LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today announced a bipartisan plan that will create jobs and boost Michigan's economy by attracting the film industry to our state with the most competitive film incentive package in the country, making Michigan one of the easiest and most affordable states for production work.
"This plan will make Michigan the go-to state for the film industry, which will pump millions of dollars into our economy," Byrum said. "Now that the writer's strike has ended, production is going to be ramping up on films, television shows and commercials. We can't afford to wait and let other states capture these jobs and dollars."
The bipartisan film incentive package would make it easier and more affordable for production companies to film in Michigan. Under the plan, Michigan filmmakers would enjoy a 40 percent tax credit, the biggest tax break for the film industry in the entire nation. In addition, other tax incentives, loan programs and job training expense credits would make Michigan one of the most inexpensive states for production work. The incentive package also opens up state properties such as parks, buildings, roads and landmarks to be used with ease, cutting the red tape producers normally would have to go through to film in our state.
The package received support Tuesday from Michigan actor Jeff Daniels, author and Detroit Free Press Columnist Mitch Albom, Michigan film producers and other advocates of the film industry at a joint committee hearing of the House Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.
"With our Great Lakes, quaint towns and other picturesque backdrops, Michigan is the ideal place to film," Byrum said. "Placing Michigan front and center in movies will act as a giant 'product placement' for all our state has to offer. There is no better way to tout Michigan as a top tourist destination and bring more people and dollars into our state than by making it a star on the big screen."