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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 …

‘This is the unholy intersection of Hollywood and politics’

Jacob Whiton and Greg LeRoy on state film subsidies

… Hollywood crew shooting a new film in their state? There has been … offering to pay large parts of a film production’s expenses with … First about our opposition to film subsidies. “They make no sense,” … Paying a large percentage of a film’s expenses — 25% or more, as … provide the economic benefits of film production. “So we have to …

Mackinac Center in WSJ: The Problem With Film Subsidies

Film subsidies continue to be costly and ineffective

… Legislature ended the state’s film subsidy program in 2015. Now, … noted the ineffectiveness of film subsidies, saying: It’s irresponsible … lawmakers first introduced film subsidies in an effort to bring the film industry to the state, hoping … every dollar the state spent on film subsidies, it got 11 cents …

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 …

Reject Latest Calls to Waste Taxpayer Money on Movies

Spending $500 million on film subsidies was enough

Some in the Michigan film industry want to be subsidized by … spent $500 million subsidizing film production from 2008 to 2015, … nation’s most generous programs. Film producers got a check from … spent. The number of jobs in film production in Michigan increased … did lure movie producers to film in Michigan. Paying a large …

Corporate Welfare for 'Millionaire Movie Makers'

WNEM details film subsidy scheme

… so is the lack of transparency surrounding the film subsidies. “Sometimes it’s very difficult to get … movie stars like Clint Eastwood or others.” The film office director told WNEM the subsidies could even … makers of the new “Batman vs. Superman” movie being filmed in Detroit.  You can read more about the corporate …

The Oscar for Bad Policy

Evidence and experience show film incentives don't create jobs

… Michigan taxpayers bankrolling film production here. The last time … that underwriting television, film and similar commercial work … Michigan-based productions of film and television, as well as … across the country offer no film and television incentive programs, … credit (up to 30% of video and film expenditures) found that even …

Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Redirecting Film Subsidies to Roads

66 Percent Surveyed Support Reprioritizing $50 Million Film Subsidy for Road Improvements

… redirecting Michigan’s $50 million annual film subsidy to fixing the roads. Forty-eight … Studley. “This costly and ineffective film subsidy is not creating full-time, … When asked if Michigan’s $50 million film subsidy should be continued or stopped … reprioritize a low value expenditure (film subsidies) into a higher one (road …

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 …

March 3, 2015, MichiganVotes Weekly Roll Call

Pension debt, double-dipping, film subsidies

… Committee Actions: Terminate State Film Subsidies On Wednesday the House Tax … that would end state subsidies to film producers. Specifically, the committee … impact on the small number of full time film industry jobs in the state. Notably, … budget has $50 million allocated for film subsidies. Gov. Rick Snyder has recommended …

Failed subsidy idea gets new hearing anyway

Why then risk hundreds of millions more for industry subsidies with a failed track record?

… evidence of their success, film production subsidies are once … another. Providing subsidies for film production, whether here or … including ones that subsidize film productions, is to grow the … assessments to determine whether film subsidies are worth their costs. And film subsidies time and time again …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The More Information Voters Have the Less They Support Film Subsidies

Majority of respondents want film money to go to roads

… on the subject of Michigan’s film incentive program. This program … voter has about Michigan’s film incentive program the less … succeeding question support for the film subsidy drops. The poll had … your opinion: A. “Michigan’s film industry jobs are worth the cost of film incentives.” (40%)         …

Editorial Blasts Michigan Film Subsidy Program

Film office reports 'pathetically lacking'

… takes to task the Michigan film subsidy program, saying the … Michigan are employed in the film industry compared to when the … The Detroit News reports that film industry employement nationwide … apparent successes of individual film productions, they steadfastly … of the most recent Michigan Film Office report. Transparency …

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 …

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, …

March 13, 2015, MichiganVotes Weekly Roll Call

Crime & punishment, film subsidies, more

… record. Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” House Bill 4122, Terminate state film producer subsidies: Passed 58 to 51 in the House To repeal the program that gives state subsidies to film producers (for which $50 million was appropriated this year). Also, to require …

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. …

Mackinac Research Featured in Wall Street Journal

Hohman and Skorup cited on film subsidies

… digital engagement manager, in an article on the potential end of the Michigan film producer subsidies. The film incentives program, in its current form, costs taxpayers $50 million per …

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 …

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 …

The Scene and the Unseen: Act IV

The Michigan Film Incentive: EMS and Child Day Care vs. Movies, by Kathy Hoekstra

… Movie companies that made films in Michigan last year are expected … the state. That’s under a new film incentive program intended … activity. But while news of film jobs and movie-related spending … used in part to pay for the film incentive’s refundable tax … “High School.” The movie was filmed almost entirely in the Howell …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Center Credited for Ending Film Subsidy Payment

… credits the Mackinac Center for helping to stop a diversion of $10 million of taxpayer funds for a movie studio in Grand Rapids as part of Michigan’s film subsidy program.

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.

Film Noir

… state through the Michigan film incentive program.") A great … to be a 146-million dollar film studio and school in Allen … excitement over another new film studio project announced in … Grand Rapids, it's Hangar42 film studios!" The governor referred … to turn the property into a film studio. "This room you're …

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 …

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. …

Mackinac Expert Talks Film Incentives on NPR

No full-time jobs were created as a result of this corporate welfare

… once had the most generous film incentive program in the nation, … Considered” to discuss state film incentives. He said work from … out-of-state producers who come in, film and then leave and then, of … else the next time they make a film,” Skorup said. He added, “The Michigan Film Office actually found last …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

MCPP Experts Take Down Film Program in MLive

… the business of subsidizing film production companies. Skorup … failed to create a sustainable film industry in Michigan. According … Statistics, there are fewer film jobs in Michigan today (1,561) … latest reportfrom the Michigan Film Office. Over the years, the … given it mostly to Hollywood film producers and studios. And …

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 …

Michigan Film Incentives ‘All But Dead’

But if the MEDC wants them, it can keep them

… voted to eliminate Michigan’s film incentive program from the … incentives as well as Michigan’s film office. The bills need to be … chambers and then the governor. Film subsidies are widely seen by … continue selectively funding films, however. But while all areas … spending is controversial, film production is one of the most …

The Scene and the Unseen: Act III

… about the state of Michigan’s film incentive program is now in … supposed to detail the Michigan Film Office’s use last year of the film incentive’s refundable business … However, the report, issued by the Film Office, appears to significantly … raising questions about the Film Office’s compliance with the …

State Press Covers the End of Film Subsidies

Hohman comments on bill signed into law on July 10

After seven years of subsidizing the film industry, Michigan's movie incentive program is over. Taxpayers contributed a total of $450 million to the industry … Detroit Free Press: "Scholars across the spectrum agree that subsidizing film making is a waste of taxpayer dollars," said James Hohman, assistant director …

Frank Beckmann Show Highlights Mackinac Center/Michigan Chamber Poll

66 percent of respondents support redirecting $50 million from films to roads

… Center/Michigan Chamber of Commerce poll, showing overwhelming support to redirect film subsidies to roads, was highlighted by WJR's Frank Beckmann May 21. The … percent of respondents supported the idea of using the $50 million in annual film subsidies to fix the roads.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Center Analyst in Free Press on Film Subsidy Failure

A Pontiac movie studio hoping to cash in on Michigan’s film subsidy program will fail to make its February bond payment, according to the Detroit Free Press. The Michigan State Employees Retirement System, which guaranteed the $18 million worth of bonds, will have to make the $630,000 payment. “Those …

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 …

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 …

Skorup Film Subsidy Op-Ed Published in Wall Street Journal

Celebrating the death of a corporate welfare program

… movies to the tune of nearly $500 million. The film incentives program was supposed to create jobs … failed to do either. Fortunately, the demise of film incentives seems imminent, with Gov. Rick Snyder … policy analyst who has written extensively on the film subsidy program, has an op-ed in the Wall Street …

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 …

Gov. Rick Snyder Signs Bill Ending Film Subsidies

State has granted over $450 million in corporate welfare for the movie industry since 2008

… bill eliminating Michigan’s film industry subsidies. Since its implementation in 2008, the state’s film office has appropriated more … Mackinac Center has opposed the film subsidy program since its implementation, … Michigan, today there are fewer film jobs in the state than there … eliminating this program.” Film subsidies initially passed …

Eight Days, 196 Bills, 12 Constitutional Amendments

Repeal film subsidies, let nurses do more, stalking registry

… further action at this time. House Bill 4122: Repeal film producer subsidies Introduced by Rep. Dan Lauwers … the program that gives Michigan tax dollars to film producers, as of Oct. 1. In the current fiscal year, $50 million in subsidies to film producers have been authorized. Since 2008, some …

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 …

Hohman on Film Incentives

Price tag of $500 million for no industry growth

… the ineffectiveness of Michigan’s film incentive program. The House Tax Policy … debate a bill that would repeal the film incentive program. The state has spent $500 million on the film subsidies and is authorized to spend … the state has gained no permanent film industry jobs.

House Votes to End Film Incentives

… dissented) to start offering film producers tax money if they … House voted to end the state’s film incentives on a 58-51 vote. Film incentives are ineffective. … but they are still paying for film production. I was given the … the state has slightly fewer film jobs than when it began. The …

News Release: Film Office Report Violates Michigan Law and the Spirit of Sunshine Week

Office’s annual report fails to provide legally required film spending details and presents figures that appear to significantly overstate Michigan Film Incentive’s impact

… Sunshine Week, the Michigan Film Office has issued a report … detailed spending figures for each film receiving the Michigan Film Incentive’s refundable tax … total spending figure. "The Film Office is required to report a breakdown of each film’s production spending on goods, …

Film Council Blasts Proposed Subsidy Cut

… Snyder proposed reform of the state's film subsidy program, which currently gives up to a 42 percent refund on film spending in Michigan. On March 11, 2011, the Film Office Advisory Council held its first … Click here for more about Michigan's film subsidy.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Michigan’s Film Incentives Produced Nothing More Than a Job Blip

Leave this bad idea on the cutting room floor

… lawmakers went from supporting film incentives by a combined vote … Michigan saw a small increase in film jobs when the subsidies were … particularly poor choice to target film jobs, because they tend to … on lawmakers to bring back film subsidies. The argument is … to a large and sustainable film industry in Michigan. That’s …

'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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Mitch Albom and Michigan Budget Director on Different Sides of Film Subsidy Ledger

… Center would be appreciated.) For film industry supporters in Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder's proposal to cap film subsidies was "the sum of all fears." … Michigan's budget or kill Michigan's film industry. Detroit Free Press columnist … on the underreported costs of the film subsidy program.

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 …

Hohman Testimony to House Committee

Film subsidy program has been oversold

… has succeeded in drawing some film productions. But after devoting … $433 billion. According to the Film Office, incentivized film productions spent $143 million … that someday there would be a film industry that did not need … closer to having a permanent film industry. According to the …

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 …

MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST June 22, 2010

National standards, film project, contract concessions

… TO HOWELL HOWELL, Mich. — Filming of "The Wannabes Starring … that uses the high school as a film site. However, he has not officially … the company hosted several film classes and numerous visits … & Argus, "Howell may call filming a wrap at district facility," … Public Policy, "The Michigan Film Incentive: EMS and Child Day …

Should 'An Inconvenient Truth' be shown in science class? No.

Film is politics hiding under veneer of science

… there is no room for differing opinions in "An Inconvenient Truth," the film about climate change, specifically global warming. Viewers are led to believe … middle-school science teacher who has produced documentary and educational films for the National Park Service and has worked for various news agencies. …

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 …

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. …

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 …

News Release: State Attorney General Agrees That Michigan Film Office Violated State Law by Failing to Disclose Required Film Spending Information

AG’s letter is released during Michigan Senate hearing this afternoon; Film Office finally produces data legally required in earlier report

… letter finding that the Michigan Film Office violated state law by … state’s aggressive Michigan Film Incentive program. The letter … draw public attention to the Film Office’s violation of state … movie-by-movie spending data by Film Office Director Janet Lockwood. “With the question of the Film Office’s reporting responsibilities …

Lessons from Allen Park

Allen Park’s foray into the state’s film subsidy industry has put the city into debt and put it on the verge of needing an emergency financial manager, … LaFaive and Senior Editor Thomas Shull write that the state’s “ill-conceived” film subsidy program led Allen Park officials to believe the city could profit …

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 …

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, …

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 …

The Scene and the Unseen: Act II

… to the state of Michigan’s film incentive program — the most … Michigan. Because the state’s film incentive refund can exceed … will write refund checks to film companies for tens of millions … Michael Moore, questioning the film incentive and its value to … City forum featuring Michigan Film Office Director Janet Lockwood, …

The Scene and the Unseen: Act I

… state government’s generous film incentive program. The program … year 2000. When movies are filmed in Michigan, the studios have … million. That’s even after the film companies pay their own taxes. … and benefits be? Since the film incentive became law in April 2008, The Michigan Film Office has touted bringing …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

Flawed MSU Film Subsidy Report Misleads Taxpayers

… to analyze a controversial film subsidy program that covers … percent of the expense of films shot in this state. MSU economists … full disclosure, the Michigan Film Office and Department of Treasury … glowing press release lauding the film subsidies, which most media … passed on to the public. The Film Office even attached the MSU …