(AP) -- A study by an accounting firm says Michigan's film incentives generate nearly $6 in economic activity for every dollar spent.
The Traverse City Convention and Vistors Bureau was one of the sponsors of the study.
The Detroit Free Press says the Ernst & Young study released Monday shows that the production of movies and TV shows in Michigan during 2009 and 2010 generated $812 million in economic output and 6,491 full-time equivalent jobs.
A Senate Fiscal Agency previously said the incentives generate 10 cents in new tax revenue per dollar spent.
Gov. Rick Snyder's first budget proposal calls for the elimination of the film tax incentive program - one of the most generous in the nation - and orders a $25 million cap on film credits starting later this year. Current commitments would be honored.
The program refunds 40 to 42 percent of qualified expenditures.
There have been several films produced in Northern Michigan since the film incentive was first introduced.
In fact 129 projects wrapped in Michigan since the incentives passed in 2008. 48 wrapped in 2010 with many more being planned in the coming year. You can see a full list of the films produced in Michigan HERE.
Movie scouts can actually log onto the Michigan Film Office website and check out different movie locations. You can see the site and the locations available for film production by CLICKING HERE.
A Michigan Film Industry Town Meeting will be taking place Thursday. Details on the event are below:
An organizational and informational event to most effectively communicate to Michigan's legislators, governor and voting public why the film incentive program (among other issues), should be preserved.
WHEN: Thursday, February 24, 7:30pm
WHERE: Maxsar Studios
38099 Schoolcraft Rd. (east of I-275, on south side of I-96 freeway)
Livonia, MI 48150
Featured Speakers:
Mitch Albom, Free Press Columnist
Mike Binder, filmmaker and Michigan native
Andy Meisner, Oakland County Treasurer, and former State Rep.
Philippe Martinez, Maxsar Studios CEO
Emery King and Jim Burnstein, Chair and Vice-Chair, MFO Advisory Council
Ken Droz, Consultant and former MFO Communications Mgr.
Others to be announced.
Provided will be various evidence and informational points, legislators' names and contact info, and strategic methods on conveying the most effective message possible, for legislative officials and districts statewide.
To see a list of state by state statistics on film production CLICK HERE.
Information on the Michigan Film Office is available by clicking HERE.
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