Producer Jeff Spilman is working on a film called "Gametime". (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -
The governor gave the green light this week for movie making in Michigan again. Act 2 you could call it, scene 1. The movie credits used to be $100-million. Now it's an incentive worth $50-million.
This second go around of filming in our state has some big names on the horizon. In fact, an application is being reviewed for a Las Vegas-style movie with Morgan Freeman playing an old friend to a character played by Michael Douglas and another Robert De Niro. The casinos here would make for quite a backdrop, and that's just one of at least four films ready or considering Michigan for movies.
However, it's not just feature films being shot here in Michigan that's so exciting. What about old films being brought back to life like Charlie Chaplin. It's happening in Southfield at Kinetic Post, and they're banking on incentive dollars.
Chaplin and other early 1900 movies are being restored right here in Southeast Michigan.
"I truly have the greatest job in the world. I'm able to work with classic films, meet classic actors. It is truly the greatest job ever," said Paul Gierucki.
He has helped bring movie magic from the twenties back to life. The Farmington Hills native is hoping Kinetic gets a piece of the $50-million pie.
"Let's hope. We'd like to move the production here full time and do everything, use Michigan artists, Michigan talent and produce here. We can do everything here that could be done in L.A., all of it done right here in Michigan," Gierucki said.
Twisters take center stage in a movie being filmed here called "Category 6". It is being shot at the Raleigh Studios sound stage. Then there's "Gametime", a movie that got the green light showing what happens behind the scenes of NCAA basketball. Delvon Roe and Danny Glover star in that brought to you by producer Jeff Spilman.
From the foundations of movie making to some of the biggest stars, Detroit will be filed with production trucks filming movies coming to a theater near you.
Spilman is also working with Kinetic Post to bring incentives to restore those classics. It's a big job with big money that can be made.
"A hundred films in a hundred years, restore them and then get them out there for distribution both on the Turner network ... as well as available for purchase for folks through iTunes and venues like that," Spilman said.
Both "Category 6" and "Gametime" will be rolling out their cameras throughout metro Detroit later this summer.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:29:01 GMT
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted.
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted. Officials say police gave the all-clear at Allen Park Middle School, Lindemann Elementary and Riley Education Center around 12:40 p.m. Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:07 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:07:12 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:49:41 GMT
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.