michigan film incentive

Why Film In Michigan?

In 2008, Michigan announced the most generous filming incentives in the Nation.

As Michigan residents, we want to play a serious role in making the film Industry thrive in Michigan. A new industry brings a major opportunity to the State. Michigan is equipped with a ready workforce, facilities, and astounding locations.

The Film and Entertainment industries are in the State's DNA.

Think about the names that Michigan has given the world of Entertainment:
Madonna, Eminem, Jeff Daniels, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Moore, Tim Allen, Anita Baker, Earvin “Magic” Johnson (an athlete, but “Magic” makes the list), Kid Rock, Iggy Pop, Gilda Radner, Diana Ross, Steven Seagal, Bob Seger, Tom Selleck, Robin Williams, and Stevie Wonder - to name a few.

These names represent what Michigan can offer the Film industry, world class talent and capability.

The Best Film Incentives in the Nation

Outlined here are the incentives that are going are making Michigan a serious player in the film industry.

• The breaks and incentives apply to full-length films not commercials. All projects must be approved prior to production.
• A 40% cash rebate across the board on pre-approved Michigan expenditures (30% for compensation paid to non-Michigan production crew members), with a spending threshold of $50,000.
• Why film anywhere else? It is possible to film a $20,000,000 production on a $12,000,000 budget!
• An additional 2% cash rebate on most production expenditures if the production company films in the states core communities (basically urban areas).
• A 50% workforce development tax credit against the Michigan business tax for hiring and training current Michigan crew members to a higher skill level.
• Other incentives include a low interest loan program and a 25% tax credit for infrastructure investments. With infrastructure investments, construction must start within 180 days of state approval. The credit is not refundable, but it is transferable and can be carried forward for up to 10 years.
• Note, there is a stipulation to the package. There is a salary cap. The salary cap is $2 million per employee. There are no other financial caps and there is no deadline for completion of a project, although filming must start within 90 days of state approval.
• The state has allowed certain officials to authorize the use of property under their departments control without charge for the purpose of producing a film.

Why We're Here

In addition to incentives, Michigan offers a whole lot more to the Industry

As of today, The Producer's Guide to Michigan has over 1,000 businesses and services in our directory ready to serve the Film Industry. The infrastructure exists to support this business. We're here to connect Filmmakers with qualified and very capable Michigan resources.

Michigan is our Home