Randall Emmett (producer of over 60 films) announced the opening of his new production company, in a press conference yesterday. The company is partnered with Sakonnett Capital Partners, LLC, and aims to help grow the film industry in Western Michigan with its assistance in tax applications, prefund tax credits, and connections to vendors.
Emmett's Grand Rapids Films and Services will assist productions in location scouting, securing office space, arranging sound stages, as well as hiring and training production crew. It will be located directly next to the West Michigan Film Office--a convenient location for producers to congregate, to get down to business and get this industry going.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
On-Line Auction
The West Michigan Film Office will be conducting an online auction to raise money for its services. Though it's merely in its conceptualization stage, we are coming up with some exciting items (possibly airline flight trips)to win. Stay tuned for developments!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Not a Casting Call
"30 Minutes or Less"
Fahey Dreher Casting would like to announce that, contrary to rumors floating about the internet (and multiplying daily), they are not booking the extras for the film 30 Minutes or Less. Fahey Dreher Casting has been handling the Midwest casting for principals but is not involved with the booking of extras. Please know that an announcement will be made soon regarding work as an extra on the film.
Fahey Dreher Casting would like to announce that, contrary to rumors floating about the internet (and multiplying daily), they are not booking the extras for the film 30 Minutes or Less. Fahey Dreher Casting has been handling the Midwest casting for principals but is not involved with the booking of extras. Please know that an announcement will be made soon regarding work as an extra on the film.
Location Alert!
We're looking for a couple locations in or around Grand Rapids, including:
A grocery store that has fresh products (fruit and vegetables) FOR 2-3 HOURS and a real hospital (waiting room and 1 room with equipment) FOR 1 DAY in or around Grand Rapids.
and
A closed bank for filming scenes for “30 Minutes or Less”.
Sam Tedesco, the location manager for the feature film, expounds upon this description:
A closed branch of a bank (within a 1 hour drive of Grand Rapids), either still owned by a bank or in private hands, with at least 6-8 teller positions and as large a lobby area as possible. If it’s a suburban branch, we’re trying to get one that is amongst other businesses and not set back from the road and heavily landscaped. Our bank needs to have the feel of being just outside downtown Grand Rapids, in a commercial district with more businesses and less residential sections like the neighborhood on Division south of Fulton, where the size of the buildings drops down to 2 or 3 stories. Ideally the bank would be a free standing building with its own parking lot. The more windows the better and a tile or terrazzo floor is better than carpeting, but not a deal breaker. We’ll need it for about 10 days (5 prep, 3 shoot, 2 wrap) sometime in August (exact dates are still being worked out), but we need to be able to show the director all options asap (in the next few days).
Sam Tedesco
Location Manager
"30 Minutes or Less"
A grocery store that has fresh products (fruit and vegetables) FOR 2-3 HOURS and a real hospital (waiting room and 1 room with equipment) FOR 1 DAY in or around Grand Rapids.
and
A closed bank for filming scenes for “30 Minutes or Less”.
Sam Tedesco, the location manager for the feature film, expounds upon this description:
A closed branch of a bank (within a 1 hour drive of Grand Rapids), either still owned by a bank or in private hands, with at least 6-8 teller positions and as large a lobby area as possible. If it’s a suburban branch, we’re trying to get one that is amongst other businesses and not set back from the road and heavily landscaped. Our bank needs to have the feel of being just outside downtown Grand Rapids, in a commercial district with more businesses and less residential sections like the neighborhood on Division south of Fulton, where the size of the buildings drops down to 2 or 3 stories. Ideally the bank would be a free standing building with its own parking lot. The more windows the better and a tile or terrazzo floor is better than carpeting, but not a deal breaker. We’ll need it for about 10 days (5 prep, 3 shoot, 2 wrap) sometime in August (exact dates are still being worked out), but we need to be able to show the director all options asap (in the next few days).
Sam Tedesco
Location Manager
"30 Minutes or Less"
The News: Straight up
With the stimulus of the tax incentives, cinematic endeavors are rising up and wrapping up, settling our state into the rhythmic flow of an establishing ecosystem.
Detroit is looking good with the ABC series “Detroit 187” and feature films “Vamps,” “LOL,” and “The Double.” If you're a fan of Gerard Butler's performances in movies like “P.S. I Love You” or the testosterone-steeped “300,” then you may anticipate his role as a “former drug dealing biker who finds religion” in “Machine Gun Preacher,” also approved to be filmed in Detroit this summer.
James Bond star, Pierce Brosnan, recently wrapped up “Salvation Boulevard” in Metro Detroit, much to the dismay of local fans who enjoyed the “star-sightings.” But cheer up, Detroit! You'll soon be welcoming super giants Richard Gere, Donald Trump, 50 Cent, and MTV. With so many big shots pounding the streets of Detroit, why not check out Grand Rapids as well? As Michigan's second largest city, with a blend of old and new city scapes and unique charm, GR is sophisticated enough to host a glitzy thriller, and quirky enough to hide mutants. The possibilities are only limited by our imaginations—and luckily, we've got a lot of that.
All glitz aside, the pecuniary pluses are taunting enough. According to the Michigan Film Office, the incentives have generated some 3,200 employment opportunities, and according to a study at Michigan State University, the 32 films (created during the first year of the incentives) spurred $65 million in spending and propagated 2,700 jobs. Oakland County is looking forward to some 3,000 new jobs (construction and otherwise) in its venture to compound the former GM building in Pontiac with an additional 185,000 square feet of construction, to erect the new Michigan Motion Picture Studio L.L.C.
What's next for Michigan? A booming round of ABC series: “The Whole Truth,” “Detroit 187,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and “Happy Endings” --procedural dramas and comedies, respectively—as well as a new superhero drama called “No Ordinary Family.” Sit back, ladies and gentlemen; you're in for a treat.
Detroit is looking good with the ABC series “Detroit 187” and feature films “Vamps,” “LOL,” and “The Double.” If you're a fan of Gerard Butler's performances in movies like “P.S. I Love You” or the testosterone-steeped “300,” then you may anticipate his role as a “former drug dealing biker who finds religion” in “Machine Gun Preacher,” also approved to be filmed in Detroit this summer.
James Bond star, Pierce Brosnan, recently wrapped up “Salvation Boulevard” in Metro Detroit, much to the dismay of local fans who enjoyed the “star-sightings.” But cheer up, Detroit! You'll soon be welcoming super giants Richard Gere, Donald Trump, 50 Cent, and MTV. With so many big shots pounding the streets of Detroit, why not check out Grand Rapids as well? As Michigan's second largest city, with a blend of old and new city scapes and unique charm, GR is sophisticated enough to host a glitzy thriller, and quirky enough to hide mutants. The possibilities are only limited by our imaginations—and luckily, we've got a lot of that.
All glitz aside, the pecuniary pluses are taunting enough. According to the Michigan Film Office, the incentives have generated some 3,200 employment opportunities, and according to a study at Michigan State University, the 32 films (created during the first year of the incentives) spurred $65 million in spending and propagated 2,700 jobs. Oakland County is looking forward to some 3,000 new jobs (construction and otherwise) in its venture to compound the former GM building in Pontiac with an additional 185,000 square feet of construction, to erect the new Michigan Motion Picture Studio L.L.C.
What's next for Michigan? A booming round of ABC series: “The Whole Truth,” “Detroit 187,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and “Happy Endings” --procedural dramas and comedies, respectively—as well as a new superhero drama called “No Ordinary Family.” Sit back, ladies and gentlemen; you're in for a treat.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Crew Call
"30 Minutes or Less"
The production team of “30 Minutes or Less” (the biggest film to come to West Michigan since the film incentives) is looking for crew and vendor support from the local and surrounding community. The film will be shot in Grand Rapids (or locations “30 Minutes or Less” from Grand Rapids) over the course of 8 weeks, beginning in late July. If you are interested in crewing the Stiller/Fleischer production, email your resume to 30minutesorless@gmail.com. (The regular IATSE regulations will be enacted for the production of this film.)
Urban Film Project
The Michigan Film Company is conducting a general crew call for Producers and Production Assistants for the Urban Film Project. If you are interested, check out the website for more information and email movie48htd@yahoo.com with your resume.
The production team of “30 Minutes or Less” (the biggest film to come to West Michigan since the film incentives) is looking for crew and vendor support from the local and surrounding community. The film will be shot in Grand Rapids (or locations “30 Minutes or Less” from Grand Rapids) over the course of 8 weeks, beginning in late July. If you are interested in crewing the Stiller/Fleischer production, email your resume to 30minutesorless@gmail.com. (The regular IATSE regulations will be enacted for the production of this film.)
Urban Film Project
The Michigan Film Company is conducting a general crew call for Producers and Production Assistants for the Urban Film Project. If you are interested, check out the website for more information and email movie48htd@yahoo.com with your resume.
Casting Calls
"Stuck in My Ways"
Actors wanted for the Redline Cinema feature film “Stuck in My Ways.” Casting agents are searching for everything from principles down to extras. Auditions are this Saturday, May 29, between 10am and 6pm in Detroit. They will be expecting headshots and resumes (and demo reals, if available) and they are asking for actors to email talent@redlinecinema.com to request sides. Prepare one of the scenes that you like, and be ready, also, with a monologue.
If you are interested in commercial work, the people at Redline Cinema are also looking for models and Brand Ambassadors to promote an energy drink.
see website for more information.
"Maggie and Sylvia"
A feature film to be shot over the course of 3 days in Detroit. Film team is looking to cast the two leads, Maggie and Sylvia (ages 15 and 16 respectively). Email headshots/resumes to maggieandsylvia@gmail.com or see website for more information.
Independent Horror Film
For our Traverse City area actors, if you are interested in a fun acting gig involving (most likely) lots and lots of fake blood, email Nixmaurice@yahoo.com or see website for more information.
Actors wanted for the Redline Cinema feature film “Stuck in My Ways.” Casting agents are searching for everything from principles down to extras. Auditions are this Saturday, May 29, between 10am and 6pm in Detroit. They will be expecting headshots and resumes (and demo reals, if available) and they are asking for actors to email talent@redlinecinema.com to request sides. Prepare one of the scenes that you like, and be ready, also, with a monologue.
If you are interested in commercial work, the people at Redline Cinema are also looking for models and Brand Ambassadors to promote an energy drink.
see website for more information.
"Maggie and Sylvia"
A feature film to be shot over the course of 3 days in Detroit. Film team is looking to cast the two leads, Maggie and Sylvia (ages 15 and 16 respectively). Email headshots/resumes to maggieandsylvia@gmail.com or see website for more information.
Independent Horror Film
For our Traverse City area actors, if you are interested in a fun acting gig involving (most likely) lots and lots of fake blood, email Nixmaurice@yahoo.com or see website for more information.
Temporary crew opening for reality TV show
True Entertainment is hosting an episode of “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway” in Lansing. It's a 6 day shoot between June 7 and 12. They are looking for individuals to fill the positions of:
-Camera Operator
-Audio Technician
-Production Assistant
If you think you have the qualifications or experience to fill one of these spots in this fast-paced reality T.V. shoot, send your resume to alleyne@trueentertainment.net.
Let them know who you are—and what you can do—and gain some L.A. quality experience right here in Michigan.
-Camera Operator
-Audio Technician
-Production Assistant
If you think you have the qualifications or experience to fill one of these spots in this fast-paced reality T.V. shoot, send your resume to alleyne@trueentertainment.net.
Let them know who you are—and what you can do—and gain some L.A. quality experience right here in Michigan.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Volunteer Opportunities:
Rick Hert is looking for individuals to serve on an on-line auction committee to help raise money for the West Michigan Film Office. If you are passionate about bringing film into Michigan, interested in getting to know people in the business, and if you possess skills in project management and fund raising—we would love to get into contact with you. Email Rick Hert. Remember, the West Michigan Film Office is here to support the local economy through the film industry. As a non-profit organization, we are dependent on donations and our own self-sustaining creativity; your input would be greatly appreciated. “We are only limited by our imagination.”
Location Alert:
We are currently scouring the Grand Rapids area for some very particular locations for an upcoming movie (the title and details are being withheld)--and you can help! If you happen to know of a place in Grand Rapids--or within 30 minutes of driving from Grand Rapids--that seems to match one of the following descriptions, let us know. The location you suggest might just make it into the next big feature film of Michigan...
A remote location—that can be perceived as threatening and dangerous—characterized by wreckage, abandonment, or deterioration. It needs to be easily identifiable in daylight or darkness by some kind of structure or background site: an old factory, a rundown warehouse, an abandoned junkyard, dilapidated grain silos, a gravel pit, railroad tracks, a dam, etc.
An apartment complex (built post 1940's) featured on the road front, nestled between other buildings or complexes, and containing a minimum of 6 units.
A modest-sized office building (six stories max), built of modern materials (can be “brick or glass and steel”)--also on the road front. The location manager is asking for a complex with access to a roof level, with a relatively spacious stairwell—preferably open to sunlight.
A new, large house—built without a sense of historical architectural style or taste. It can either be imposing its presence amid smaller houses, or be separated by an indulgently large lot. (The kind of house that surrounding home owners find obnoxious.)
A high school surrounded by countryside. Built with all brick--no metal; the older the better.
Finally, we need clubs or bars with high ceilings (10 feet +) possessing unique character, with a parking lot (preferably separated form the street front—shielded or isolated in any way).
If you know of a location that sounds like a good match, feel free to comment on this blog or email Rick Hert at rick@wmta.org.
Rachael Pineiro - WMFO intern - Aquinas College
A remote location—that can be perceived as threatening and dangerous—characterized by wreckage, abandonment, or deterioration. It needs to be easily identifiable in daylight or darkness by some kind of structure or background site: an old factory, a rundown warehouse, an abandoned junkyard, dilapidated grain silos, a gravel pit, railroad tracks, a dam, etc.
An apartment complex (built post 1940's) featured on the road front, nestled between other buildings or complexes, and containing a minimum of 6 units.
A modest-sized office building (six stories max), built of modern materials (can be “brick or glass and steel”)--also on the road front. The location manager is asking for a complex with access to a roof level, with a relatively spacious stairwell—preferably open to sunlight.
A new, large house—built without a sense of historical architectural style or taste. It can either be imposing its presence amid smaller houses, or be separated by an indulgently large lot. (The kind of house that surrounding home owners find obnoxious.)
A high school surrounded by countryside. Built with all brick--no metal; the older the better.
Finally, we need clubs or bars with high ceilings (10 feet +) possessing unique character, with a parking lot (preferably separated form the street front—shielded or isolated in any way).
If you know of a location that sounds like a good match, feel free to comment on this blog or email Rick Hert at rick@wmta.org.
Rachael Pineiro - WMFO intern - Aquinas College
All You Can Dream
Auditions for principal roles in Valerio Zanoli's All You Can Dream were yesterday, but stay posted for information regarding extra work.
Get ready...
Don't miss “Locals in the Know” this Monday at our new location—the San Chez Bistro. Italian director Valerio Zanoli (The Minis, Hopeful Notes) will be present with a watchful eye, as he is in the process of casting his next movie, All You Can Dream. Mingle with other individuals engaged in the film environment, and rub shoulders with rising members of the production industry while enjoying tasty San Chez tapas. A casting director will be promoting upcoming projects, and local guest speakers (including Evan Coons from Compass Film Academy) will be discussing their learned prowess in the business, explaining how it's not always “what you know, it's who you know.” So get to know people—network—get yourself out there—by attending our mixer this Monday night and getting in on the Michigan film scene.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Welcome to our new Blog!
In order to provide our avid followers with maximum information regarding film in West Michigan, we have created this blog as another venue to post information regarding the latest news, casting calls, crew calls, and other such reports involving the film scene.
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