Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s April 11 interview concerning Michigan’s film incentive package

Here is an interview of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm done on April 11, 2008 concerning Michigan's film incentive package for qualified companies looking to produce movies and TV shows in Michigan, using Michigan as a site for shooting and hiring Michigan workers:

April 11, 2008 Interview

This is Governor Jennifer Granholm.  This week, I signed into law the most aggressive film incentive program in the nation; part of an overall economic stimulus package I unveiled in my state-of-the-state address less than three months ago.  Michigan is no stranger to movie making.  Remember, “Somewhere in Time,” “Hoffa – Presumed Innocent,” “Road to Perdition,” “Super Sucker,” to name just a few of the movies filmed here.  Our new film incentives will result in many more films being shot on location, but just as importantly, we have set the stage now to grow an industry that will provide good paying, long-term jobs for Michigan workers.  We are encouraging the production of movies and TV shows, the creation of film industry infrastructure, and the hiring of Michigan workers for the wide range of jobs that exist in this industry.  Hollywood will know what we know – Michigan has a strong workforce, a strong work ethic and great locations.

We are investing in this new industry for several reasons.  Every dollar spent in film production will generate up to $3.00 in economic activity in Michigan.  These new laws are timed perfectly to attract business to Michigan from Canada, where the higher Canadian dollar is causing filmmakers to move production to alternative locations.  We also believe the film industry can give our economic an immediate shot in the arm, while it takes years to reap the benefits of other economic development incentives.  Consider this; each year the Michigan film office averages six scripts from companies interested in filming in Michigan.  Today, we are reviewing nearly 80 scripts from companies interested in doing business in Michigan.  That level of interest is tantamount to getting rave reviews on opening night.

The film industry is a strategic growth industry for Michigan.  It’s the second largest, high-tech, high-paying, non-polluting industry in the world.  It generates over $50 Billion in direct domestic economic activity each year.  All we need to do is to look at the experience of other states to know that we can grow our own industry in Michigan.  Louisiana’s film incentives grew film industry spending from $7 Million to almost $350 Million in that state, supporting nearly 19,000 jobs.  New Mexico has grown its film industry from $1.5 Million to $476 Million within two years thanks to projects like Albuquerque Studios, a new $100 Million facility that employs up to 2,000 people when productions are in full swing.

I want to congratulate and thank our Michigan legislature for its bipartisan support of these new film production incentives.  It’s a perfect example of what we can do when we’re committed to growing our economy and creating jobs.  So everyone, get ready, the movies are coming to Michigan – not just the latest releases at your local cinema (though there is nothing I enjoy more than taking in a good movie), but the multi-billion dollar movie making industry and all the jobs and economic investment it creates.

Thank you for listening.