| Film and Creative Industry Partners,
Following-up on last week’s update, today the legislature
passed House Bill 4122. As a reminder, the version of the bill that passed
Senate committee last week included language that would end the incentive
program as of October 1, 2016 and also eliminate the Michigan Film Office. The
bill that passed the legislature today removed the language that would
eliminate the MFO; however, changes were made that would end the incentive
program as soon as the legislation is signed into law. The bill passed the
Senate, was concurred upon in the House and is headed to Governor Snyder for
his signature.
The Michigan Film Office has undergone several transitions
since its creation back in 1979. With each new chapter, the mission of the film
office has always remained strong. Even though the film incentives will soon
become a program of the past, the Michigan Film Office will remain intact. We
will continue to work and communicate with our current applicants to ensure we
uphold the integrity of the office and the incentive program for as long as it
is still in effect. We remain committed to the growth of a unique
industry that provides a positive impact and diversity to our state.
As we write the next chapter, there is a significant need
for the creative industry to help us take ownership of the future. That means
collaborating and speaking in one voice as we promote Michigan as a place where
filmmaking and digital-media industry are thriving.
Several months ago, we began an outreach campaign to
reach out to constituents in the creative industries. The aim was to find ways
to be timely, responsive and create a stronger sense of engagement throughout
the diverse creative industry. The result of that outreach is the Michigan
Film Office Strategic Plan, which calls for the creative industry to
participate in the promotion, education alliance and public-private
partnerships. Considered collectively, these three pillars will elevate the
profile of the film and digital media industry in Michigan.
While innovation and sustainability are vital to economic
development in Michigan’s core industries, continual growth isn’t possible
without creativity and a sense of ownership in the state’s future. The presence
of the Michigan Film Office is a means to raise the international profile of
the state’s commitment to enhancing the Michigan’s image as a place of
innovation and welcoming to creative professionals of all types.
Sincerely,
Jenell Leonard
Michigan Film Commissioner
Michigan Economic Development
Corporation
300 N. Washington Square | Lansing, MI 48913
Office: 517.373.3456
MFO@michigan.org
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