PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) - Michigan's movie makers are trying to write a happy ending to the film incentive saga. Lawmakers are proposing cuts to the rebate program, so producers and directors gathered Monday night to rally against those cuts.
Hollywood in Michigan puts on a show, but this is for real. Producers, directors and even local celebrities showed up in downtown Pontiac to a rally to fight to keep the film incentives intact.
"Those of us who helped craft this thing came up with a blazing marquee number of 40 percent because we knew it was the best in the country," said Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press columnist, WJR-AM 760 radio host, and successful screenwriter. "We knew we had to invite an industry that had never really been here before and hope they would say, 'Well, let's go to the state of Michigan.' "
Organizers also featured people like Nathaniel McClure, who just moved here from LA. McClure owns a growing video game business. He says the incentives brought him to Michigan.
At issue is the amount of money being invested in the incentive program. The governor has proposed lowering the rebates from 42 to 37 percent, which would still keep it among the most competitive in the county. But some lawmakers like State Senator Nancy Cassis think capping the program is an even better move.
No changes have been made yet to the incentive program, but it could happen within the coming weeks.
