Two More Films OKd For State Incentives

LANSING (WWJ) -- The Michigan Film Office announced that two feature films, "The Adventures of Mickey Matson & the Pirates Code" and "Writer's Block," have been approved for a film incentive from the state.

"The Adventures of Mickey Matson & The Pirates Code" will shoot on location this fall in Manistee, Ludington and Muskegon as well as at 10 West Studios.

"We are thrilled Mickey Matson is back in action and will again be showcasing many of the terrific destinations found along our Lake Michigan shoreline," said Margaret O'Riley, director of the Michigan Film Office. "Projects like this highlight the talent found here in the state -- from filmmaker Harold Cronk to the Michigan cast and crew he hires to bring this terrific series to life."

"The Adventures of Mickey Matson & the Pirates Code" was awarded an incentive of $232,090 on $766,151 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 49 Michigan workers with a full-time equivalent of three jobs.

In this follow-up to "The Adventures of Mickey Matson & the Copperhead Conspiracy," Mickey and his best friend Sully are forced to take on a mission to save the country from the evil plans of Admiral Ironsides. The Admiral and his crew have plans to deploy a new type of weapon, able to destroy every electronic device on earth. If Ironsides succeeds, it could be the end of the world as we know it.

"We are very grateful to the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their support of our film project," said director Harold Cronk. "We've put together an amazing team for Mickey Matson & the Pirates Code, both on the screen and behind the camera. We look forward to many future film productions right here in our backyard."

The feature film "Writer's Block," filming in Ann Arbor and metro Detroit, has also been approved for a film incentive of $345,544 on $1,139,340 of projected expenditures in the state. The project expected to hire 89 Michigan workers with a full-time equivalent of 12 jobs.

So far in Fiscal Year 2013, which ends Sept. 30, 28 projects have been awarded a total of $36,611,371 on $138,691,839 of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 1,937 Michigan hires with a full-time equivalent of 678 jobs.

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.