Movies in Michigan

Recent exciting news in Michigan is the 42-percent tax break recently passed for those who make movies in Michigan. Already, a number of Hollywood writers and producers are lining up at the door to take advantage of the tax break.

Michigan already has had a plethora of famous names in movies, TV, and music. Madonna, Kid Rock, Jeff Daniels, Oliver Stone, Timothy Busfield, just to name a very few, and this year we even had a Survivor from Pinckney and have an upcoming Extreme Makeover: Home Edition showing in early November. A number of movies have already been filmed here over the years.

One notable movie was Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer filmed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in 1980. I had the privilege of staying on the island a year or so after filming was completed, and I toured the Grand Hotel. The remodeled areas of the hotel, due to the film, were still in evidence.

An article in yesterdays Lansing State Journal on Moviemakers of Michigan highlights much of the available talent this state provides.

Of special note: Postmark Paradise was written by Williamston's Dan Slider (My hometown). Also, in 2002 Jeff Daniels filmed Super Sucker in Jackson, MI where I was living at the time. Much excitement ensued! Several women I know played extras in that movie.

I actually got to meet Jeff and his wife at the Purple Rose Theatre when my daughter was an intern at the theatre. Very nice guy!

Not only will the movie crowd bring much needed dollars to this struggling state, but also an excitement destined to lift the spirits of Michiganders everywhere.

So, are you excited about this news? Are you willing to play a part in a movie? Which actor or actress would you most like to meet?