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 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:50:04 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens 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 dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:11 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:11:34 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:01:58 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:48:16 GMT
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:50:04 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens 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 dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.