: solar, batteries, film, where you think something is, or a business is going to be great, and it’s going to produce some great economic benefit for the state, and it turns … more

Lonely Are The Michigan Democrats Who Oppose State Checks To Corporations

Taxpayer-funded cash subsidies a bipartisan thing, but Dem dissenters are an endangered species

… 2015 she opposed a bill that repealed Michigan’s film subsidy program, which had given $40 million to … bill because it was a ploy to renegotiate with the film industry. My vote did not change the outcome of … journal to explain my vote. I have voted against film credits in the past. I am unequivocally against … more

Arbitrary Michigan Licensing Laws: Auto Mechanic vs. Makeup Artist

Esthetician requires far more mandatory hours and much higher fees

… Michigan Capitol Confidential recently featured a story bearing this out. Donna Williams is a makeup artist who trained in California and has worked on film and theater productions in both California and her home state of Michigan. She can legally work in a limited capacity on makeup for arts productions, … more

State Law May Drive Job-Seeking Michigan Woman To Move Elsewhere

Lacking cosmetology license, she looks west for opportunity

… worked as a makeup artist on film and video projects. She also … But after Michigan ended its film subsidy program, she said, there have been fewer film opportunities in the state. Given that fewer film projects are available, Williams … able to do some makeup work on film projects and has volunteered … more

Pure Fiction: State Tourism Cost-Benefit Analysis Ignores Costs

The full cost of the Pure Michigan advertising campaign is ignored

… Michigan State University’s Center for Economic Research to examine the state’s film incentive subsidy program, for example. The MSU scholars concluded it was effective. An accompanying university press release called the film program a “big time hit.” Yet the authors of the report omitted all of the … more

A Look At The State Budget for Business Subsidies

Old ideas get new taxpayer cash

… past eight years. After spending a half-billion taxpayer dollars on the film industry, the state no longer forks over cash for film productions. The state also no longer has programs for subsidizing battery … more

Whitmer ‘Tired Of ... Corporate Tax Giveaways’ But Voted For Dozens

Don’t tell progressives, but Dem legislators are among corporate welfare's best friends in Lansing

… and electric car battery makers. And in 2008, Whitmer voted for a state film incentive program incentive program that eventually gave $500 million in … indefinitely, but the Legislature elected at the end of that year instead terminated film subsidies the following spring. During Whitmer’s tenure in the state House … more

Many Michigan Families Sacrifice for Choice

Documentary shows how Blaine Amendment limits education options

… featured in the new documentary "Big Sacrifices, Big Dreams." The 30-minute film looks at the anti-Catholic roots of so-called Blaine amendments — common … education options for their children. Produced by the Pioneer Institute, the film is slated to be released for the eighth edition of National School Choice … more

$600 Million? $700 Million? State Officials Guess On Annual Corporate Giveaways

Secret taxpayer handouts go to unnamed big companies and developers

… and electric car battery makers, developers of brownfield and historic preservation property, owners of property in a farmland preservation program, film producers, and businesses and individuals in renaissance zones. 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

Rep. Sam Singh Says He Opposes Corporate Giveaways; His Voting Record Says Otherwise

Out of dozens of votes, it’s hard to find the Democrat opposing favoritism for select companies

… these subsidies. Singh voted twice against repealing cash subsidies to film producers in 2015. He was joined by 44 of 46 House Democrats and every Senate Democrat in voting to keep handing out the film subsidies. Singh also supported dozens of other bills that expanded corporate … more

Libertarian Scholar Charles Murray Is Shouted Down At U-M Event By Students

Protesters call Murray 'sexist, racist, KKK!'

… supremacist websites?” according to reports in Campus Reform. One protester assaulted a field representative from the Leadership Institute, who was filming the protest, and threw the representative’s phone from the balcony. Campus security staff at the event did little to stop protestors from disrupting … more

Jobs Department’s Fake News: $10 Tax return for Every $1 in Subsidies

Program lacks transparency, too

… misused to make government programs appear more successful than they really are. Years ago, the state commissioned a study from a consultant about its film subsidy program. The consultant used REMI and reported the program was a success. But the consultant omitted 100 percent of the costs associated with … more

How a Private Arts Festival Thrives

ArtPrize is in its ninth year

… when the government is in charge. For example, backers of Michigan’s failed film subsidy program claimed that sending hundreds of millions of dollars to billionaire Hollywood film studios was “supporting the arts.” And patrons of museums and festivals … more

Return of the Mega Subsidy

Corporate welfare still demonstrably ineffective

… make decisions based on rational arguments that are steeped in scholarly evidence. The Good Jobs for Michigan proposal should go the way of MEGA, film subsidies and rural broadband deployment before it has the chance to do any damage. more

Don’t Bring Back Granholm’s Tax Credit Legacy

… Senate passed multiple bills that gave large tax breaks and subsidies to specific businesses and industries — primarily auto companies, battery firms, film studios, and companies involved in so-called green energy.  In the meantime, taxes were raised on individuals and other businesses. Most of those … more

What’s Old is New Again: Another Subsidy Program Being Considered by Legislature

Good for politicians and well-connected businesses, bad for Michigan

… their favoritism. Subsidies to build electric vehicle batteries and produce films were recent Michigan programs that showed not even huge handouts can overcome … the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to produce a paper on its film subsidy program. The university’s sure-fire method to demonstrate the program … more

Don’t Bring Back Granholm’s Tax Credit Legacy

Legislators are considering it

… Republican-led Senate passed multiple bills that gave large tax breaks and subsidies to specific industries, primarily auto companies, battery firms, film studios, and companies involved in so-called green energy. In the meantime, taxes were raised on individuals and other businesses. Most of those favors … more

Legislators Who Promote Transparency Should Start by Disclosing Corporate Welfare Deals

MEDC secrecy patronizes lawmakers and public

… citizens to take their word for the success of their spending. The MEDC hired a consultant in 2009 to use REMI to calculate the impact of the Michigan film incentive subsidy program. His analysis determined the program was a “big hit” and produced lots of value for the money. A quick look at the assumptions … more

Cheers for Detroit Schools Transparency

District has come a long way

… These requests have helped us uncover unions skimming money from home health care aides and child care providers, break news of a scandal involving a film studio, expose teachers who couldn’t be fired despite committing criminal acts, find out about millions of public dollars being used for private union … more

Profiles in Courage in Defense of Taxpayers

Cotter and Chatfield hold the line on cronyism

… for state legislators is go along to get along. Examples are commonplace: A since-repealed state program that gave nearly half a billion dollars to film producers was opposed by exactly one legislator when it was approved in 2008. Scores of similar giveaways have been authorized by the Michigan Legislature … more

Pure Michigan Spent $295 Million and Even Hotels Only Got Scraps Back

Researchers find taxpayers pay big to ring resort cash registers just a little

… mostly a blunder. The marketing scheme is widely recognized thanks to its homey TV commercials showing picturesque Michigan locations and narrated by film and television star Tim Allen. Michigan’s Legislature appropriated $34 million to the program for the current year, $1 million more than last year. … more

Climate Activists Endanger Lives by Tampering with Pipelines

As winter approaches, fossil fuels keep us warm

… supporter, forced their way through security fencing at pipeline facilities belonging to Enbridge, TransCanada, Kinder Morgan and Spectra Energy. After filming statements justifying their actions, they cut the chains and locks protecting pipeline safety valves and turned off the flow of oil. Other, better-known, … more

Tilt from Tax Cutting to Corporate Welfare Renews Failed Approach to Economic Growth

Lawmakers face a number of corporate welfare proposals

… a new governor steered a different course. Gov. Rick Snyder scaled back the pace of corporate giveaways, eventually ended a disastrous $500 million film subsidy adventure and replaced a destructive gross-receipts-type business tax with a simpler and less onerous corporate income tax. It appears to … more

Granholm Touted Failed Companies in Bid for Federal Energy Job

WikiLeaks memo cites flops as proof of her leadership

… Mascoma sold its intellectual property rights to a private Canadian company called Lallemand. United Solar Ovonic, a manufacturer of flexible thin-film modules, was approved for a $17.3 million state tax credit in 2008, to be paid out over 20 years. "United Solar Ovonic is a great example of the type … more

Potential Corporate Welfare Binge Risks Second Michigan ‘Lost Decade’

Gov. Rick Snyder scaled back the giveaways in 2011

… a new governor steered a different course. Gov. Rick Snyder scaled back the pace of corporate giveaways, eventually ended a disastrous $500 million film subsidy adventure and replaced a destructive gross-receipts-type business tax with a simpler and less onerous corporate income tax. It appears to … more

Back to the Future for Taxpayer Stadium Funding in Detroit

Legislators should stand firm against special deals

… legislators, especially Republicans in the state House, pledged to rein in subsidies and managed to achieve some successes. In 2015, the state ended its film incentive program and rolled back other spending from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. There are now threats to go back to the old way … more

Snyder Orders a State Economic 20 Year Plan

'Whereas, government can help ...'

… subsidies,’ similar to the Michigan film subsidies,” said Mark Perry, an economics … Statistics. Granholm stated that the film incentives law she signed in 2008 would … economic investment it creates.” But the film subsidy program was terminated in 2015. … billion dollars, Michigan had fewer film jobs in 2013 (1,561) than when the … more

Mark Ruffalo Wants Government to Defund the Police — But Fund His Films

'Hulk' star has appeared in many taxpayer subsidized movies

… government, but subsidizing film production is not. Like most … privileged few who also benefit from film subsidies. Specifically, Ruffalo … deal of money appearing in films whose producers were paid millions … taxpayer dollars via state film subsidies. His subsidized movies … should try calling a state film subsidy office for help. 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

Cut Corporate Welfare to Help Balance State Budget

Tenuous relationship between corporate welfare and economic health

… that roughly 19 percent of the jobs promised actually materialized. That doesn’t take into account the costs of running the program. The Michigan film incentive program paid out more than $500 million in taxpayer money before it was canceled in 2015. Even one of the MEDC’s own paid consultants found … more

Economic Interference Week

Economic Development Week is no cause for celebration

… state wasted about $450 million on a film incentive program that gave subsidies for film production work done here. The Mackinac … picture jobs in Michigan before the film incentive took effect than after. The Legislature eliminated film subsidies in 2015. The Office of the … more

Michigan Households Paid $9 Each for Batman v. Superman

And that's before buying a ticket

… ForTheRecord says: The Michigan film office granted the production … household has 2.63 people). The film’s production company received … last month, according to the film office. The Michigan Legislature ended the state's film incentive program last year, … $653,000 for six employees at the film office. 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

LaFaive Op-Ed Published in The Detroit News

Why Michigan shouldn't single out Switch for tax breaks

… a data storage company, to set up shop in the old Steelcase Pyramid Building in west Michigan. Citing past failed incentive programs, such as the film tax credits, LaFaive suggests an alternative to singling out Switch or other data companies: Any jobs or revenue predictions made by the state about … more

Skip Industry Breaks, Lower All Taxes

… incentive package, the price of its stock peaked — forever. One year later, it was bankrupt. Other Michigan examples of failed incentive programs abound: film production subsidies, state broadband deployment and the Cool Cities initiative come to mind. So what is a superior alternative? First, foremost … more

The MEDC’s Pure Michigan Puffery: Part II

Reforms could make agency more credible

… demonstrated that it cannot be trusted to evaluate itself. The agency has a history of commissioning dubious studies justifying its programs, such as a 2009 film subsidy study and one in 2002 promoting big spending on government broadband deployment projects. This dynamic of self-serving research is not unique … more

MEDC’s Pure Michigan Puffery: Part I

Agency claims about success deserve more scrutiny

… numbers are generated. This is important, given that the MEDC has a reputation for puffing up its own job claims and has championed other programs (film subsidies and broadband deployment) with studies whose claims fall apart upon careful examination. Here’s the reality: The net returns on Michigan’s … more

Other States Divulge What Michigan's Corporate Welfare Arm Keeps Secret

… the information released before 2009? And after 2009, why did the Michigan Film Office continue to release the names of the entities it gave money to through the state’s film credit program? State officials have implied that their hands are tied … more

Schwarzenegger's Son Lands Role in Minor Film; State Cuts $140,000 Check

… Schwarzenegger movie being filmed in Detroit. Except, it’s … reported that the Michigan Film Office awarded the film $140,000 in subsidies. ForTheRecord … sent out Tweets promoting the film, one of which was what appeared … take their money? #Detroit Film incentives have ended in Michigan, … 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

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

The Rise and Regulation of Craft Beer

Comparing Michigan to competitors in the microbrewing game

Michigan’s recently-deceased film subsidy program showcased the lure of the California dream — movie productions dotting the state, creating economic miracles everywhere they appeared. That particular vision did not come to pass, but there are better ways Michigan can meet, emulate or exceed California’s … more

Gov. Granholm in 2009: 'Movie Studio to Create 700 Jobs;' Six Years Later - Nada

Wonderstruck Studios never materialized

… example of why the state’s film subsidy program was vital for … a result of our aggressive film incentives we are not only … making the right decision to end film subsidies and use Michigan’s … effectively ends the state’s film subsidy program. Despite being … media darling, the state’s film incentives never generated … 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

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

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

The Problem of Corporate Welfare

… situation (though Michigan will be on the hook for past deals for decades). The amount of incentives handed out is less, particularly when it comes to film incentives. But the real problem with state “economic development” agencies is that trying to pick winners in a free enterprise system is inefficient … 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

How Michigan Can Pay for its Roads Without a Tax Increase

Over $1.5 billion in savings

… renegotiated, which would free up even more money. At the very least, the Legislature should eliminate the most ineffective MEDC programs. The $50 million film incentive is roundly criticized by independent economists and has had lackluster results. The 21st Century Jobs Fund ($75 million) – former Gov. Granholm’s … more

Pure Michigan Scare Tactics

MEDC deploys 'Washington Monument syndrome'

… state’s transportation infrastructure. The MEDC is the state’s corporate welfare arm, which hands out select subsidies to corporations and oversees the film incentive program and the Pure Michigan advertising campaign. Specifically, the House GOP plan would redirect $185 million of spending on “economic … more

Michigan House Republicans Find $1 Billion More for Roads with No Big Tax Hike

Corporate welfare gets the ax while new revenue flows to transportation

… organized, and $50 million in annual subsidies to film producers would be terminated. Launched in 2005, … the state has delivered around $500 million to film producers, while the number of full-time film jobs here has declined. Another $117 million would … more

Michigan Legislature Can Pursue Free-Market Agenda

… annual corporate welfare spending. Eliminating the film subsidy program. The state has spent nearly $500 million subsidizing film productions since 2008 with no overall increase in jobs in the film industry. Protect public safety and individual … 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

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

Bottom Line Will Tell How Effective House Republicans are at Limiting Government

… the Republican-controlled House eliminates the proposed appropriation for film subsidies, slashing it from $38 million to zero. The same panel cuts the … have been put back on the shelf. Questions about the wisdom of dollars for film subsidies will give way to line items nearly lost amid row upon row of other … 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

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

Mitch Albom's 'Single-Industry' Blunder

There's much more to Michigan's economy than autos

… columnist Mitch Albom added this final line to a recent column defending $500 million taxpayer dollars that Michigan's state government has distributed to film producers since 2008: “I'll just say what I said when we proposed it as a way out of our single-industry economic doldrums. You hate it? Fine. What's … 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

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

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

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

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

What the New Legislature Should Stand For — And What It Should Not

… politically connected firms through tax breaks and subsidies. For example, film production subsidies exploded, redistributing about $500 million from state … expanded at a cost of about $300 million per year, and $50 million in annual film subsidies continued flowing down the drain. Overall, state spending increased … 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

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

CBS 'Battle Creek' Show Misses City's Real Police Drama

Don't blame taxpayers if Tasers don't work

… the show while they were in town for a weekend. (The program was actually filmed in California.) And last week the newspaper “fact checked” a CBS promo … when it comes to retirement and benefits.” ~~~~~ See also: Is Shooting a Film in Detroit Like 'Being in Prison'? TV Reality Check: 'NCIS' is All Wet … 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

The Myth of a Spreading ‘Tax Cut Fever’

… increasing a tax credit somewhere, the state would still be extracting just as much revenue from the general taxpayer. Giving out subsidies through film credits, for instance, may mean less revenue for Lansing, but it matters little to taxpayers who still have to finance those expenditures. The most … more