LANSING – Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) today announced her continued support for Michigan's film industry incentive program, which has created jobs and helped boost Michigan's economy by attracting the film industry to our state with the most competitive incentives in the country.
"Our film incentive package already has brought countless jobs to our hard-working men and women," Byrnes said. "Plans like this are exactly what our state needs to turn our economy around – we can't let these benefits slip away. We must continue to get Michigan up on the big screen – showing the world our Great Lakes, urban centers, small towns, forests, vineyards and beautifully changing seasons."
The bipartisan film incentive package that passed the House in 2008 makes it more affordable for production
companies to film in Michigan. Under the plan, Michigan filmmakers can receive a tax credit up to
42 percent. In addition, other tax incentives for private investments, loan programs and job-training expense credits
make Michigan one of the best bargains for production work. The incentive package also opens up state and local
government property such as parks, buildings, roads and landmarks to be used for free and with ease.
According to the Michigan Film Office, 12 projects have been filmed so far this year in Michigan, with another nine currently in production.
Byrnes also applauded the positive impact the film incentive program has had on Washtenaw County and its residents.
"Since the State of Michigan approved the film industry tax incentive in 2008, the Ann Arbor area has greatly benefited," said Mary Kerr, President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Our hotels have booked an additional 10,000 rooms, our local businesses, restaurants and bars have been patronized by actors and crew members, and otherwise vacant office and warehouse spaces have been rented by production companies. This tax incentive needs to be given a chance to prove its worth so the film industry can thrive in Michigan in the future."