In April 2008, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed into law the most aggressive film incentive program in the nation. While Michigan has attracted interest from tinsel town for a number of years, it has never been at the level seen in the past year.
Detroit Metro Airport has been the site of two major film shoots, “Prince of Motor City” and very recently Up in the Air. According to the Michigan Film Office, 45 projects have been given approval to take advantage of all that the state has to offer, filming portions of their work in Michigan. The Film Office estimates the total movie-related spending in the state for these projects to be nearly $493 million.
The Wayne County Airport Authority staff continues to work with studio executives in preparation for additional activity this year. I am happy to share in the excitement of this new filming initiative and thrilled to have the airport continue as an important part of the economic engine that powers Southeast Michigan.
