Michigan Film Office Update

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Pure Michigan (R) Michigan Economic Development Program THIS JUST IN
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Film and Digital Media Partners, 

Many of you have contacted our office in response to recent news reports and articles about Michigan’s film and digital media incentive appropriation for Fiscal Year 2016. Although we are currently within the legislative appropriation process, I want to offer some clarification and updates of the Michigan Film Office’s proposed budget and what lies ahead. 

With the overwhelming failure of Proposal 1 earlier this month, the legislature has been doing their due diligence to review all programs and prioritize taxpayer dollars. To this effort, from the original recommendation of $50M, the legislature has proposed reallocating $25M. Of the remaining $25M, approximately $19M would be dedicated to resolving a long-term obligation. The remaining $6M would be utilized by the Michigan Film Office to support small independent film and digital media projects. As news reports are posted/published speculating about the future of the film office, please know the Michigan Film Office is gathering information and critically assessing the impact and implications of the proposed budgetary reduction. 

As you know, the Michigan film and digital media incentive has a record of volatility. When I first assumed this position, I met with many of you to listen and determine how we could work together to find ways to further develop economic opportunities in the film and creative industries in our state. With your help, the Michigan Film Office released the 2015 Strategic Plan with the goal of sustaining the film and creative industries, regardless of the volatility associated with the incentive program. 

The film office was created in 1979. Yet since 2008 with the creation of the film credit, the office has been defined narrowly as a manager of the film credit/incentive program. Many of you already know the film office does much more to support the film and creative industries and shouldn’t be defined as just an incentive program manager. 

Please consider the 2015 Strategic Plan as a framework to help sustain the Michigan Film Office and foster economic growth of Michigan’s indigenous creative industries. Regardless of what happens with the film incentive program, I hope we can count on your help in implementing the recommendations in the strategic plan as we work together to change the perception and appreciation for the film and creative industries in Michigan. 

Sincerely, 

Jenell 

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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