Beverly Hills, CA – The 2nd Annual Film Detroit Panel Discussion took place Tue night, March 23rd at the WGA West Theatre in Beverly Hills. Twelve expert panelists from Detroit and their supporters traveled from Detroit to Los Angeles to present and answer questions about the state of the Michigan Film Industry. The two hour event was hosted by Chris Baum of Film Detroit and featured two panelist discussions – ‘People’ & ‘Places’. Over 200 attendees, mostly representing various Los Angeles based entertainment and production companies, came to learn more about the emerging Michigan Film Industry.
Panel #1: ‘People’ expert panelists included: Paul Fitzpatrick (Entertainment lawyer for Dickinson Wright), Ele Bardha (SAG Council Member), Joe Bessacini (Cast & Crew), and Carrie Ray (Owner of Carrie Ray Casting). Discussion topics centered on the growing experience level of Michigan cast and crews, moving of productions from Iowa to Michigan after the freezing of the tax credit in that state, availability of numerous cheap Detroit filming locations including hospitals and schools, and, of course, several questions concerning the details of the Michigan tax credit law.
Panel #2: ‘Places’ expert panelists included: Bart Rosenblatt (Producer of ‘The Irishman’), Jeff Spilman (Managing partner of S3 Entertainment Group), and Tony Wenson (Studio Operations Director for Raleigh Studios Michigan). Discussion topics for this session centered on the state incentive process, the status of the new Raleigh Studios in Michigan, and the new production permit processes for local cities.
A hosted reception followed the panel sessions and provided an opportunity for the Detroit and Los Angeles film communities to discuss together in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. There was definitely a buzz in the air and the feeling that this is just the beginning of more good things to come for film in Michigan. After all, it is at events like this where partnerships are formed and deals are made in the City of Angels!
Thanks again to Film Detroit for the great Detroit hospitality shown and for putting on such a first class event!
The event Tuesday really excited me about bringing two project to the Detroit area. It seems as time has past everyone is getting more in tune with our industry and are better prepared to handle filming activity.
The event itself enlightened me on the various locations available. As for MPC, with two period feature films, Detroit locations will work great!
Thanks to the Film Detroit committee and my contact Xenia Hunter for the great hospitality!
John Cummings
The Motion Picture Co. Inc.
Burbank – Orlando (and maybe Detroit)
Comment by JC Cummings — March 25, 2010 @ 6:10 pm