New Basketball Flick Approved For Film Incentives
LANSING (WWJ) - A new flick is slated to receive incentives from the state to film here. The movie "Gametime" is expected to shoot in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and East Lansing.
The film was awarded a tax incentive of $498,868 and is estimated to spend about $1.2 million in the state. The project is expected to hire 59 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 10 jobs.
"This project combines great Michigan locations with some of Michigan's beloved sports icons making it a great opportunity to showcase our state," said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office, in a statement. "With post production work being done at Kinetic Post in Southfield and nearly all the cast and crew being hired from right here in the state, this is a solidly Michigan-based production."
"Gametime" will follow a pair of college basketball stars and feature cameos from former college and pro ball players from Michigan.
Michigan State University basketball star Delvon Roe and actor Beau Mirchoff have been cast to play high school teammates Malik and John.
All applications for film incentives receive a thorough review by a Michigan Economic Development Corp. committee comprised of the senior vice president of marketing and communications, the senior vice president of policy, the vice president of business development and the director of the Michigan Film Office.
Under the current statue, preference is given to projects that best meet the following criteria:
* The production is financially viable.
* Utilization of existing infrastructure (studios, post-production facilities, film labs, etc.).
* The number and wage levels of direct jobs for Michigan residents created by a production.
* Ability to show Michigan in a positive light and promote the state as a tourist destination.
* Magnitude of estimated expenditures in Michigan.
