Clash over Michigan film incentives
From Sunshine Review
October 7, 2009 Business owners clash in the streets of Michigan after State-issued permits close down parts of Detroit for filming.[1]
[edit] Clash
Two business owners, Larry and Dianne Mongo, in a Detroit building they were not notified that film crews would block the street that is their customers' main parking area. They say they lost substantial business because they could not prepare.
On October 1, the film crew for "Highland Park" blocked off a part of the street and film crews for "Red Dawn" used a portion of the thoroughfare, as well.
The Mongos rent a space they intend to turn into a restaurant in the building. They got into a verbal confrontation with some of the "Highland Park" crew, during which the police were called. The Detroit Film Office, a city agency that deals with movie crews, is looking into the matter.
"As far as this office is concerned, the film production companies had the permission," to film, said Film Office Director Erica Hill. "But if [businesses] weren't notified, then, that's an issue. It's incumbent on [film crews] to make contact with people and they indicated everyone was informed."
Hill said the crews obtained city permits to close a section of Washington Boulevard and got permission from building owners. The unclear issue is whether the film crew or the building owner informed the building's tenants.[1]
[edit] Film incentives
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm pushed a fourteen bill package through the Michigan State Legislature until it passed on April 7, 2009. The package included House Bill 5841 sponsored by Andy Meisner, House Bill 5842 sponsored by Coleman Young, Jr., House Bill 5844 sponsored by Bert Johnson, House Bill 5848 sponsored by Robert Jones, House Bill 5852 sponsored by Dave Hildenbrand, House Bill 5853 sponsored Kathleen Law, House Bill 5854 sponsored by Ed Clemente, House Bill 5855 sponsored by Fred Miller, Senate Bill 1173 sponsored by Hansen Clarke, Senate Bill 1174 sponsored by Jud Gilbert, Senate Bill 1176 sponsored by Patricia Birkholz, Senate Bill 1177 sponsored by Jason Allen, Senate Bill 1178 sponsored by Tupac Hunter, and Senate Bill 1183 sponsored by Tony Stamas.
[edit] Crews
"I had no warning whatsoever until the day they closed off Washington," said Mildred Windham, owner of B'anna Boutique, a clothing shop in the building.
"I lost about $500 a day (for two days) because a lot of customers canceled. That's too bad, because I like movies being made in Detroit. But why do I have to sacrifice for their work and not even receive a warning?"
"We didn't need their permission, but we wanted to do it out of a courtesy," said Dave Krieger, location manager for "Highland Park."
Dianne Mongo said the production company delivered the agreement late and a clause in the agreement concerned her. It stated that all legal disputes must be resolved in Los Angeles courts. The location agreement would have paid the Mongos $250, but was never signed.[1]
[edit] External links
- Michigan government website
- "Moviemakers Risk Biting the Hand that Feeds Them," Mackinac Blog
- "Highland Park" on IMDB
- "Red Dawn" on IMDB
- Detroit Film Office website
[edit] References
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