November Newsletter
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
November has already brought us midterm elections, ballot proposals, the closing of 2018 daylight savings time and the opening of deer season. We'd like to take a minute and give thanks to all the hard-working and talented men and women in the creative industries whose tireless efforts are slowly growing the creative economy and will fuel 21st century job growth in communities throughout the State of Michigan. Thank you all.
In this month's newsletter we take a closer look at America's Thanksgiving Parade, highlight our talented interns, chat with AccelerateKID's Thanh Tran, get prepped for Computer Science Education Week and more. We'd like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
America's Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van is Family Fun that Floats Through the Heart of Downtown Detroit
 Tomorrow kick's off the 92nd edition of America's Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van. The parade begins roll-out at 8:45 A.M. Hundreds of thousands annually attend the parade lining up and down Woodward Avenue in what has become a tradition for families across the region.
Parade Company President and CEO, Tony Michael's, when asked about America's Thanksgiving Parade remarked, "It is really the heart and soul event of Detroit. It brings people together and it has grown substantially in the past few years." The growth is evident with the addition of six new floats into this years parade. The Skillman Foundation, Lear Corporation, Wayne State University, Delta Dental, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Henry Ford Hospital all have entered floats into the 2018 parade.
This year's parade will be full of entertainment for all ages, with 26 floats, 12 bands and a wide variety of performances throughout the 2.7 mile parade route along Woodward. Famed sportscaster Jim Nantz is the Grand Marshall for the parade and will later have the call in the booth for CBS as the Detroit Lions take on the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. 2019 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Jack Morris will be on hand as well as Olympic athlete's Kyle Mac, and famed ice dancing pair the ShibSibs.
Boston Marathon winner, Desiree Linden will be the official starter for the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot in the morning and also participate in the parade. There will be a tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, with family members and the Detroit Cass Tech marching band playing her greatest hits.
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 In addition to putting on America's Thanksgiving Parade®, the Parade Company also supports numerous additional events, including the Ford Fireworks, the Hob Noble Gobble and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pancake Breakfast.
"This is an event that is for the people. It's in their hearts. They were raised by this event," says Michael's when speaking about how the Parade Company has sustained over the years. With nearly 1000 volunteers slated to be helping out over the next few days, it certainly appears that the people of Detroit take great pride and ownership of one of the cities showcase events.
Read
Detroit's Thanksgiving Parade 2018: What you need to know - Detroit Free Press
Website
https://theparade.org/
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MFDMO Interns Co-Produce Comedy Show at Michigan State University
 Beaumont producers, Lindsay and Megan walk the red carpet at the annual awards ceremony for MSU Telecasters.
Interns at the Michigan Digital Film & Media Office get the opportunity to work on the behind-the-scenes logistics of many of Michigan’s creative projects, supporting office staff in everything from organizing sponsorship packets to managing budget and financial information. Two of our former interns are now getting involved in creative projects themselves, working together to co-produce a comedy show at Michigan State University.
The Beaumont Bulletin is a news parody show, much like SNL’s Weekend Update or the Daily Show. It is created entirely by students and is a part of MSU Telecasters, the second largest student organization on campus. The show has three segments, one dedicated to topical headlines, an interview with a correspondent, and a debate with one of the show’s hosts. The show is run by two student producers, both of whom are former interns for the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office.
Megan Paladino, 21, is a senior majoring in Communications from St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She interned for the film office in 2016 and has been involved in the Beaumont Bulletin since her freshman year, starting out as a writer before climbing the ranks to producer, a role she’s now had for two years. “A good producer is somebody who is open to new ideas, but also knows when to cut back,” Megan says. “Someone who loves the show enough to know when it needs to change and be bolder.” She has learned a lot from being a producer, crediting Beaumont Bulletin with sparking her interest in politics. “Before working on the Beaumont Bulletin, I didn’t have much stake in the news,” she says. “Being a part of this show has taught me that I love producing and I love political satire.”
Lindsey Mutz, 20, is a junior majoring in Film Studies and English from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She began producing the show alongside Megan this year, at the same time that she began interning for the film office. Lindsey’s main area of interest is writing, so becoming a producer was a new challenge for her. “I feel much more comfortable on the creative side of our show,” she says, “so being in charge of things outside of writing jokes is both scary and exciting.” She was able to catch on quickly though, with the help of her co-producer. “Most of what I’ve learned about producing, I’ve learned from Megan. She’s really good at keeping the show on track, encouraging new ideas, and building up the next generation of Beaumont members,” Lindsey says. “She’s definitely the person I look to for an example of what I should be doing as a producer.”
The Beaumont Bulletin releases episodes every other week on Facebook, and though they do have a small viewership, that doesn’t lessen the passion everyone involved has for the show. “We don’t have a huge reach of people we’re not related to,” Megan joked. “But the great thing about Beaumont,” says Lindsey, “is that we don’t care about that at all.” Right now Megan and Lindsey are organizing their first ever live streamed episode, which will be broadcast live on the Beaumont Bulletin Facebook page on December 2nd at 1pm. Check their page for the newest episodes—like this one, featuring an ASMR-style debate with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. You can also check out their Halloween special here, and please follow the Beaumont Bulletin on Twitter and Instagram!
PS - Prior to the publishing of this month's newsletter, we learned our talented intern Lindsey Mutz has received an internship to work for Saturday Night Live. Congrats Lindsey. Well deserved and we wish you all the best in New York City!
MFDMO Seeking Interns for 2019 Spring/Summer Semesters
 The Michigan Film & Digital Media Office (MFDMO) is accepting internship applications for the Spring & Summer 2019 terms!* This is an UNPAID internship, but college credit can be earned.
This position yields many opportunities to learn about the services and programs provided by the MFDMO, work directly with the Film Commissioner and MFDMO staff and help cultivate and foster the economic growth of the creative industries in Michigan.
Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities
- Assist Commissioner and MFDMO staff members in the implementation of the 2015-2016 Strategic Plan that includes recommendations related to developing public/private partnerships, enhancing talent, strengthening relationships with colleges and universities and building the digital and creative sectors in Michigan
- Provide support to the MFDMO staff in organizing documents, streamlining processes, preparing records for reporting purposes and helping maintain office operations
- Participate in meetings with various industry partners (producers, writers, designers, and other creative entrepreneurs etc.), when available
Education and Experience
- Knowledge and experience in relevant software applications - spreadsheets, word processing, and database management
- Proficiency in spelling, punctuation, grammar and other English language skills
- Social media experience (optional)
- Ability to stay on task and ask questions for clarity (preferred)
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail
- Confidentiality
- Reliability
- Initiative
- Enthusiasm
Requested Time Commitment
- Minimum of eight hours per week (1 full day or 2 half days)
- Long-term commitment preferred (i.e. school term)
* Note: You must be actively enrolled in an academic program to be considered for an internship. Interested? Send your résumé to mfo@michigan.org or contact Lynn McNamara at the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office, 517-335-7197
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Northbound Series Has Two Free Screenings in December in the U.P.
This December catch up on the Upper Michigan-made #NorthboundSeries with two FREE screenings:
➟ Thursday, December 6th at 6pm: Ore Dock Brewing Company in Downtown Marquette
➟ Saturday, December 8th at 2pm: The Calumet Theatre on Main Street Calumet
These screenings will feature a new Director's edition of the entire #NORTHBOUNDstory so far, exclusive footage from the 3rd & final chapter, a Q&A discussion with the filmmakers, and sign-up opportunities to take part in future production dates. Learn More: www.northstarsaga.com
AccelerateKID, and Founder Thanh Tran, Makes STEAM Education Fun, Approachable for Kids
 Q: Thanh, thank you for taking some time for us. Can you give our readers a sense of your personal and professional background?
I am a serial entrepreneur that founded AccelerateKID® to teach kids grades K-8 about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education including computer programming, game design, robotics and digital arts. In less than 4 years, the supplemental education, after-school startup has two teaching centers, nearly 100 partnerships including schools and libraries, and have taught over 7500 young students. Thanh earned his Electrical Engineering Bachelors and Masters Degree from Michigan State University. He then worked for corporations like General Motors, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Eli Lilly & Company. After gaining experience in the pharmaceutical and health care industry, I co-founded tech startups including MentalNote, an electronic medical record system, and SchedFull, a scheduling software. He exited MentalNote in 2012 and sold his SchedFull shares in 2013 to start AccelerateKID. I am the recipient of the 2014 & 2018 Salute to Excellence Award from the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, 2018 Salute to Diversity Award from the Corp! Magazine and 2016 Startup of the Year Award from the Eastern Michigan University’s School of Business. Our AccelerateKID students won the 2014 Ernst & Young’s Youth Entrepreneurship Award and have spoken at TEDxDetroit. Currently, I sit on the Board of Directors for the National Entrepreneurs Association and an Advisory Board member for Schoolcraft College, the Oakland Schools, and the Michigan STEM Partnership. I also founded the Detroit New Tech group in 2010 to support the local startup community and Accelerate4KIDS Foundation, a 501c3, in 2016 to provide computer programming education to underprivileged communities and schools. I presently live in Novi, Michigan with his wife and two children.
Q: Excellent! For those who don’t know about Accelerate KID, can you share what the company is all about?
AccelerateKID® teaches students grades K-8 about the latest S.T.E.A.M. (Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. Math.) education including COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, GAME DESIGN, ROBOTICS and DIGITAL ARTS. All students also learn 21st-century skills including entrepreneurship, storyboarding, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills. We are committed to excellence in quality tech programming with our award-winning STEAM.org™ Accredited curriculum. We provide after-school programs at our teaching facilities, in schools and partnering with the local communities. We offer year-round classes, monthly clubs and seasonal camps. Our mission is to create future creators in a fun and educational environment.
Q: What are some ways that parents of young students and teachers can become involved with Accelerate KID?
Parents can enroll their child(ren) at one of our teaching centers for after-school classes, monthly clubs and seasonal camps. Kids will learn in depth about the technology they love playing with. We can also visit your local school, library and academic organization to do after-school clubs or one-time workshops to introduce students to the latest technology with fun and engaging activities.
Q: We enjoy having you as a partnering organization for our Google CS First program. Why are you so passionate about our youth receiving training in the computer sciences?
We need more computer scientists and STEAM-related professionals. For us to prepare our youth for the 21st century opportunities and to compete in the global market, we must introduce computer programing at an earlier age so they can be familiar with the fundamentals like math and reading. Understand the logic behind coding is critical to childhood development because it helps with problem solving, critical thinking and more. Everyone, including kids, use or play with technology everyday so encouraging them to take the next step to develop new games or tinker with robotics will only help them in the future.
Q: What are some emerging technology trends you believe today’s generation of youth will become the catalyst for driving in the future.
Kids play video games like Fortnite and Minecraft and so teaching them how to build their own Minecraft server or design their own mini-games only encourages them to go beyond playing and they don't even notice it. The next game, app or program that will be developed by this generation will be intuitive and won't require a manual to operate because that's what how they are playing and learning now. Other technology trends I notice are cyber security, 3D printing, artificial intelligent, augmented reality and virtual reality.
Q: You were recently recognized with the Salute to Excellence Award by the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce. What does the recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
It's important to me that we get these type of recognition professionally because it means I can go back to my team and say "we are doing something right". It's really about them (the staff). They work hard, see the potential of AccelerateKID®, and they are changing education for our youth everyday. And since I love my job and it' such an intricate part of my daily life that I don't separate it. I have hobbies like playing tennis and I eventually want to get better every time I play. I'm business owner (and a leader to my staff) and, like tennis, I want to get better as a business owner (and leader) to grow the company.
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December 3-9 is Computer Science Education Week; Schools/Teachers Asked to Participate by Teaching an 'Hour of Code'
December 4-10 marks Computer Science Education Week across the globe. The Michigan Film & Digital Media Office is passionate about getting kids involved in the computer sciences for several reasons, but none more so than the fact that computer science jobs will fuel our 21st century economy. Learning these skills early in a child’s education may well inspire them to continue this important curriculum throughout their academic careers. You never know…one of these children may one day turn into the next Larry Page or Sergey Brin (Google), or Bill Gates (Microsoft), or Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), or Elon Musk (SpaceX/Tesla), or Grace Hopper (female computer coding pioneer of the Harvard Mark I).
We urge Michigan teachers, schools and school administrators to help us celebrate this essential technology and inspire the next generation of computer science students. Simply visit www.csedweek.org or www.hourofcode.com and inspire kids across the State of Michigan to participate in Computer Science Education Week. Thank you.
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Accepting Minigrant Applications Through January 15, 2019
 The State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs 2019 Round 2 Minigrant Program is open and accepting applications through January 15, 2019 for projects occurring and completed between March 1 through September 30, 2019. Please visit the MCACA website for additional information https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industries/mcaca/ and click on “MCACA GRANTS” for minigrnat guidelines and information. The Minigrant program is a partnership between the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and Regional Regranting Agencies throughout the state determined by county.
ARTS PROJECTS MINIGRANT
*Arts Projects up to $4,000 for arts projects with a 1:1 cash and/or in-kind match (total project of $8,000)
*limited to arts & cultural and non-arts nonprofits registered in the state of Michigan, K-12 schools, and municipalities
MCACA Arts Projects Minigrant Round 2 DEADLINE to apply: January 15, 2019 11:59:59 PM EST
NOTE: Round 2 MG Arts Projects funding only available in Regions: 1a, 1b, 1c, 3, 4a, 6a, 7, 8, 10a and 10b
The Arts Projects Minigrant program is a competitive grant program that provides support for production, presentation and creation of arts and culture that promotes public engagement, diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening or livability of communities through locally developed arts and culture. Minigrant Arts Projects provide special opportunities to address arts and cultural needs locally. These projects connect communities with the world by exploring, sharing and supporting creative expression, and by doing, so they promote the health and well-being of communities and citizens throughout our state. We believe that by sharing creative experiences and expressing our creativity, we build powerful connections with the people we are closest to, with our community, the world around us and with ourselves. Minigrant Arts Projects provides up to $4,000 to support special opportunities and address arts and cultural needs locally. The grant can assist in promoting public engagement, diverse and distinctive art, lifelong learning in the arts and the strengthening or livability of communities. Through the arts, projects can support a broad range of artistic expression from all cultures through projects which preserve, produce or present traditional or contemporary arts and culture and/or arts education.
PROFESSIONAL OR ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (POD) MINIGRANT
MCACA Professional or Organizational Development minigrant Round2 DEADLINE to apply: January 15, 2019 11:59:59 PM
NOTE: Round 2 MG POD funding only available in Regions: 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 6a, 6b, 7, 10a and 10b
The Council recognizes the importance of on-going executive education and leadership development for professional arts administrators, artists and organizations. The Professional or Organizational Development (POD) Minigrants provide up to $1,500 to assist non-profit arts and cultural organizations, administrators and artists with opportunities that specifically improves their management and/or brings the artist or the arts organization to another level artistically. In addition, the Minigrant POD program provides Michigan, its artists and arts administrators, and arts educators a presence at national conferences and workshops. The POD minigrant is the only MCACA grant that an individual may apply to.
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Michigan Production Alliance Has a New Website and an Event About Making $$$ in Film/Video Production Next Week
The Michigan Production Alliance (MPA) has long supported the film/video production community through numerous educational training's, workshops and seminars. The benefit to joining the MPA is not only that you have access to their year-round programming and events, but you become part of a group of like-minded individuals who genuinely support one another, all while honing your own craft.
MPA recently launched a new website. Check them out at https://www.mpami.org/ and have a look around. Consider joining MPA or attending one of their many events held throughout the year.
Next Thursday, November 29th MPA is hosting an event called Let's Talk Money where attendee's can learn best practices about unlocking their earning potential in the film/video production world.
Michigan-Made "Man's Best Friend" to Launch First Trailer on Thanksgiving Evening
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Made-in-Michigan feature film "Man's Best Friend," or "MBF" as it has become affectionately known is set to release their first trailer at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening. To view the trailer, visit film's Facebook site at - https://www.facebook.com/MBFthemovie/.
To read the full release visit HERE.
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Upcoming Events
Nov. 28 - MiCareerQuestSE - Novi
Dec. 3-9 - Computer Science Education Week/Hour of Code - Globaly
Call for Entries
I See You Awards - January 26th (Regular Deadline)
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