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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 …

Movie Reviews

… Michigan towns in which they make movies never get around to pointing out how much money was taken from taxpayers and given to the producers of movies filmed in the Great Lake State.

Film Subsidies — Smokin'!

… while actively subsidizing a film industry that encourages smoking. … political class is subsidizing the film industry to the tune of possibly … lowers the cost to produce films featuring smokers that make … November published a study on film subsidies and smoking titled Taxpayer Subsidies for US Films with Tobacco Imagery. The …

Film Subsidy Failure Draws Attention

WDIV covers story that Michigan Capitol Confidential broke

… arch Associate Jarrett Skorup was a guest on “The Tony Conley Show” on AM1320 in Lansing Thursday, discussing the latest incident in a long list of film subsidy failures in Michigan. Michigan Capitol Confidential broke the story Wednesday of a movie company involved in the corporate welfare giveaway …

Film Incentive Drama May Upset Reforms

… program known as the Michigan Film Incentive is scheduled to be … reimburses 42 percent of a film production’s costs and 25 percent … Michigan Legislature created the film subsidy program in 2008. This … “diversify” the state’s economy. Film productions would receive cash … negative economic impact. And the film incentive delivered the PR …

Star Struck: Why States Chase the Film Industry with Subsidies

While economists on the right and the left say they shouldn't

… opportunity to put Michigan’s film subsidy program to rest. Instead, … another demonstrating that state film subsidy programs are bad investments, … Massachusetts, authored a study on state film subsidies four years ago when … CBPP study was that “state film subsidies are costly to states … CBPP, but his opinion of state film subsidies hadn’t changed. The …

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 …

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 …

Cost to Replace Lost Jobs with Michigan Film Subsidies: $39.4 Billion

… Agency estimates that Michigan film production tax breaks and subsidies … counted. During that year the film incentives' net cost to taxpayers … these lost jobs with subsidized film production jobs would have … "direct" jobs generated by film production subsidies would … of which would have gone to film producers. Replacing the approximately …

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 …

Taxpayer Funded Films Flop With Viewers

Taxpayer advocate: 'Economic health is not created when people's labor is used to make things nobody wants'

When "Love and Honor" was filmed in Ann Arbor in 2011, it received … when the movie was released, the film was more like its original … production company $1.6 million in film incentives for $4.1 million … office. Entertainment One Films said "Freaky Deaky," which … movie received $2.8 million in film incentives for $7.8 million …

Moore Film Subsidies

… taxpayer-funded subsidy through the Michigan Film Incentive, even though Moore himself … Moore is a member of the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council. The council advises the Michigan Film Office, which is responsible for approving applications for subsidies to the Michigan Film Incentive. Moore's hometown newspaper, …

Why Politicians Love Film Subsidies

Sen. Stabenow to appear in Batman v. Superman

How do you get politicians to approve of spending $500 million on a film subsidy that pledged to create jobs but ends up with fewer jobs than it did before taxpayers coughed up half a billion? ForTheRecord says: Easy. You put them in a movie with Ben Affleck.

Select Few Benefit from Film Subsidies

While crumbling roads affect everyone

… "Batman vs. Superman" being filmed in metro Detroit demonstrates … Susan Dorris, Oakland County film commissioner, provided little … people get the idea that the film subsidies are a great deal. … lot of economic literature on film subsidy programs, and it is … have spent $450 million on film subsidies so far with no real …

Poverty, Inc.

Co-producer of award-winning film speaks at Mackinac Center screening

… documentary Poverty, Inc. convincingly argues that the answer to those questions is an emphatic “no.” The Mackinac Center hosted a screening of the film at Northwood University in March, followed by an illuminating question-and-answer session with Mark Weber, a co-producer of the movie. The goal of …

Road Funding or Film Subsidies?

… Gov. Rick Snyder on funding for the film incentive program. The governor, who … [million]," Sen. Richardville told MIRS. Film subsidies were started during the administration … Budget Priorities, economic analysis of film subsidy and tax credit programs have … Legislature believe spending money on films is more important than spending money …

Film Subsidy Money Has to Come From Somewhere

Actress's defense a case study for why movie program is an economic failure

… taxpayers as part of the state’s film subsidy program. The legislature has scaled back the Michigan film tax credits, which previously … was your experience like filming the show in Michigan and seeing … kind of impact the state's film credits made during a down … was fantastic. (Critics of film credits) keep saying they want …

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 …

Five Reasons Government Subsidies For Films Are A Bad Idea

Politicians help Big Hollywood soak taxpayers for few benefits, much harm

… percent of expenditures for film, television, music video, video … recently debated Michigan's film subsidy program on Fox 2 in … enterprise. Here they are: The Michigan film subsidy program does not create … chart nearby). It's true that film production companies tend to … reported by the companies and the film office might show up in another …

Film Subsidy Is Political, not Economic

… House committees on Michigan's film subsidy program brought to … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office. The letter was in response … University report that claimed the film subsidy program had "created" … occurred as a result of these film projects." This claim is specious. … the "economic impact of the film industry expenditures, not …

Media Ignores Costs In Film Coverage

Lawmakers exchange bad policy for Hollywood glitz

The Michigan film subsidy program is a perfect example of how … of stories about the Disney film, "Oz: The Great and Powerful," … granted its subsidies, the film program brought the state only … subsidies achieved no growth in film jobs in the meantime. The film subsidy program takes tax dollars …

Columnist: Film Subsidy Proponents Should Welcome Transparency

… Press columnist said Sunday that those who support film subsidies in Michigan should embrace scrutiny of … Nancy Crawley pointed to the questions surrounding film studio Hangar42, which came to light after Mackinac … referenced Iowa, where legislators have suspended film subsidies.

LaFaive, Albom on Film Subsidies

… “FlashPoint” program Sunday morning as part of a panel discussion on Michigan’s film subsidy program. Author Mitch Albom also appeared on the program. LaFaive … analysts have written extensively about the shortcomings and failures of film subsidies. A detailed list is available here.

Michigan Film Subsidy Program Shortcomings

… Op-Ed by Mike LaFaive, director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative, in today's Detroit Free Press highlights the failures and costs of Michigan's film subsidy program. An extensive list of commentaries on the program by Mackinac Center analysts can be found here.

Why Film Subsidies Must Go

… Initiative, explains in a recent Port Huron Times-Herald Op-Ed why the Michigan film subsidy program needs to be eliminated. More research and analyses by Center policy experts on the film subsidies can be found here.

Film Subsidy Amounts Grossly Under-Reported

The amount of film subsidies given away in Michigan was under-reported by $72 million in 2008 and 2009, according to WDIV-TV4 in Detroit. The discrepancy was discovered by Fiscal Policy Analyst James Hohman and broken by Michigan Capitol Confidential.

Questions Surround Film Subsidy Report

… second annual report from the Michigan Film Office shows that $69 million was transferred … Argus. The report mostly promotes the film office and "doesn't sufficiently account … Livingston Daily. The report says the film industry last year created 8,000 jobs, … Michigan State University study on the film subsidy program last year said that …

Students Prepare for Careers in Sagging Michigan Film Industry

The cost of the Michigan film subsidy program continues to be ignored, according to a Mackinac Center … Michigan are participating in the "2010 Creative Film Alliance Summer Institute," a program sponsored … industry. Despite giving away millions of dollars in film subsidies, there are about 10 percent fewer jobs …

Transparency Demanded for Film Subsidy Program

… Detroit News editorial today calls for more transparency from the Michigan Film Office in the wake of a months-long investigation by Mackinac Center analysts … Confidential has a story today about proposed legislation that would force the film office to be more transparent.

Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117 Million and No Film Job Growth

… two years since Michigan's film subsidy program became law, … fewer people employed by the film industry in Michigan than before … subsidy program began. The film subsidy program was signed … authorized $117 million in film credits, and the Department … extracts from businesses. Film incentive supporters often …

Analysis of Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117m - and No Film Job Growth

… two years since Michigan's film subsidy program became law, … fewer people employed by the film industry in Michigan than before … subsidy program began. The film subsidy program was signed … authorized $117 million in film credits, and the Department … extracts from businesses. Film incentive supporters often …

Senator Called Film Subsidies 'a Waste,' Now Votes to Continue Them

… said he considered Michigan’s film credits to be “a waste” and … voted to extend Michigan’s film subsidy program beyond 2017 … could be spent on out-of-state film industry salaries. "He (Rep. Daley) has voted for the film credits about every time." … Daley. "In my opinion, the film credits are a waste. According …

Charges Filed in Film Studio Deal

Mackinac Center investigation broke story

The main investor in a Grand Rapids movie studio that applied for state film subsidy money has been charged with attempted felony false pretenses over … investigative video posted May 20. At issue was the value of the proposed film studio, which those involved said was worth $40 million, even though it …

Michael & Me

In his 2009 film "Capitalism: A Love Story," Michigan native … people," Moore said in the film. "I've got more bags — $10 … tax credit program for the film industry, a program that allows … this question to the Michigan Film Office director who determines … Michigan Messenger that if the film incentive is "not good for …

Michael Moore Appears Ready to Take Film Subsidy for Anti-Subsidy Film

… between $650,000 and $1 million in state film subsidies for producing part of "Capitalism: … Moore might receive state funds for a film that denounced government handouts … "Capitalism" documentary. Because of Michigan Film Office secrecy, it was not known if … Moore's membership on the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council might present …

Filmmaker Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story" Approved for Taxpayer Subsidy in Michigan

Moore, now a member of the state's Film Office Advisory Council, was once seemingly critical of the program, Mackinac Center video reveals

… a subsidy from the Michigan Film Office, according to a video … Policy. Moore is a member of the Film Office Advisory Council, which advises the state-run Michigan Film Office. "While we don't blame … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, would not disclose … A Love Story," the Michigan film incentive and the appearance …

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. …

Little House on the Subsidized Prairie

Melissa Gilbert says she won't start theater company unless Schauer wins

… the subsidies it delivers to film producers from the current … creating a sustained state film industry has been challenged … Legislature voted to limit its film subsidies. It currently offers … considered for major future feature films.” According to the Washington … Gerbes, director of the Maryland Film Office, said the first question …

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 …

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Michigan Film Office

… state subsidy for the Hangar42 film studio project, WoodTV in Grand … response from the Michigan Film Office to their inquiries: … secrecy rules on $10 million film studio subsidy.") This is … these lines: The Michigan Film Office has been advised by … for a $20 million Michigan film subsidy for an autobiographical …

Public Employee Pension Systems Raided To Pay Film Studio Bills

Michigan teachers and state employee systems paid $1.68 million so far for Pontiac studio

… Foundation in Washington, D.C., has analyzed state film credits around the country and said they seldom … Public Policy, said he would like supporters of the film tax credit be held financially responsible for … Lemberg blamed the studio’s financial struggles on the film tax credit being reduced.  The state reduced the …

Film Industry in Michigan Hits Another Snag

A film studio that has experienced problems in the past is in danger of being evicted from city-owned property in Allen Park due to lease problems, according … cites research by James Hohman, fiscal policy analyst, which shows Michigan film jobs have decreased despite the state handing out millions of dollars in …

Film Subsidy Program Just 'Good PR'

… Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative, told National Public Radio that Michigan’s film subsidy program is only a way for politicians to buy “good PR,” but the … Mackinac Center analysts have produced a large body of work examining the film subsidy program and its numerous flaws, which can be found here.

Successful Film Incentive Would Drain Entire Treasury

… less worthy of tax relief than film producers, Gov. Jennifer Granholm … not costless. And because the film incentive is so generous, the … Statistics, the entire U.S. film and video production industry provides 206,900 … California. Last year, Michigan's film subsidies dished out $48 million … transplanting the entire California film industry to Michigan, the cost …

June 19, 2015 MichiganVotes Weekly Roll Call

Green light to Uber; red light to film subsidies; mobile beer bars and more

House Bill 4122, Repeal state film producer subsidies: Passed 24 to 13 in the Senate To repeal the program that gives Michigan tax dollars to film producers. Since 2008 some $500 million has been distributed to producers. …

Detroit Free Press Editor Points out Film Incentive Flaws

… frustration from the Michigan film incentive’s lack of success … they expect a Michigan-based film industry, but two years after … argue that given enough time, film producers will stay in the … As Henderson points out, the film incentive was meant to generate a film industry in Michigan that would …

Story on Film Subsidies Ignores the Full Picture

… in the Ann Arbor area and credits the Michigan film subsidy, but the story fails to mention any impact … Specialist Kathy Hoekstra, who has covered the film subsidy extensively since its inception, including … Michigan businesses and legal and financial crises film subsidies have been associated with in other st …

Road Work: Should State Prioritize ‘Horse Boobs’ or Highways?

… state, including the Ann Arbor Film Festival. I wrote about this … festival in 2018. This year’s film festival was 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 … year. WARNING: SOME OF THE FILMS LISTED BELOW MAY VIOLATE SCHOOL …

Michigan Film Jobs Disappear Despite Millions in Subsidies

Jobs in the film industry in Michigan fell nearly 10 percent, despite the state giving away millions of dollars of tax money in subsidies to movie makers, according to the Detroit Free Press. Fiscal Policy Analyst James Hohman said the subsidy program is expected to cost taxpayers $155 million in fiscal …

New Film Subsidy Study Doesn't Show Full Picture

… receives an economic benefit from its film subsidy program has come under fire, … “Special Effects: Flawed Report on Film Incentive Provides Distorted Lens” … picture. “Every dollar used to incentify film production is $1 deprived to entrepreneurs … study, “actually reported that no film incentive has generated as much revenues …

$72 Million in Film Credits Not Reported by Film Office

The Michigan Film Office, under Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s watch, … it gave out to Hollywood’s film producers, according to James … reports put out by the Michigan Film Office. Hohman caught the budgeting … report put out by Michigan Film Office and compared it to the … past two years.” Michigan Film Office Spokeswoman Michelle …

Moore Film Subsidy Draws More Coverage

… Mackinac Center analysts broke Thursday about filmmaker Michael Moore's latest movie being approved for a taxpayer-funded subsidy under the Michigan Film Incentive. Fox News, The Hawaii Reporter, Detroit Examiner and The Calgary Beacon covered the story, while The Detroit News included it in Saturday's …

Michigan Film Office

The Michigan Film Office, which employs the equivalent of six … the state began the Michigan Film Incentive, a program that provides … business tax for qualifying film companies that do business … liability. According to a Michigan Film Office report to legislators … credits in 2008.[69] The Michigan Film Office and the Film Incentive …

Center Upends State Incentive for Suspicious Film Studio Deal

… Development Corp. and Michigan Film Office. Among other projects, … referenced "Hangar42," a new film studio in Kent County. In doing … representatives of the Michigan Film Office nor the MEDC would confirm … investigate the hold-up in the film office tax-credit approval. … require more transparency with film office dealings had been languishing …

State Legislators Need All the Facts on Film Subsidies

… today to discuss the Michigan film incentive program. As you consider … a Michigan State University film subsidy "impact" study (funded … "Special Effects: Flawed Report on Film Incentives Provides Distorted … losses, especially since this film subsidy program came hard on … program. Sadly, the Michigan Film Office's secrecy prevents us …

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 …

Politicians Should Stand Up for Taxpayers

Instead of sending their money to Hollywood

Proponents of the Michigan film subsidy program, which like all corporate welfare programs takes money … brought to the state. Maryland spends $40 million on film subsidies, most of which goes to that one show. … Michigan, which spends $50 million per year on film subsidies, is if politicians would finally stand …

The Script Doesn’t Change: Hollywood Welfare Still Bad For Michigan

The original flopped; the sequel looks even worse

… percent of in-state spending on film, television, and commercial … But Michigan’s history with film incentives shows that is demonstrably … Michigan’s “investment” in film incentives yielded only eleven … scrutinized the relationship between film incentives and wages, jobs, … invested the most money in film incentives: New York, Georgia, …

Movie Fiction

Mike LaFaive addresses the latest complaints about cuts to Michigan’s film subsidy program and takes on the misinformation regarding its success in our Spotlight today.

Want to Grow the Film Industry? Grow the Economy

Since April 2008, Michigan has given qualified film productions up to 42 cents on the dollar for every expense they incur in the state. While the state is able to point to a number of films and projects given assistance from this program, the state's motion production …

Film Transparency – Just say No?

… transparency in the state’s film subsidy program. On Dec. 17, … measures require the Michigan Film Office to regularly post specific film production spending and credit … lack of transparency in the film industry in March, 2009 (see … to "obtain $12.5 million in film infrastructure credits from …

From Here to Eternity?

Motion Picture Association of America letter wants permanent corporate welfare for movies

… rs are constantly told that film incentives are supposed to … considered for major feature films.” The MPAA represents nearly every major film and television producer in … 2005 without any uptick in film jobs. In California, the state’s … movie industry. The king of film production is Hollywood, but …

Fuzzy Film Math

… Free Press on the Michigan Film Office stated that its tax-credit … study promoted by the Michigan Film Office. According to a Michigan State University study of the film incentive program, there were … year-round jobs created by the film productions in 2008. But LaFaive argues that the film incentives may not have "created" …

Michael Moore Inadvertently Makes Case Against Film Subsidies (Again)

… discuss Michael Moore's latest film, "Capitalism: A Love Story." … particular ones like the Michigan Film Incentive program. Here is … and was granted a Michigan film production subsidy worth as … one published report. In his film Moore lambasts Wall Street … Michigan government for the film as seen around the Internet. …

Michigan Film Office

he Michigan Film Office was formed in 1979 to "assist and attract … entertainment industry, including film, TV and music."[139] Historically, … and New York. The Michigan Film Office reports that 127 films (or portions of films) were produced in the state …

Blowing the Lid off Film Subsidy Duplicity

… investors in the "Hangar42" film studio project that Gov. Jennifer … the state writing checks to film producers for millions of dollars. … secrecy that surrounds the entire film subsidy adventure prevents … reason to reward the state Film Office for its secretiveness … duplicity: "The mere fact that the film (tax credit) program is misnamed …

Study Verifies What Center Analysts Have Known All Along Regarding Failure of Film Subsidies

The Detroit Free Press reports today that Michigan's film subsidy program is "a big loser for Michigan taxpayers," according to a new Senate Fiscal Agency … Mackinac Center commentaries about the myriad problems associated with the film subsidies, please see here.

Eliminate the Michigan Film Incentive

The Michigan Film Incentive suffers from the shortcomings of MEGA and other MEDC programs, but the size … massive wealth transfers from Michigan businesses to film production companies, many of which are based outside … counterproductive. [210] Matthew Miller and Kathryn Prater, "Film Incentive Fans Urge Lawmakers to Keep Credits," …

Film Subsidy Rationale Revealed: Pixie Dust!

… to developers who install a film production facility. A Grand … seeking one of those 25 percent "film infrastructure" subsidies under … supposedly being converted into a film studio by a promoter seeking … taxpayers via the Michigan Film Office. However, as first … justifying the value. The Michigan Film Office has wrapped itself in …

Film Office Director Agrees With Center on Hangar42 Movie Studio Deal

The Grand Rapids Press and WOOD-TV are reporting that Michigan Film Office Director Janet Lockwood agreed with Mackinac Center analysts that a proposed movie studio seeking state subsidies is questionable. Michigan Capitol Confidential broke the story after an e-mail from Lockwood, obtained through …

Michael Moore Film Subsidy Blog Picked Up by Other Media

A recent blog post by Michael Jahr, senior director of communications, about Michael Moore accepting a Michigan film subsidy for a movie of his that railed against government subsidies was quickly picked up by other media, including The Michigan View at The Detroit News and The Houghton Lake Resorte …

Government Secrecy Rules on $10 Million Film Studio Subsidy

… state subsidy for the Hangar42 film studio project touted by Gov. … spokesman for of the Michigan Film Office, told Knape that he … about it because the Michigan Film Office is "part of Treasury." However, the Film Office is physically located … "No comment." Ken Droz of the Film Office finally did respond, …

Hollywood Transforms Itself to Milk Multiple States for Movie Money

'Transformers' movie series got millions from taxpayers in Michigan, Illinois and Florida

… Michigan in 2010, then-Michigan Film Office Director Carrie Jones … "one-of-a-kind locations" during the filming. However, Michigan wasn’t … also spent $24 million for filming 30 days in Illinois and received about $7.6 million in film tax subsidy money from our … another $621,000 from Florida's film office for eight days of filming …

Michigan Film Subsidies: Two Years, $117m — and No Film Job Growth

… two years since Michigan's film subsidy program became law, … fewer people employed by the film industry in Michigan than before … subsidy program began. The film subsidy program was signed … authorized $117 million in film credits, and the Department … extracts from businesses. Film incentive supporters often …

Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency

… filmmakers had chalked up while filming in Michigan and submitted … directed by Clint Eastwood and filmed in the Detroit area, McMillin … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, has said alcohol would … refunds allowed by the state film credit legislation enacted … become an issue as the Michigan film incentive program may give …

Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency

… filmmakers had chalked up while filming in Michigan and submitted … directed by Clint Eastwood and filmed in the Detroit area, McMillin … Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, has said alcohol would … refunds allowed by the state film credit legislation enacted … become an issue as the Michigan film incentive program may give …

Capitalism’s Finest Film

… they live in. These themes humorously bounce off one another until the film’s climax, where the stockholders — the "other people" — attend the annual … script of the Jorgenson speech and a video of the Garfield speech from this film may be viewed online at www.americanrhetoric.com or by following the attached …

Tear Down This 'Film Industry' Facade

… their editorial "Ours: Keep film credits for now." The Mackinac … the notion that the Michigan Film Incentive program is a policy … defense of keeping the state film subsidy program to give the … on three levels ("Ours: Keep film credits for now," November … government can actually build a film industry. It cannot. It will …

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:

Beckmann Cites CapCon on Film Incentives

Host, state senator discuss Hollywood corporate welfare

… Moolenaar, R-Midland, about the Senate’s vote to extend corporate welfare for film makers. Sen. Moolenaar was one of four senators to vote against the measure. … Michigan taxpayers and given to Hollywood over the last five years through the film incentive scheme, but that the number of movie-related jobs in Michigan …

Film Subsidy Secrecy May Be Ending

The details of how film production companies have been spending … offering the most lucrative film incentives in the country. … question is whether the Michigan Film Office will be as transparent … to state that the Michigan Film Office is permitted to release … surrounding reimbursements that film companies incur while in this …

Subsidies Stop for Michigan’s Film Industry

… the business of handing out film subsidies. A bill supported … member) prevents the state film office from handing out any … send a bill establishing a film subsidy program to Gov. Jennifer … enthusiastically signed the most generous film subsidy program in the nation. … to support the short-term filming that happens on location," …

Governor Describes Film Subsidies as Jobs Program, so "Why Not Give Them Spoons?"

… Press characterizes Gov. Jennifer Granholm's understanding of the state film production subsidies: "Goal of film tax credit is jobs, not more revenue." There's a story from the 1960s about …

Governor Describes Film Subsidies as Jobs Program, so "Why Not Give Them Spoons?"

… Press characterizes Gov. Jennifer Granholm's understanding of the state film production subsidies: "Goal of film tax credit is jobs, not more revenue." There's a story from the 1960s about …

The Story of a Rebel and His Film Incentive

… examination of the Michigan film incentive subsidy program thrust … trained her camera on Michigan film producer Michael Moore. The … Love Story" was partially filmed in Michigan and eligible for … paperwork must be filed after a film is finished. So far, the Michigan Film Office has not seen the post-film …

Lopez on Fox Business

Corporate welfare for movies unfair to taxpayers

… Francis” on Fox Business this afternoon, explaining why corporate welfare for film makers is unfair to the taxpayers from whom the money is taken. You can read more about Michigan’s film subsidies here.

Analysis: 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 …

Is Shooting a Film in Detroit Like 'Being in Prison'?

… the actors who worked on the film made what appeared to be a … Actor Paul Giamatti compared filming a movie in Detroit to "being … Kelly. Giamatti was in the film, shot partly in Ann Arbor and … $4.9 million subsidy that the film received. "The Ides of March" … 2010 report from the Michigan Film Office. ~~~~~ See also: …

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 …

Charges Ground Fraudulent Film Deal

… criminal charges continue to pile up in the Hangar42 film studio scandal, highlighting the skewed incentives … Mackinac Center began exploring the suspicious film studio deal in Walker, Mich., the media and state … get a bigger payout from the state of Michigan’s film infrastructure tax credit. Another case stemming …

Congressman Cites Center Research as Reason for His Change of Heart Over Film Subsidies

Congressman Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, who as a state legislator supported Michigan’s film subsidy program, cited research by Mackinac Center analysts as one reason he now says he “won’t second guess” plans to roll back the program, according to WZZM-TV13 in Grand Rapids. “A Michigan State University …

Sorry — Your Film Office Success Story Was Not Found

… Ken’s Diner — was part of the filming for the movie in 2008, and … issue story about Michigan's film tax incentives. That article … didn't work. The Michigan Film Office promoted it on its website … Michigan. According to the Michigan Film Office website, the Oink Joint … huge tourist attraction." The Film Office stated that $30,000 …

State 'Super' Sizes Movie with Subsidy

Hollywood getting more corporate welfare from your pockets

The Michigan Film Office announced recently that the producers … Superman-Batman movie would film in Michigan and collect $35 … size and scope of the deal and film left me asking if one of these … $35 million dedicated to this film and others is a colossal waste … annual appropriation for the film program is now $50 million. …

Little Pink House Screening

… our homes. This is where we chose to settle and this is where we want to stay.” Join the Mackinac Center for a private screening of the compelling film about small town heroes who challenged one of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical corporations and an overreaching government all the way to the Supreme …

Democrat Contradictions: Corporate Tax Breaks Bad, But Incentives for Hollywood Good

Dems criticize MEDC, but want to give more money to millionaire movie moguls

… brother, Bob, founded Miramax Films in 1979 and then sold it to … universally supported the state's film subsidy program and want to … $40 million from the state's film incentive program in 2010 for … Republicans went to eliminate the film subsidy entirely from its fiscal … Democrats proposed maintaining the film budget at $50 million. "Republicans …

Michael Moore and the Michigan Film Incentive: Is There a Happy Ending?

… According to one synopsis of the film, Moore examines "the disastrous … the studio" to apply for the film incentive for his latest release. … hear Moore's comment about the film incentive program because Moore … appointed member of the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council (MFOAC). … job is to advise the Michigan Film Office, governor and Legislature …