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Video Games Approved for Digital Media Incentives

LANSING – The Michigan Film Office announced today two digital media projects -- Blue Goji Boxing and Freaky Deaky Flashback Mobile Video Game -- have been approved for film incentives from the state.

"Digital media projects like these tap into the immense programming and engineering talent located here in Michigan while helping to support a growing digital media industry," said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office.  "Having infrastructure that supports video game development and post-production work gives Michigan an advantage in attracting new and diverse projects to the state."

Blue Goji Boxing is an interactive boxing game that allows users to jump into the ring and go toe-to-toe with some of the toughest competitors from around the world. Players will box in first-person view and engage in cross-training exercises, including jump roping and jogging to gain bonus points and improve physical fitness.

Southfield-based Pixo Entertainment will develop and produce the video game. The project was awarded an incentive of $51,300 on $171,000 of projected in-state expenditures. The work will be done by existing employees at Pixo Entertainment.

The Freak Deaky Flashback Mobile Video Game is based on the Freaky Deaky story by Elmore Leonard and the movie of the same title that filmed in Detroit last year. In the game the player assumes the role of undercover FBI agent Daniel Jacobs and is immersed in the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s.

The project was awarded an incentive of $78,470 on $286,000 of projected in-state expenditures. The mobile video game will be developed by Adventure Club Games and produced by East Lansing-based Eyde Studios.

To date in 2012, eight projects have been awarded a total of $16,247,353 on $55,385,454 of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 850 Michigan hires with a full time equivalent of 238 jobs.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. Film Review Committee, comprised of senior MEDC staff including the Michigan Film Commissioner, reviews all completed applications.

Using the statute to guide approval decisions, preference is given to projects that best meet the following criteria:
* The production is financially viable.
* Utilization of existing infrastructure (studios, post-production facilities, equipment rental, 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.

The Michigan Film Office was created in 1979 to assist and attract incoming production companies and promote the growth of Michigan's own film industry. The Film Office also administers the incentive program for film, television and other digital media production in Michigan.

More at http://MichiganAdvantage.org.

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