HOWELL, Mich. — Filming of "The Wannabes Starring Savvy" wrapped for the season in May, and whether the production returns to Parker High School in Howell may depend on the outcome of claims and counterclaims regarding alcohol use, building damage and educational value, the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus reported.
Howell Public Schools Superintendent Ron Wilson told the Press & Argus that he has no interest in extending a lease with S3 Entertainment Group LLC, the Ferndale-based company that uses the high school as a film site. However, he has not officially requested the school board to reject an extension, the Press & Argus reported.
Wilson said there has been damage to the building and two instances of alcohol consumption on site and that the company only provided "minimal educational value" to school district students, according to the Press & Argus.
Jeff Spilman, managing partner of S3, told the Press & Argus that the company hosted several film classes and numerous visits to the set, that any building damage would be repaired as required in the lease and that the ban on alcoholic beverages was "buried" in the lease. One of the instances of alcoholic consumption took place among VIP guests at a charity event, the Press & Argus reported.
Though the company would like to continue to use the school long-term, it has only asked for a six-week lease extension because it doesn't feel welcome, Spilman said, according to the Press & Argus.
SOURCE:
Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, "Howell may call
filming a wrap at district facility," June 20, 2010
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "The Michigan Film
Incentive: EMS and Child Day Care vs. Movies."
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