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Corporate Welfare for Hollywood Comes First

Michigan's roads can wait

… perpetuate the state’s flop-filled film subsidy program shot through … mistake about it, the state’s film subsidy program is nothing … dollars and there are fewer film jobs in Michigan now than before … well-founded. A bill to continue film subsidies zips through the … Legislature voted to keep the film subsidy program alive, it wouldn’t …

Commentary: Governor Should Veto Film Incentive Bills

… to exceed 32 percent of a film’s expenditure, down from 42 … But other than this cap the film office will have no control … million has been authorized for film subsidies this year, taxpayers … past a cheesecake. Once the film office runs out of money, lawmakers … and citizens to provide this (film) incentive” when reporting …

Michael Moore Urged to Withdraw Film Subsidy Application

… application from the Michigan Film Office, which would reimburse … for costs associated with filming in the state. According to … site boxofficemojo.com, the film has generated $15.9 million … the tax subsidy. The Michigan Film Office isn’t releasing how … dollars. Cassis said the Michigan Film Office told her Moore qualified …

New Film Office Report Misleads and Shows Undercounting

… annual report of the Michigan Film Office confirms this. It shows … office had been undercounting film incentives in previous reports. … its programs. The Michigan film office administers a subsidy … liabilities generated by the film productions never exceed the … companies interested in building film studios. Undercounting An …

The End of Hollywood Corporate Welfare?

Legislators look to fix budget overspending

… introduced legislation that would end film production subsidies in Michigan to … about half a billion in subsidies for film production companies and has fewer film jobs today than it did when the program began in 2008. Film incentives are widely panned by independent …

MEDC vs. Road Spending Poll Featured in Daily Caller

Two-thirds of voters support turning subsidy money over to roads

… Daily Caller, which also referenced an earlier poll commissioned by the Mackinac Center indicating strong voter support for the end of the state's film subsidy program in favor of road funding.

Michigan's Solyndra?

… million they borrowed to set up a film studio in Pontiac, essentially … that paid up to 42 percent of film producers’ Michigan expenses. … on scaling back the absurd film subsidies, taxpayers could … stopped picking up 42 percent of film producers’ expenses. In other … colleagues to give more loot to film producers, insinuating that …

Recommendation: Increase Film Program Transparency, and Reperform the Film Subsidy Study Using Valid Methodology

… to believe that the Michigan Film Incentive, like other targeted … continuing state subsidies to the film industry, the state should … question is, Would the Michigan Film Office cooperate? The Michigan Film Office has been decidedly stingy … observed in March 2009 that the Film Office violated the law in …

Commentary: Republican Legislators Try to Resurrect Film Subsidies

The state’s film incentive, along with most of the state’s selective … introduce legislation to allow for film credit zones, which would enable municipalities to offer the film credits that were eliminated … expenditure is happening. Michigan’s film subsidy program was enacted … 2008 and offers refundable film tax credits worth as much as …

Nov. 4 MichiganVotes.org Weekly Roll Call Report

… the past week. Senate Bill 569, Authorize cash film producer subsidies: Passed 34 to 4 in the Senate To convert the state film incentive program into straightforward handouts, rather than indirect ones, with payments to film producers of up 32 percent of their Michigan payroll …

Florida Shouldn't Follow Michigan's Film Path

… the nation’s most generous film incentive program. The state … $500 million and has fewer film jobs than before the program … Statistics, Michigan had 1,663 film jobs in 2008 and has 1,561 today. The Michigan Film Office, which oversees and … entering into deals to build film studios, and those deals soon …

The State Should Dissolve the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council

The Michigan Film Office Advisory Council met last Friday to … to restructure the state’s film incentives and cap the expense … different from the Michigan Film Office itself. The film office administers the state’s … Limiting or eliminating the film incentive is ultimately needed. …

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. It … “diversify” the state’s economy. Film productions would receive cash … negative economic impact. And the film incentive delivered the PR …

Record Profits for Warner Bros. Doesn't Stop State From Giving Company Huge Subsidy

Movie company made $1.2 billion; Michigan taxpayers to give it $35 million

… million to Warner Bros. for the filming of the expected blockbuster … million in Michigan while filming the Superman-Batman movie, according to the Michigan Film Office. "The question of why … Washington, D.C. "I don't think the film tax credits are good policy." … have to pay more. Michigan's film incentive pays up to 35 percent …

'Batman vs. Superman' Swings Super Subsidy Deals from Multiple States

A challenge to boosters' claim that incentives can plant a sustainable industry

… blogger who posted photos of filming in East Lansing and Detroit. … Batman vs. Superman will be filmed in several states, and at least one of them says the film is eligible for its own film subsidies. In addition to the $35 million the film’s producers have been approved …

Letter to the Detroit Free Press on Film Subsidies

Corporate welfare programs rarely produce net new jobs

Mitch Albom’s March 14 defense of subsidies for film makers should inspire lawmakers to end this public policy mistake. Corporate welfare programs rarely produce net new jobs, especially in light of superior alternatives. In order to subsidize the jobs of a few “carpenters and drivers,” among others, …

Great Values, Great Movies

… documentary. However, every now and then the film industry produces a memorable moment … mold. Here are four of my favorite films, both recent and not-so-recent. In … Braddock’s heroism soars later in the film when he does what no welfare recipient … lose the statist bias, and make more films like these four! ##### Lawrence …

Movie Made in Israel Gets Michigan Tax Dollars

… company outside the state for a film shot entirely in another country, … problems with the Michigan film incentive program, which awards … company spends in the state. Film subsidy supporters always point … as states provide subsidies, film producers will shop around … from its original posting. The film has no ties to Hollywood and …

Direct Cash Grants: Anti-Crony Capitalism Policies Fall Short

… development programs that continue to be used. An attempt to eliminate state film incentives only capped the program and made it less generous. These favors to large film companies are an unjustified use of taxpayer money, whether they're $100 …

Schwarzenegger's Son Lands Role in Minor Film; State Cuts $140,000 Check

… Schwarzenegger movie being filmed in Detroit. Except, it’s … reported that the Michigan Film Office awarded the film $140,000 in subsidies. ForTheRecord … sent out Tweets promoting the film, one of which was what appeared … take their money? #Detroit Film incentives have ended in Michigan, …

Sun Sets on Another Cop Drama Shot In Detroit; Taxpayers Lose More Money

Neither media hype, nor millions from taxpayers could keep 'Low Winter Sun' from being canceled after one season

… jobs, according to the Michigan Film Office. "Detroit 1-8-7," an ABC police drama, was filmed in Detroit in 2010 and then … taxpayers in Michigan. Like most film projects set in Michigan, "Low … an inherent deficiency in films that get taxpayer subsidies. … on is the subsidizing of the film industry." Michigan taxpayers …

Analysis: 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 …

The 'Pro Big Business' Myth Put to Rest

… the years. The plant is now closed. Film tax breaks and subsidies — of which … it: New York City. Nonetheless, the film, a scathing look at bankers’ greed, … “It’s good,” Mr. Stone said of the film subsidies. “Or like basically the way … up to a $1 million subsidy for his film “Capitalism: A Love Story” which was, …

Why Government Fails at Economic Development

… cut to some onerous tax, which they should do to put the true cost of these programs in proper perspective. In my home state of Michigan, we had a film subsidy program and after its first year the state’s economic development department — the Michigan Economic Development Corporation — hired a contractor …

Big Hollywood Bailout: Taxpayers Spent Nearly $40 Million To Subsidize Disney's 'Oz'

Michigan citizens helped pay for Disney's record profits

… handing it nearly $40 million in film tax credits. That was the … state of Michigan handed out to film producers. Ironically, the state film subsidy nearly matched the $39.8 … was paid in 2012.  "Oz" was filmed in Pontiac at Michigan Motion … that applied for the Michigan film credit for "Oz" was Emerald …

Mark Ruffalo Wants Government to Defund the Police — But Fund His Films

'Hulk' star has appeared in many taxpayer subsidized movies

… government, but subsidizing film production is not. Like most … privileged few who also benefit from film subsidies. Specifically, Ruffalo … deal of money appearing in films whose producers were paid millions … taxpayer dollars via state film subsidies. His subsidized movies … should try calling a state film subsidy office for help.

Do 'Stealthy' Michigan Senators Want to Spend $100 Million on Film Subsidies?

Facebook post insists: Michigan senator 'wishes to keep this process quiet and very stealth!'

… from the “Save the Michigan Film Tax Credit” facebook page. … sweeping overhaul of the Michigan film tax credit program, there appears … million has been authorized for film subsidies, which was appropriated … an unusual “one-time basis only.” Film industry supporters immediately … created called “Save the Michigan Film Tax Credit.” The idea, according …

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 …

Moviemakers Risk Biting the Hand That Feeds Them

While some in the Michigan Film Office, film industry and state government … to Michigan as a result of film tax subsidies, there have been … argument with members of a film crew last week that resulted in police intervention. Two film crews reportedly acquired permission …

Sen. Cassis's 'Going Away Present' to Taxpayers

… credits"). Other bills in the package would tighten up the process of granting selective tax breaks to particular business owners, end the Michigan film production subsidies, and reprioritize the mission of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. away from handouts and toward helping businesses navigate …

News Release: Mackinac Center Economist: Film Incentive Possible Job Killer

Overall costs of the subsidy, including taxes on existing businesses, must be considered

… the extension of the Michigan Film Incentive, Mackinac Center … expenditures made in Michigan by film production companies and is … "Special Effects: Flawed Report on Film Incentive Provides Distorted … would show that the Michigan Film Incentive destroys more jobs … examples where the Michigan Film Office, which oversees the …

Attorney General Heeds Requests for Investigation of Embattled Film Studio

… ~~~~~ See also: Sorry — Your Film Office Success Story Was Not … Rewrite E-mails Reveal That Film Office Chief Agrees With Criticisms … Incentives Raise Questions Film Noir Michael Moore and Subsidies: … Love-Hate Story Lawmakers Tackle Film Credit Transparency Michael … Inadvertently Makes Case Against Film Subsidies (Again) Analysis …

Michigan Senator Calls Notion of 'Stealth' Film Subsidy Effort 'Absurd'

'If you can keep $100 million dollars quiet in this day and age with Gov. Snyder you’d have to be a Harry Houdini.' – Sen. Mike Kowall

A Facebook post by a film industry activist suggested Sen. Mike … $100 million to the state’s film subsidy program and “wishes … the only thing related to the film subsidy program that he’s working … legislation would allow the Michigan Film Office to give filmmakers “up … percent, or 3 percent, of the filming here and either you gave them …

Memo to Reporters: Follow the Money!

On Hollywood subsidies

… families and businesses to the film's producers, which many regard … the producers $7 million to film in the city. Instead, reporter … 2007, according to the Michigan Film Office. After then-Gov. Jennifer … Reasons Government Subsidies For Films Are A Bad Idea Super Subsidies … Giving Company Huge Subsidy Film Incentives: The $50 Million …

LaFaive Discusses Tax Subsidies and Film Incentives on WMKT, Jan. 31, 2011

… governor's proposal to end targeted tax subsidies is good news for Michigan jobs. Regarding the fact that other states will still have subsidies like film incentives, LaFaive responds: "Let them have the PR — we'll have sound policy." (See also: "Gov. Snyder to Break Michigan's MEGA Habit.")

'Book Him!': Michigan Film Subsidy Scandal Leads to More Charges

… Development Corp. and Michigan Film Office, especially following … millions off the state in a film studio deal. It was already … intervened with the Michigan Film Office on behalf of the Hangar42 … a short time later Michigan Film Office Director Janet Lockwood … time in prison. The Michigan film incentive program is the latest …

News Release: State Government Equivocates on Cost of Michigan Film Incentive Program to State Taxpayers

Mackinac Center video segment describes the incentive and the state’s wide-ranging estimates of the program’s costs

… officials tout the Michigan Film Incentive and the purported arrival of new film jobs to metro Detroit, an exploration … or unwilling to reveal — the film incentive's cost to taxpayers. … including footage from a Michigan Film Office meeting and interviews with the film office director, are presented …

Economic Interference Week

Economic Development Week is no cause for celebration

… state wasted about $450 million on a film incentive program that gave subsidies for film production work done here. The Mackinac … picture jobs in Michigan before the film incentive took effect than after. The Legislature eliminated film subsidies in 2015. The Office of the …

Real Steel or Reel Steal? New Film Costs $4.26 Per Michigan Taxpayer

… is one of the many movies filmed in Michigan and supported … tax dollars through the state film incentive program, which unfairly singles out films for special grants from the … taxpayer. The incentive gives the film producers up-to 42 percent … $4.26 per taxpayer. Michigan’s film incentive program is expiring …

One Sector Grew Last Decade: Corporate Welfare

Very few jobs to show for special favors, subsidies

… Granholm. One paid up to 42 percent of the expenses incurred in Michigan by film producers. In 2011 the open-ended nature of these film subsidies was ended, replaced with fixed-sum grants ($25 million worth in …

Trim Corporate Welfare to $0

… cultural programs ($7 million). There also is a film office line item worth less than $1 million for administration of the state’s film subsidy program. The program was worth $50 million … other hand, Gov. Snyder has proposed $25 million in film subsidies, a 50 percent cut over last year. He …

Hangar 42 Issues Unresolved

Legal problems and a family squabble continue to surround the failed film studio known as Hangar42, according to The Grand Rapids Press. The Mackinac Center broke the story after a months-long investigation by Communications Specialist Kathy Hoekstra and Mike LaFaive, director of the Morey Fiscal Policy …

High school debaters hone their skills at Mackinac Center workshops

Arguing for and against federal aid to sub-Saharan Africa

… charter public, parochial and independent schools. Speakers included Greg Rehmke, director of educational programs for Economic Thinking/E Pluribus Unum Films; Mike Winther, a former high school and college debater and now a debate coach; and Dr. Rich Edwards, professor of communication studies and debate …

'Transformers 4' Taking $20M from Taxpayers

The Michigan Film Office has chosen to give $20 million from the pockets of … temporary jobs will be created during filming at Michigan Motion Picture Studios … despite the fact that it was the filming location for the recently released … 2011. Read more about Michigan’s film subsidy program in Michigan Capitol …

Fewer People Employed in Michigan Movie Industry Than Before Film Tax Credits Began

… two years since the Michigan film incentive went into effect … Policy Analyst James Hohman. "Film incentive supporters often … legislation was signed creating the film subsidy program, that same … percent more.  "While the film incentive program has succeeded … increase the overall number of film jobs in the state, let alone …

MichiganVotes.org June 3 Weekly Roll Call Report

… here. Senate Bill 383, Revise state film subsidy program, passed 37 to 1 in … revise details of the state’s unlimited film subsidy program, now limited by Gov. … million that can be handed out to film producers). Under the bill, the state government film office could still grant “refundable …

MichiganVotes.org June 17 Weekly Roll Call Report

… Voted "No" Senate Bill 383, Revise film and other corporate subsidy programs, … House To empower the state government film office to grant smaller tax break/subsidies … authorized by the state's unlimited film subsidy program. The program will be … by the Legislature to hand out to film producers. The House added unrelated …

E-mails Reveal That Film Office Chief Agrees With Criticisms of Embattled Studio Project

… he director of the Michigan Film Office agreed with the Mackinac … Lockwood, director of the state's film office, stated the Hangar42 … who is seeking a 25 percent film credit. Meanwhile, many of … after the e-mail, the Michigan Film Office announced Lockwood's … 2009, agreement signed by the film office and Treasury. These …

Special Effects: Flawed Report on Film Incentive Provides Distorted Lens (State Senate Testimony)

… University report on the Michigan film subsidy program is of limited … because it failed to enter the film subsidy's costs into the economic … actual cash outlays — checks to film producers from the Michigan … "cameo" at a hearing about films in Michigan. In early 2008, … subsidies) to those who produce films in the Great Lake State. The …

Red Dawn Reality Check

… Hollywood production companies that film in this state, the U.S. military … free military equipment for filming. It involved filming for the movie Red Dawn that … offer assistance. Strub said filming companies usually import their … installations and ships to film and aren't charged as long …

August 5 MichiganVotes.org Weekly Roll Call Report

… further action at this time. Senate Bill 569: Revise film subsidies Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R), to revise the state film incentive program, converting it into a straightforward … with awards of up to 30 percent of the expenses a film producer incurs in Michigan. Reportedly the bill’s …

News Release: Fewer People Employed in Michigan Movie Industry Than Before Film Tax Credits Began, According to Center Analyst

Despite state giving away $117 million in subsidies over two years, there are nearly 10 percent fewer industry jobs

… two years since the Michigan film incentive went into effect … Policy Analyst James Hohman. "Film incentive supporters often … legislation was signed creating the film subsidy program, that same … 9.8 percent more. "While the film incentive program has succeeded … increase the overall number of film jobs in the state, let alone …

Mackinac Center Analysts to Testify at State Senate Hearing Today on Michigan Film Incentive

… and Mackinac Center Communications Specialist Kathy Hoekstra will be testifying at a Michigan Senate Finance Committee hearing today on the Michigan Film Incentive. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in Room 110 of the Farnum Building, located at 125 W. Allegan St. in Lansing, Mich. Written …

News Release: House Testimony Claiming Mackinac Center Support for Michigan Film Subsidy 'False,' Says Senior Economist

'Incentives' must be ubiquitous and market-driven

… that Littmann supports the Michigan film incentive program and other incentives. … incentives. They're not against the film incentive. What they're against is … This obviates the need for targeted film subsidies." In the e-mail Grace cited, … and aspiring beneficiaries of the film subsidy program. No critics of the …

Other States Divulge What Michigan's Corporate Welfare Arm Keeps Secret

… the information released before 2009? And after 2009, why did the Michigan Film Office continue to release the names of the entities it gave money to through the state’s film credit program? State officials have implied that their hands are tied …

More Information Trickles Out Regarding Hangar42

… potential $10 million subsidy for a film studio infrastructure project … investor seeking a 25 percent "film and digital media infrastructure … with the head of the Michigan Film Office to inquire why it was … that he had given the state Film Office a copy of the "certified … million subsidy claim). The Film Office has denied Freedom of …

Time to Hang(ar) It Up

The Hangar42 film studio scandal in Grand Rapids continues to … credits from the state. Some film incentive supporters may argue … for more transparency in the film subsidy program were signed … cuts, including those for the film industry: “Gov. Rick Snyder's … eliminates the MEGA, brownfield, film and every other state business …

Political Experience Separates Candidates In 98th District House GOP Primary

Gary Glenn vs. Karl Ieuter

… Michigan Economic Development Corp., film subsidies and the state's prevailing … candidates want to eliminate the state film incentive program. "Once again, our … Race Contrast Over Right-to-Work, Film Subsidies, Detroit Bailout In 31st … Could Add Millions To Taxpayer Costs Films Or Potholes?

Are We Being Too Tough on Hollywood?

… been critical of the Michigan Film Incentive since its inception … also became the most generous film incentive in the country. … Representatives from both the Michigan Film Office and its parent state … State University, the Michigan Film Office has only released a … been some controversy over film incentive programs in other …

Broken Windows on Display in Michigan Senate Finance Committee

… the director of the Michigan Film Office, defended the state's film subsidy program in a Senate … Michigan currently grants film producers a combination of … This is the nation's richest film subsidy program. The "broken … and Jones mentioned that the film industry is generating some …

'Wannabes' may not return to Howell

HOWELL, Mich. — Filming of "The Wannabes Starring Savvy" wrapped … 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 …

Contrast Over Right-to-Work, Film Subsidies, Detroit Bailout In 31st District Senate Race

State Sen. Mike Green vs. State Rep. Kevin Daley

… (Rep. Daley) has voted for the film credits about every time." … Green said. "In my opinion, the film credits are a waste. According … be giving a penny toward the film credits. "My opponent also … bailout." Rep. Daley said his film credit votes were primarily … the Detroit bailout. "On the film credits, in most cases, I voted …

Subpoenas Issued in Hangar42 Investigation

Michigan Film Office Director Janet Lockwood said she has received a subpoena as part of the Michigan … Center analysts that Hangar42's request for a state film subsidy is questionable. Chris Knape of The Grand … Attorney General's office were at the Michigan Film Office for two days collecting information for …

Commentary: A Legislative Agenda for 2014

Get back to the 2011 and 2012 reform agenda.

… end Michigan's transition out of it. -- Increase Gov. Rick Snyder's bid to cut $25 million out of wealth redistribution from Michigan taxpayers to film producers by making the total cut $50 million. In other words, zero-out this bizarre form of reverse-Robin Hoodism. -- Replace the extremely costly …

G.R. Press: AG's Office Knew About Hangar42 Months Ago; Legislators Addressing Transparency

Investigation wasn't announced until the day after Mackinac Center attorney called for it

… office knew about concerns regarding the Hangar42 film studio as early as February, according to a story … not officially announce an investigation of the film subsidy deal until a day after being called on … legislation that would increase transparency for the film subsidy program. "When the state is reluctant …

Media Covers Grand Rapids Movie Studio Deal After Mackinac Center Analysts Release Results of Months-Long Investigation

MEDC mum on Hangar42 deal

… of unanswered questions involving the Michigan Film Office, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. … investment in the project, through the state's film subsidy program. The project was touted by Gov. … that the movie studio principals and the Michigan Film Office could easily lay to rest questions about …

New Facts Exposed in Hangar42 Investigation

… facts to the pattern of information so far known about the proposed Hangar42 film subsidy deal. First, suspicions that the sale of the Hangar42 property … confirmed. This is significant, because it would mean that an $10 million "film infrastructure investment" subsidy might be granted with no actual money …

“Dis-Unity” Studios?

… station WDIV seems to indicate that a $146 million film production studio has instead become a boondoggle … former Michigan resident and current California film industry veteran Jimmy Lifton would return home … reduce or eliminate Michigan's best-in-the-nation film tax credits have slowed down all the state's studio …

Bad Week for Michigan Corporate Welfare Machine

… officially pulled on a monumentally hyped film infrastructure deal in Allen Park called … bringing new investment to the burgeoning film production community in Michigan, we … Head Greg Main chimed in with, "Our film program is just one component of our … heels of a damning indictment of the film program released last month by non-partisan …

Gov. Snyder’s Proposed Corporate Income Tax, Including Elimination of MEGA Program and Film Subsidies, Holds Promise for Michigan Economy, Analyst Says

‘Jobs’ programs not only failed, but distracted policymakers from effective tax reform

… announcement that Gov. Rick Snyder’s flat corporate income tax proposal would eliminate Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credits, including the film subsidy, represents a victory for taxpayers and good government, said Mackinac Center Director of Fiscal Policy Michael LaFaive. “This is a bold move …

Bad Week for Michigan Corporate Welfare Machine

… pulled on a monumentally hyped film infrastructure deal in Allen … investment to the burgeoning film production community in Michigan, … Greg Main chimed in with, "Our film program is just one component … a damning indictment of the film program released last month … Investigation of Embattled Film Studio Senator Says MEDC Should …

Cap Con Daily Has the Latest on Michael Moore

Controversy continues to swirl around the application for tax subsidies associated with a film by Michael Moore that attacks banks for taking bailout money. The Flint Journal and Detroit News are covering the issue, as is CNSNews. Tom Gantert, senior correspondent for Capitol Confidential Daily, provides …

Hangar42 in Court

The lead investor in a Grand Rapids-area film studio was in court Tuesday after being charged by the Michigan Attorney General's office with a felony … 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 …

Terror on the Boardman River

… to view the 1968 Halloween horror film classic "Night of the Living Dead" … opinion about halfway through the film, sparking a lengthy conversation on … on stage as guest speaker upon the film's conclusion. The speaker was none other than the film's writer/director, George Romero. His …

Climate Hustle 2 Movie Screening

Rise of the Climate Monarchy

… motives behind the climate agenda. The film features prominent scientists and policy … Marc Morano. Climate Hustle 2 is a film Al Gore, AOC, and the United Nations … syndicated columnist Cal Thomas: “No film debunks the faith of the climate change … and hosted by actor Kevin Sorbo, the film showcases many instances of Hollywood …

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game

Movie Screening

… to a special screening of the Moving Picture Institute original feature film Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game. In the film, pinball becomes a symbol of how the government imposes on people’s lives …

The Sound of Freedom

… Todd S. Purdum of the New York Times refers to the film as “the last picture show of its kind, a triumph … in Pittsburgh, 40 miles from our home, to see a film called “The Sound of Music.” I knew nothing of … but for me it was an epiphany. It’s my favorite film, and it always will be. ##### Lawrence W. Reed …

Testimony on House Bill 4907 and 4908

House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business

… Michigan spent $500 million on film subsidies in its previous film program. Yet the state failed to develop any film industry that could be sustained … its most expensive years, the film subsidy barely made a dent … there were a few hundred more film jobs in the state over this …

Our Accomplishments

… would have limited Detroit families’ educational choices. July 2015 Failed film subsidy program shuts down The Michigan Legislature ended the state's film subsidy program. The Mackinac Center was one of very few voices that opposed …

Michigan Capitol Confidential Election 2014 Coverage

… taxpayers, such wind power, film subsidies …” “During my time … Contrast Over Right-to-Work, Film Subsidies, Detroit Bailout … (Rep. Daley) has voted for the film credits about every time." … Green said. "In my opinion, the film credits are a waste. According … be giving a penny toward the film credits.”  "He (Sen. Green) …

Weak Movie Subsidy Support — Even With 73 Percent of Cost Not Shown

… opposition than support for the film subsidy. The total used by … delay between the time when a film credit is approved and when … state cuts the check to the film company. When conducting the … have access to the Michigan Film Office’s 2010 report, which … money underwrote the cost of films made in Michigan since 2008, …

Filmmaker Tax Subsidy Also Pays for Out-of-State Spending

… understanding is that the Michigan film tax subsidy offers up to 42 … movie companies spend while filming in this state. But an analyst … Frontier Boys. The movie was filmed in West Michigan and is about … movie company while making the film. It received a $223,341 tax … roughly 42 percent of the film’s total expenses. But Hohman …

Fiscal policy favoritism hurts everyone

Michigan can’t recover without a better business climate

… the cost of production of goods and services. Recent history shows this. Film production subsidies failed once before in Michigan even with $500 million … the evidence to the contrary. There is no independent evidence to suggest film production subsidies work well anywhere. The Strategic Outreach and Attraction …

Analysis: Broken Windows on Display in Michigan Senate Finance Committee

… the director of the Michigan Film Office, defended the state's film subsidy program in a Senate … Michigan currently grants film producers a combination of … This is the nation's richest film subsidy program. The "broken … and Jones mentioned that the film industry is generating some …

The MFO’s Questionable Numbers

… exclude from their calculations film spending that probably had … but also because the Michigan Film Office did not appear to have … spent in Michigan by the 32 films for which they had data,[160] while the Film Office stated that total Michigan … were $125 million for the 35 films for which it had data (the …

HBO Cancels Taxpayer-Supported 'Hung'

Analyst: 'There are no free lunches, even in Hollywood economics'

… three seasons. The show was filmed in Detroit and the surrounding area. The Michigan Film Office estimates the production … $2.7 million back from the film subsidy, comprising about 38 … expenditures. The Michigan Film Office receives the film subsidy money from taxpayers. …

How you tax is almost as important as how much you tax

Deciphering good tax policy takes more than a look at lost revenue

… requests from special interests for favors, often through the tax code. Film producers want taxpayers to pay for the costs of filming. Businesses want more selective handouts; even gig businesses have already …

The MSU Study Fails to Include Costs, Producing a Flawed Methodology

… which oversees the Michigan Film Office, commissioned Michigan … impact of the spending done by films receiving refundable tax credits under the Michigan Film Incentive program. The resulting … exclude from their calculations film spending that probably had … but also because the Michigan Film Office does not appear to have …

Education Group Documentary Aims to Show 'Kids Aren't Cars'

… fail students and parents. The film is being produced as a series of short films uploaded on the website. "If … school administrator in the film’s trailer (seen below). The … the EAG and says he made the film in order to show "what’s really … current system. "I hope this film shows the problems, but more …

Frank Beckmann Uses Mackinac Center Research

… against the continuation of film subsidies, which benefit a … all taxpayers. Michigan’s film subsidy program has cost taxpayers … safety. When talking about film subsidies, Beckmann referred … showed there were fewer Michigan film jobs in 2013 (1,561) than in 2008 (1,663). 2008 is when the film subsidies started. Beckmann …

Michigan Capitol Confidential Vote History

… plug-in traction battery packs used in electric cars. "Politically Correct Capitalism" - Lawmakers voting on whether to GIVE SUBSIDIES for Michigan film production. "Politically Correct Capitalism" - Lawmakers voting on whether to INCREASE ELECTRIC CAR SUBSIDIES for a subsidiary of a Korean battery …

Red Dawn Finally Rising In Michigan

Movie remake hits big screen thanks to $16.7 million from Michigan taxpayers

… movie debuts Nov. 21. It was filmed in Michigan in 2009 and the film company received $16.7 million in film credits from Michigan taxpayers. … benefit from the Hollywood film subsidies," said Leon Drolet, … Alliance. "The premise behind film subsidies relies more on science …

SuperSubsidies

… suggests why she thinks the latest Batman movie was filmed in Detroit, saying the despair and hope of the … story — the Superman-Batman movie was handed a film incentive of $35 million in August by the Michigan Film Office, which is among the most lucrative deals …

Housing Expenses Among the Perks Michigan Residents Pay for Big Hollywood

… Superman-Batman movie was awarded a film incentive of $35 million in August by the Michigan Film Office for a projected $131 … spokeswoman for the Michigan Film Office, said living expenses … not qualify." The Michigan Film Office lists housing as an … its FAQ for producers. Many films in Michigan have spent millions …

A Violation of State Law’s Reporting Requirements

… year.[153] On March 2, 2009, the Film Office submitted the report, which listed 35 films that had completed filming in 2008. The document — less … pages of content — stated that "Film Industry refundable tax credits … detailed breakdown of each film company's spending. Hoekstra …

Michigan Households Paid $9 Each for Batman v. Superman

And that's before buying a ticket

… ForTheRecord says: The Michigan film office granted the production … household has 2.63 people). The film’s production company received … last month, according to the film office. The Michigan Legislature ended the state's film incentive program last year, … $653,000 for six employees at the film office.