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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