Richardville: Michigan Botched $20M Film Deal

LANSING (WWJ) - Two big movies that were set to be filmed in Michigan are going elsewhere, and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville is blaming Gov. Rick Snyder's administration for botching a $20 million deal with Disney and Marvel Films.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick reported that Richardville, a Republican, is complaining that the Snyder administration, through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, mishandled negotiations and, as a result, two major contracts were lost.

"I have a bill that kind of defines new parameters for film credits," said Richardville. "We negotiated, the administration did, far below those parameters, and we lost it. So, it's a disappointment to say the least."

Richardville said the MEDC actually forced Marvel and Disney to go to other states.

In a prepared statement, a spokesperson for the MEDC said they put forth the best deal possible.