Michigan Goes Hollywood

Two recent major motion pictures, Jumper and Semi-Pro were partially filmed in Michigan and the state would certainly like to be the backdrop for many more.  In a recent interview on WJR radio in Detroit, Janet Lockwood, Director of the Michigan Film Office, described the potential economic boost that filmmaking in Michigan can bring. 

According to Lockwood, “When films come to town they spend a great deal of money.  The industry has a kind of a rough outline scale of what is spent by films of varying size with the top level being the blockbuster that shoots in your state.  It averages a daily, DAILY spend of $175,000 so it doesn’t take long for that to add up to millions.  If they’re here for twenty days, why you can do the math.”

Some films also generate an ongoing stream of tourism revenue.  Such is the case with Somewhere in Time.  Released in 1979, and starring Jane Seymour and the late, Christopher Reeve, this romantic motion picture was filmed entirely on Mackinaw Island.  The glowing depiction of the island and the Grand Hotel inspired thousands to visit and has even spawned “Somewhere in Time Weekends” since 1999, during which devoted fans return to the island to celebrate the movie’s theme of timeless love.

Communities that are fortune enough to host a movie or television production, can see several positive benefits.  Hotels, restaurants, and caterers, are likely to receive a boost.  In addition, there is the possibility of work for local carpenters, construction workers, electricians, film crews, actors, and extras.  The latter of which can generate some serious excitement.

Rochester resident, Noel Thompson decided to be part of that excitement when Semi-Pro came to town.  A small budget film producer himself, Thompson decided to get a closer look at what a Hollywood-scale production was like.  There was a call for extras at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, and Thompson answered, along with hundreds of his neighbors.  He soon got more than he bargained for, when asked to become a stand-in.

Extras are people in the background who have no lines. Stand-ins are chosen because they have similar physical characteristics to the actor.  They are instructed by the director to move in the general directions the actors will be moving in, within a given scene. The stand-ins are used so that the action, lighting, and camera angles can be determined before the stars are present.  This enables the director to focus on the actors’ performances when filming the actual scene.  On this day, the stand-in for Woody Harrelson, one of the film’s stars, had not made it into town.  The quest for a replacement led to a surprised Noel Thompson.

“I was sitting on the ground with a bunch of other people.  This guy walked over and asked me to stand up.  He asked me if I had done any acting before and I said no.  He told me he thought I was the right build to stand in for Woody and asked me if I would be willing to try it.  I was a little nervous, but I agreed.”  In one of the scenes, Thompson was asked to silently depict a confrontation with a police officer and then be thrown onto the hood of a car.  “I did it about 26 times.  Then they brought in Woody Harrelson.  He did it 3 times and it was a wrap.”

The bulk of the Michigan filming for Semi-Pro actually took place in Flint.  The movie stars Will Ferrell as Jackie Moon, the owner-coach-player of a fictional basketball team called the Flint Tropics, who hopes to rally his teammates to make it to the NBA.  Those familiar with the city may recognize downtown, the Flint River, Brush Alley, and even Top Hat Auto Wash, when viewing the movie.

Residents of Flint got an extra taste of Hollywood with their own premiere of the movie.  Director, Kent Alterman was on hand to celebrate and take questions.  According to The Flint Journal, prior to the screening Alterman said of his Michigan experience, "We had an amazing time shooting here.  Everyone was so nice and warm and welcoming.  If I could have shot even more in Flint, I would have.  Just the enthusiasm of the people makes a big difference.  We really thought of Flint as a character in the movie."

It may take more than just a warm welcome and great locations to continue to draw Hollywood to Michigan though.  The state is one of approximately twenty U.S. states that have incentive packages to make it more affordable for filmmakers to make movies in this country, but Michigan’s is no longer among the most enticing.

The current package includes a graduated scale for rebates depending on how much a production company spends in Michigan: Between $200,000 and $1 million, a company receives a 12% rebate; between $1 million and $5 million, a 16% rebate; and $5 million-$10 million, a 20% rebate.  Unfortunately other states have incentives as high as 35-40%, so Lockwood, with the support of Governor Granholm, is attempting to raise the incentive package in Michigan as quickly as possible to remain competitive. 

She gathered some powerful supporters like Michigan native and filmmaker, Mike Binder (Reign Over Me; The Upside of Anger), and author, Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie; The Five People You Meet in Heaven), to join her in testifying before the Michigan State Legislature in January.  In his testimony, Albom stated, “If a new piece of legislation goes through that makes this place friendly incentive-wise to make films, the filmmakers will come the next day.”

Michigan’s stunning shorelines, sweeping sand dunes, dense forests, abundant farmland, quaint towns, vibrant cities, and four seasons, make it a potentially great chameleon.  This visual flexibility gives the state a golden opportunity to further diversify its economic portfolio with a vibrant film industry.  A series of 16 new bills (HB 5841-5856) to improve the incentive package have been introduced and are currently being reviewed.  They include a 40% rebate and a workforce development rebate for hiring and advancing the skills of current Michigan crewmembers.  At press time, the majority of the bills were expected to pass and be signed into law.  By acting quickly, the State is hoping for a continuing trend of Michigan filmmaking that bolsters the economy.  To follow progress on the Bills go to Michigan Legislature.