FilmEmerge has expanded services from providing a directory of resources and talent to include courses.  Question is – will the money stay within Michigan? Some of the courses are bringing instructors in from Hollywood.

They recently established the FilmEmerge Foundation…
As a 501(c)3, Michigan based non-profit organization. The FilmEmerge Foundation provides scholarships to deserving youth and retraining opportunities for displaced workers interested in the art of film documentary, narrative filmmaking and positions in major motion picture productions.

Gran Torino is a film that received a lot of coverage when recently filmed here. It was not eligible for tax incentives because it brought people from outside Michigan to work here. Sure those people coming in brought money to businesses during their stay while filming, however that money headed home (outside Michigan) once filming was complete.

The lesson for film makers is to train the talent you wish to use, get them the tools and skill with them for your production.

Filmemerge’s directory of talent is not alone. Sites have been springing up every week offering to be a source for film talent. How many do you have to sign up on? Which are actually being used to prospect for resources by film makers with a valid budget and support? Sites like the Michigan Film Office’s directory require a fee to be listed on them.  Is the fee worth the investment?

Are those staffing films going to the paid site over these free sites and why? Status of the site having valuable connections and content is often the key.

We’ve found that FilmEmerge has answered all of the questions, and then some.