Matt Campbell   Amy Fox   Jessica Puchala

WALKER, Mich. (WZZM)- During her State of the State speech, Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "From here on out, let's make movies in Michigan and let California make the budget dramas." She let the secret out during her State of the State address.

The world's largest sound stage is now open, right here in West Michigan. Hanger42 Studios is ready for business in Walker, in the former Lear plant.

The film tax incentives have brought hundreds of millions of dollars in productions to Michigan. Hanger42 Studios is an example of a permanent structure, to draw more movies to West Michigan.

They made airplanes in the building during World War II. They will make movies here in the 21st century.

Rick Hert of the West Michigan Film Office says, "This levels the playing field. This gives us the opportunity to sell the largest studio in the state, perhaps the Midwest, or the United States."

The former manufacturing plant on Alpine Avenue is now known as Hanger42 Studios. Hanger because of the airplane origins and 42 because it was built in 1942.

The building has already been used to film movies such as "The Gun" starring Val Kilmer and 50 Cent.

Now, Rick Hert of the West Michigan Film Office says Hanger42 is open and ready for business. He says, "Because of the size of this space we have the opportunity to have 3, 4, 5, 6 projects going in here at a time."

Building Owner Jack Buchanan sold the building to a group of West Michigan investors. They are taking advantage of the Michigan film incentive tax credits. Hanger42 spokesperson Tara Powers says, "The film industry continues to grow in the state. We do have the most generous tax rebates of any state in the union right now." Up to 42% in production tax credits. Hanger42 Studios is applying for infrastructure credits to offset the purchase and renovation of the building.

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