Marc G. Beginin, PLLC
2023 Hazel Street
Eton Street Station
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 593-1028
beginin@aol.com

Why Shoot in Michigan?

With 21 sound stages, full service 24/7 film labs, highly experienced film crews (remember all the industrial and commercial film shot by the Big 3 and their suppliers), a plethora of non-union talent as well as union actors supported by a SAG Branch Office, and scenes galore including big city skylines, industrial and urban grit, quaint and small town charm, four seasons and over 3,000 miles of coastline, Michigan is the ideal place to shoot feature and independent films. The following financial incentives offered by Michigan's legislature has been wetting the appetites of producers worldwide.

  2008 Michigan Filming Incentives in a Nutshell:

• Must spend at least $50,000 in Michigan to be eligible.
   

• 40% cash rebate, across the board on Michigan expenditures.
   

• Claim an extra 2% if filming in one of the 103 Core Communities in Michigan.
   

• Labor and Crew: 40%-42% Resident Below the Line. 40%-42% Above the Line regardless of domicile.  30% Non-resident Below the Line.
   

• There is also an infrastructure tax credit program as well as a nontransferable nonrefundable workforce development tax credit for hiring and training current MI crewmembers to a higher level.
   

• $2 million salary cap per employee per production. There is no other cap and no sunset.

Application must include: estimated Michigan expenditures, project type, Michigan production days, local hires and more. The company must send a script/storyboard, insurance documents, the budget, any confidential information requirements and the application fee of $100. The project must commence filming within 90 days of approval.

YOU MUST HAVE AN AGREEMENT APPROVED AND SIGNED BY BOTH THE MICHIGAN FILM OFFICE AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY BEFORE INCURRING ANY ELIGIBLE PRODUCTION EXPENSES.

This incentive became effective in April 2008.

Please contact the Law Offices of Marc G. Beginin, PLLC for more information.  Attorney Marc G. Beginin has been a card-carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1994 and has extensive experience in the film business in Los Angeles and Detroit.