Feature Film 'Misled' Approved for Film Incentive
LANSING -- The Michigan Film Office announced Monday the feature film Misled has been approved for a film incentive from the state.
The screenplay, written by Michigan native Jonathan Stanley and Scott Baldyga of Los Angeles, tells the story of two brothers from southwest Detroit struggling to improve their lives.
The project will be filmed in metro Detroit.
"Michigan is home to a tremendous amount of creative talent," said Margaret O'Riley, director of the Michigan Film Office. "By supporting Michigan filmmakers like Jonathan Stanley we can draw attention to this creative spirit, while helping make projects like Misled a reality."
The project was awarded an incentive of $59,844 on $200,588 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 50 Michigan workers with a full-time equivalent of two jobs.
Misled is the story of Jason and Bobby -- two brothers fighting to make ends meet, any way possible, while coming to terms with their own troubled relationship. Baldyga will also direct the project and both Stanley and Baldyga, along with Kathryn McDermott, will be producers on the project. John Blackwell of Plymouth is the executive producer.
Four projects have been awarded a total of $455,945 on $1,591,789 of approved production expenditures in Fiscal Year 2013. These projects are expected to create 181 Michigan hires with a full-time equivalent of seven jobs.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) 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. For more on the Michigan Film Office, visit: MichiganFilmOffice.org.
