The fifth annual Traverse City Film Festival is not only drawing in national crowds but benefiting the area.
TRAVERSE CITY -- For Rich Brauer, the film industry is his specialty. Being in the business for more than 30 years he knows a thing or two about directing and producing. So, having the fifth annual Traverse City Film Festival underway is something he's been looking forward to.
"Having the Traverse City Film Festival in this town is amazing. I have never seen an event draw the culture together as well as this festival has," says Brauer.
Brauer says each year the festival continues to draw in larger crowds all to see screenings and films. It's this atmosphere he says that helps put Traverse City on the national map.
"The type of crowd that the film festival attracts is really an ace-crowd. They all want to have fun, all want to watch movies...There are people from all walks of life but they all have this craving to be a piece of history here," says Brauer.
Plus, during a time when Michigan's economy is not stable, it's upcoming areas like the film industry that Brauer says are crucial.
"Anything you can do to stir up an industry is a good thing and the film festival has certainly attracted a lot of attention from that point...The film industry is one that is lively, it's perceived and it definitely creates jobs and it's all good. So I think it's a good effort," says Brauer.
It's this continued effort including the recent film incentive package and local events like the film festival helps make Michigan a credible location for film making.
"It's one thing to make a film, but the bottom line is to make money....And Michigan production has to prove itself to Hollywood. They know how to make films and what's happening. Now it's the film makers wanting to jump in but they have to ramp up and be a good player in this thing," says Brauer.
