As a film student at MSU when I heard about the Michigan Filming Incentive, I was intrigued. I’ve read a lot about it, including the article written for The New York Times, “States’ Film Production Incentives Cause Jitters.” Let me first start by saying that I’ve lived in Michigan for 19 years, my whole life. However, throughout the years, I’ve watched Michigan’s industrial-age economy decline rapidly as my neighbors and friends’ parents lost their jobs. When I think of what the future holds for the state of Michigan, the first thing that comes to my mind is students. This is because we’re the ones that will be taking over the business world as the baby-boomers retire. I’m sure I’m not the first to say that no one is going to want to live in a state where there aren’t any jobs for them. Why do you think so many students go to out of state universities, or after attending a Michigan university, they find ample jobs in states like California, Chicago or New York? There wasn’t a reason for us to stay in Michigan.
The Michigan Filming Incentive would give students like me, and any other film, telecommunications, media, marketing, advertising or theater student a reason to stay in Michigan, buy one of the many foreclosed houses and start a career here.
Not only does this incentive open up a world of opportunity to students, but think of all the small businesses that benefit from it as well. When a producer is putting together a film, not only does a percentage of the crew come from Michigan, but another percentage is brought in from other film cities. These people need places to stay, restaurants to eat at and many other necessities and amenities that small Michigan businesses can provide.
In my mind and the mind of many others, including the top Hollywood producers, directors, filmmakers and agencies, the Michigan Filming Incentive is just a start to a great industry. It’s the foundation for something bigger, the opportunity to show the country what Michigan has to offer the most creative minds in the business.
On a more personal note, as a student I need to think about my career and what I can do with it. If the Michigan Filming Incentive doesn’t stay in place, and is in fact capped, I wouldn’t think twice about leaving this state behind and finding refuge in a place like California, New York or Chicago.
Danielle Schwartz
film studies sophomore
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