Some of you will remember the entry from a few weeks ago in which I talked about our son, Robert Jr., who is out in sunny California making his way to being a Hollywood filmmaker. As I mentioned then, Robbie began filming and placing onto YouTube a collection of his work. You can find some of his latest work there now. Go to:
www.youtube.com/lordtyre
The "Devil's Blue" series is a remastering of some work Robbie did while at Wayne State University. And a more recent work, "L.A. Metro," is a visual ride through all central points in L.A. and is accompanied by a pulsating jazz-fusion-blues soundtrack from Detroit's own "Freedom Underground" (of which oldest son, Cornelius, is a member). That band is led by Keith Owens, a renaissance man by any strech of the imagination as he's as known for his writing and editing talents (including The Metro Times and the Michigan Chronicle) as he is for having mad electric guitar playing skills.
These videos will remind you of why emergent talent is so valuable and so much deserves to be nurtured and supported.
Enjoy!
...and please support the arts!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Development of Local Film Studio Moves Closer to Groundbreaking Stage
Crain’s Detroit Business reported recently that land purchase transactions have been finalized on the Allen Park site targeted to house a major movie studio. "The project is expected to employ 3,000 skilled workers and 83 management positions," Crain's reports.In tandem with this, educational institutions such as Oakland Community College and others are providing a host of classes and programs that can fast track prosepctive film industry workers to being eligible for such positions once they become available.
Allen Park Closes on Purchase of Land for Movie Studio Project
By Daniel Duggan
The city of Allen Park has closed on the purchase of 104 acres of land to be used for a movie studio project.
According to a press release issued today by the city, the deal was financed with $28.3 million in private and public funding.
“While this project has not moved as quickly as we had initially planned for a variety of reasons, it is moving forward, and the city’s objectives remain unchanged,” said Allen Park Mayor Gary Burtka in a press release.
“Certainly the financial market, regional economic conditions and discussion in Lansing about making legislative changes to the film credit were key factors in the delay to name a few.”
Unity Studios is majority owned and operated by a group of investors from Los Angeles and Michigan, including Hollywood executive Jimmy Lifton. Originally from Southfield, Lifton has been in the entertainment business for 30 years.
In April, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a high-technology tax credit worth $2.8 million over 12 years for the project.
The 750,000-square-foot production facility will also include the full spectrum of production, post-production and related filmmaking infrastructure.
Part of it will be built on the 630,000-square-foot office and engineering center at 16630 Southfield Road, adjacent to Allen Park’s city hall. The property was formerly the Visteon Technical Center.
The project is expected to employ 3,000 skilled workers and 83 management positions.
Although the project “broke ground” in August, the land sale was just announced today.
The land purchase will be financed with $25.3 million in general obligation bonds purchased by Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group with an additional $3 million issued in Wayne County Recovery Zone Bonds. The property was purchased from Allen Park-based Danou Enterprises L.L.C. owned by developer Samir Danou.
Also, it was announced that Southfield-based Redico L.L.C. will have oversight responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the buildings, lots and landscaping, and management of leases. The firm will implement the development’s master plan and attract additional tenants.
“Unity Studios along with the other existing tenants is obviously the centerpiece of this development, but our goal is to attract a number of other strategically targeted businesses to the site to create a world class entertainment industry complex,” Burtka said.
Source: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20091113/FREE/911139982/-1#
Allen Park Closes on Purchase of Land for Movie Studio Project
By Daniel Duggan
The city of Allen Park has closed on the purchase of 104 acres of land to be used for a movie studio project.
According to a press release issued today by the city, the deal was financed with $28.3 million in private and public funding.
“While this project has not moved as quickly as we had initially planned for a variety of reasons, it is moving forward, and the city’s objectives remain unchanged,” said Allen Park Mayor Gary Burtka in a press release.
“Certainly the financial market, regional economic conditions and discussion in Lansing about making legislative changes to the film credit were key factors in the delay to name a few.”
Unity Studios is majority owned and operated by a group of investors from Los Angeles and Michigan, including Hollywood executive Jimmy Lifton. Originally from Southfield, Lifton has been in the entertainment business for 30 years.
In April, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a high-technology tax credit worth $2.8 million over 12 years for the project.
The 750,000-square-foot production facility will also include the full spectrum of production, post-production and related filmmaking infrastructure.
Part of it will be built on the 630,000-square-foot office and engineering center at 16630 Southfield Road, adjacent to Allen Park’s city hall. The property was formerly the Visteon Technical Center.
The project is expected to employ 3,000 skilled workers and 83 management positions.
Although the project “broke ground” in August, the land sale was just announced today.
The land purchase will be financed with $25.3 million in general obligation bonds purchased by Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group with an additional $3 million issued in Wayne County Recovery Zone Bonds. The property was purchased from Allen Park-based Danou Enterprises L.L.C. owned by developer Samir Danou.
Also, it was announced that Southfield-based Redico L.L.C. will have oversight responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the buildings, lots and landscaping, and management of leases. The firm will implement the development’s master plan and attract additional tenants.
“Unity Studios along with the other existing tenants is obviously the centerpiece of this development, but our goal is to attract a number of other strategically targeted businesses to the site to create a world class entertainment industry complex,” Burtka said.
Source: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20091113/FREE/911139982/-1#
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Crain's Detroit Business Hosts Meet on Building the Creative Class
“Yes!”
That was the one word exclamation that I came away with at the conclusion of this week’s Crain’s Detroit Business's “Business over Breakfast” forum on the creative corridor. The “Yes!” was expressing the sense of relief, exhilaration--and, yes, empowerment—after hearing the panel discussion from local leaders about progress being made in developing a creative culture in Detroit’s downtown business and residential environs. Moderated by Michelle Darwish, Business Lives Editor for Crain’s Detroit Business, the panel consisted of Sue Mosey, president of the University Culture Center Assocation; Oliver Ragsdale, Jr., president of the Arts League of Michigan, Inc.; Sharon L. Vasquez, dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Wayne State University, and Elijah Kafer, founder of Catalyst Studios. The event took place at the DoubleTree hotel in downtown Detroit.
Among the golden nuggets that came forth:
• Ann Arbor-based vegetarian restaurant, Savants, is opening a restaurant in the university area.
• The video gaming industry will join the film industry as an emergent presence in the region.
• Detroit Renaissance is now known as Business Leaders for Michigan.
• An “artrepreneur” (artist-entrepreneur) is the kind of persona leaders in the creative movement want to see emerge; that is, an individual who has access to resources and support that help him or her to be both productive creatively and to be sustainable economically.
• What is needed most to help coalesce the various creative industry-based initiatives is a central leadership presence (entity) that will build connections between the various silos and stakeholders.
What was clear, as the meeting concluded, is that there is much work ahead. But there is now a clearly defining commitment to making the emergent creative industry in Detroit a full blown reality. I got the sense that this is the way cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Santa Monica, and others must have begun in redesigning their regions and making them more attractive to the creative class.
An important follow up to this event will take place on Wednesday, November 11, as Crain’s recognizes entrepreneurs at the University of Michigan Dearborn. Call 313.446.0300.
That was the one word exclamation that I came away with at the conclusion of this week’s Crain’s Detroit Business's “Business over Breakfast” forum on the creative corridor. The “Yes!” was expressing the sense of relief, exhilaration--and, yes, empowerment—after hearing the panel discussion from local leaders about progress being made in developing a creative culture in Detroit’s downtown business and residential environs. Moderated by Michelle Darwish, Business Lives Editor for Crain’s Detroit Business, the panel consisted of Sue Mosey, president of the University Culture Center Assocation; Oliver Ragsdale, Jr., president of the Arts League of Michigan, Inc.; Sharon L. Vasquez, dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Wayne State University, and Elijah Kafer, founder of Catalyst Studios. The event took place at the DoubleTree hotel in downtown Detroit.
Among the golden nuggets that came forth:
• Ann Arbor-based vegetarian restaurant, Savants, is opening a restaurant in the university area.
• The video gaming industry will join the film industry as an emergent presence in the region.
• Detroit Renaissance is now known as Business Leaders for Michigan.
• An “artrepreneur” (artist-entrepreneur) is the kind of persona leaders in the creative movement want to see emerge; that is, an individual who has access to resources and support that help him or her to be both productive creatively and to be sustainable economically.
• What is needed most to help coalesce the various creative industry-based initiatives is a central leadership presence (entity) that will build connections between the various silos and stakeholders.
What was clear, as the meeting concluded, is that there is much work ahead. But there is now a clearly defining commitment to making the emergent creative industry in Detroit a full blown reality. I got the sense that this is the way cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Santa Monica, and others must have begun in redesigning their regions and making them more attractive to the creative class.
An important follow up to this event will take place on Wednesday, November 11, as Crain’s recognizes entrepreneurs at the University of Michigan Dearborn. Call 313.446.0300.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Creative Corridor Event is Important to Region's Revitalization
Crain’s Detroit Business is hosting a business forum on the topic of developing a Creative Corridor in downtown Detroit. The event takes place on Tuesday, November 3—Election Day—at downtown’s Double Tree Guest Suites.
This is an important discussion and quite timely given the day it takes place. I have watched carefully the candidates running for executive and legislative office in Detroit and I think the city will be well served by whoever ultimately wins leadership roles. There is a quality and caliber of emergent leadership in the city that has been absent for some years. Clearly Dave Bing is the favorite in the race but Tom Barrow has been quite effective in pushing into the public dialogue the value to the region when Detroit begins to recover—and the city WILL recover; albeit, it will be a different city. One more focused on earth friendly industries and concepts.
And it is for this reason that the Creative Corridor forum is an event of immense importance. Metro Detroit leaders have come to fully accept that it will be through a variety of creativity-based enterprises that the full recovery of the city and region will be able to commence in earnest.
For more information go to the following website that Crain’s has established that has a PDF formatted announcement about the event:
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/assets/pdf/BOBNovInvite.pdf
This is an important discussion and quite timely given the day it takes place. I have watched carefully the candidates running for executive and legislative office in Detroit and I think the city will be well served by whoever ultimately wins leadership roles. There is a quality and caliber of emergent leadership in the city that has been absent for some years. Clearly Dave Bing is the favorite in the race but Tom Barrow has been quite effective in pushing into the public dialogue the value to the region when Detroit begins to recover—and the city WILL recover; albeit, it will be a different city. One more focused on earth friendly industries and concepts.
And it is for this reason that the Creative Corridor forum is an event of immense importance. Metro Detroit leaders have come to fully accept that it will be through a variety of creativity-based enterprises that the full recovery of the city and region will be able to commence in earnest.
For more information go to the following website that Crain’s has established that has a PDF formatted announcement about the event:
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/assets/pdf/BOBNovInvite.pdf
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
We've Just Scratched the Surface on Multi-Media Learning
Long before there was the mainstreaming of such words as multi-media
and multiple learning styles, I used an assortment of media from which to supplement my formal education. If I was watching a Humphrey Bogart movie where Bogie was the hero fighting Nazi spy rings here in the U.S., and words such as “fifth columnist” were being used, I promptly searched that phrase down in an encyclopedia or asked a favorite teacher for an official definition. [“Fifth Columnist”, by the way, referred to the spy network the Nazis had which extended in to major populated areas throughout the western world.]
I also used this method in a Black History course I took in high school. We had a paper to write on the topic of our favorite Black hero and I chose the Marvel Comics hero, the Black Panther. Also known as T’Challa, the Panther was king of a scientifically advanced African tribe who possessed the strength and agility of a panther. He was first introduced in The Fantastic Four magazine and went on to star in the Avengers and eventually a short lived book of his. Most important about the paper I wrote about him was that it forced me to think about how African American and African characters were presented in popular culture. T’Challa was, in fact, a rarity as most superheroes of color hailed from the Blaxiplotation mindset of being just a step above undereducated street thugs.
In later years I used this method of incorporating my learning from many multi-media environments to gain deeper understandings about everything from Albert Einstein to the Cold War.
And today, unlike any other time, we have at our disposal a broad swath of well researched, well documented media represented in the forms of the works of filmmakers Spike Lee and Ken Burns to just name a couple. One of my current favorites right now is “Mad Men,” which is the AMC hit that enthrallingly depicts the advertising industry during the late 1950s and early 1960s. I should also add that the internet now supplements all of our learning experiences and we've only scratched the surface in how this is being used. Certainly the explosion in online education is one of the more visible results of this.
I think as multi-media resources become increasingly a mainstay in daily commerce and educational interactions, and as multiple learning styles are fully recognized as a fact of life, finding interesting and creative ways to incorporate multi-media resources in to personal learning curriculums will become a central mission for leaders in knowledge and conceptual work fields.
What an exciting time we are living in!
and multiple learning styles, I used an assortment of media from which to supplement my formal education. If I was watching a Humphrey Bogart movie where Bogie was the hero fighting Nazi spy rings here in the U.S., and words such as “fifth columnist” were being used, I promptly searched that phrase down in an encyclopedia or asked a favorite teacher for an official definition. [“Fifth Columnist”, by the way, referred to the spy network the Nazis had which extended in to major populated areas throughout the western world.]
I also used this method in a Black History course I took in high school. We had a paper to write on the topic of our favorite Black hero and I chose the Marvel Comics hero, the Black Panther. Also known as T’Challa, the Panther was king of a scientifically advanced African tribe who possessed the strength and agility of a panther. He was first introduced in The Fantastic Four magazine and went on to star in the Avengers and eventually a short lived book of his. Most important about the paper I wrote about him was that it forced me to think about how African American and African characters were presented in popular culture. T’Challa was, in fact, a rarity as most superheroes of color hailed from the Blaxiplotation mindset of being just a step above undereducated street thugs.
In later years I used this method of incorporating my learning from many multi-media environments to gain deeper understandings about everything from Albert Einstein to the Cold War.
And today, unlike any other time, we have at our disposal a broad swath of well researched, well documented media represented in the forms of the works of filmmakers Spike Lee and Ken Burns to just name a couple. One of my current favorites right now is “Mad Men,” which is the AMC hit that enthrallingly depicts the advertising industry during the late 1950s and early 1960s. I should also add that the internet now supplements all of our learning experiences and we've only scratched the surface in how this is being used. Certainly the explosion in online education is one of the more visible results of this.
I think as multi-media resources become increasingly a mainstay in daily commerce and educational interactions, and as multiple learning styles are fully recognized as a fact of life, finding interesting and creative ways to incorporate multi-media resources in to personal learning curriculums will become a central mission for leaders in knowledge and conceptual work fields.
What an exciting time we are living in!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Exciting, Controversial Times for Creative Community
A Shout Out
A great example of earnest efforts underway to prepare Detroit area creative workers for the many opportunities coming this way is that of the Rollin’ On group. Deborah Chenault Green, a fine writer and one of the emergent leaders in this movement, has been helping develop writing talents and “pitch skills” via review panel activities. This past weekend at Sinbaid Restaurant in Detroit one of these events was scheduled to take place. Ed Gardiner and Jody Harker were the executive producers of that event, according to an email announcement.
Deborah was one of the many who were present when I launched my annual lecture series last October with the observance of my 30 years as a professional writer. I strongly encourage those who are interested in being part of the efforts by Deborah and others in this movement, to visit the website www.rollinondetroit.com
***
Update on Legislation to Eliminate Tax Benefits for Filmmaking
A vigorous counter campaign was underway this week by advocates from the film industry to head off the legislative efforts to eliminate tax benefits for filmmaking in the state. The industry offered a well orchestrated multimedia onslaught that included interviews of numerous people who have found employment in the industry and are looking to build new career directions in these areas. Supporters of the legislation, including Sen. Nancy Cassis, content that the job benefits have been overblown and that when balancing the tax losses created by the incentives, filmmaking is not making any significant impact on the state’s economy or unemployment problem.
Expect this issue to come to a head toward the end of the year as Govnernor Jennifer Granholm will be faced with whether to sign the bill in to law—should it make its way to her desk by then. If it does not, do expect the issue to come up again during the new legislative term and for it to be one of the centerpieces of the gubernatorial race (Governor Granholm is term limited and will not be eligible to run again).
A great example of earnest efforts underway to prepare Detroit area creative workers for the many opportunities coming this way is that of the Rollin’ On group. Deborah Chenault Green, a fine writer and one of the emergent leaders in this movement, has been helping develop writing talents and “pitch skills” via review panel activities. This past weekend at Sinbaid Restaurant in Detroit one of these events was scheduled to take place. Ed Gardiner and Jody Harker were the executive producers of that event, according to an email announcement.
Deborah was one of the many who were present when I launched my annual lecture series last October with the observance of my 30 years as a professional writer. I strongly encourage those who are interested in being part of the efforts by Deborah and others in this movement, to visit the website www.rollinondetroit.com
***
Update on Legislation to Eliminate Tax Benefits for Filmmaking
A vigorous counter campaign was underway this week by advocates from the film industry to head off the legislative efforts to eliminate tax benefits for filmmaking in the state. The industry offered a well orchestrated multimedia onslaught that included interviews of numerous people who have found employment in the industry and are looking to build new career directions in these areas. Supporters of the legislation, including Sen. Nancy Cassis, content that the job benefits have been overblown and that when balancing the tax losses created by the incentives, filmmaking is not making any significant impact on the state’s economy or unemployment problem.
Expect this issue to come to a head toward the end of the year as Govnernor Jennifer Granholm will be faced with whether to sign the bill in to law—should it make its way to her desk by then. If it does not, do expect the issue to come up again during the new legislative term and for it to be one of the centerpieces of the gubernatorial race (Governor Granholm is term limited and will not be eligible to run again).
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
He's Building a Michigan-Hollywood Connection and YouTube is the Vehicle
There is a lot of discussion these days in Michigan about the need to diversify the economy and that creative pursuits such as filmmaking are one example of such diversification. While this discussion has continued—and as favorable signs of an emergent film industry taking serious root in Michigan continue to be displayed--our second oldest son, Robert Jr., made the major decision earlier this year to relocate to Los Angeles, California and focus instead on getting in to the industry from that more traditional point of entry.
Like many who are serious about getting in to the film industry (he wants to write and direct), Robert realizes that to pursue prospects in the industry with some modicum of success, he needs to follow his instincts and move out of comfort zones. A lifelong Detroit resident, L.A. has been very much an out-of-comfort-zone experience for him but the payoff already is that his creative instincts have been honed considerably.
Evidence of this is found in the series of short films he’s made and uploaded to YouTube. They offer an immensely entertaining (and educational) audio-video-log of the L.A. experience as seen through the eyes of a Michigan transplant. [Yes, I know, I know…I’m his Dad and my objectivity in this is pretty much out the window. But the stuff really IS good!...Honest!]
Find our future Oscar winning son’s work at www.youtube.com/lordtyre
Like many who are serious about getting in to the film industry (he wants to write and direct), Robert realizes that to pursue prospects in the industry with some modicum of success, he needs to follow his instincts and move out of comfort zones. A lifelong Detroit resident, L.A. has been very much an out-of-comfort-zone experience for him but the payoff already is that his creative instincts have been honed considerably.
Evidence of this is found in the series of short films he’s made and uploaded to YouTube. They offer an immensely entertaining (and educational) audio-video-log of the L.A. experience as seen through the eyes of a Michigan transplant. [Yes, I know, I know…I’m his Dad and my objectivity in this is pretty much out the window. But the stuff really IS good!...Honest!]
Find our future Oscar winning son’s work at www.youtube.com/lordtyre
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
In District 9 and iCarly, Social Consciousness Resonates
One of the higher purposes of creative mediums, whether they be audio-visual, text-based or both, is to encourage deeper thinking about important social issues. This is being done notably on two fronts in the form of the motion picture, District 9, and the cable television series iCarly.
District 9 tells the tale of how a huge population of extraterrestrials ends up stranded on earth and the enormous socio-cultural implications this generates. Rather than a “First Encounters of Third Kind” approach, the storyline addresses themes of bigotry and xenophobia, more reminiscent of the science fiction movie “Alien Nation”. Where it departs from the standard science fiction genre, though, is the powerfully symbolic setting of the story itself: Johannesburg, South Africa, the central location of decades of world attention due to its apartheid laws that created legal separation between Blacks and Whites. In the movie, similar draconian laws are passed to address the alien “problem” in District 9, a bureaucratic designation given the location where these stranded extraterrestrials are forced to live in squalid conditions very akin to Nazi concentration camps. The personal transformation that both the aliens and some of the human beings who are close to the situation undergo makes for a visceral connection; particularly to the larger concerns of today about a re-emergence of deep seated racial intolerance coming forth in many developed countries due to economic conditions, immigration issues, and America having elected its first African American president.
The second standout in my acknowledging contributions of higher order thinking and learning via the creative medium is the teens-targeted Nickelodeon show, iCarly. A 21st century version of “Wayne’s World", the shows’ stars host a web-based television show for their peers. Though essentially a comedy, iCarly manages to serve up some potent lessons about the environment, entrepreneurship, and basic family values in most episodes I have seen. Most recently an episode about constructing a science project contest that had at least one lesson dealing with environmental stewardship was built around the theme “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Though, predictably, none of the iCarly cast won the contest, their hijinks in trying to develop an acceptable project made for some poignant teachable moments. One of note was the character Fred learning that his otherwise very well designed mobile composting device would actually increase the carbon footprint because some of the materials needed would have to be shipped in by aircraft. Another was lead character Carly’s electric bicycle that not only burned more energy than expected but travelled at a ridiculously slow speed.
To be sure, there is a chasm of difference between the content and themes of District 9 and iCarly, but what both have in common is that social consciousness did not end up on the cutting room floor; a further testament to the potential power of learning by thoughtful use of the audio-visual medium.
District 9 tells the tale of how a huge population of extraterrestrials ends up stranded on earth and the enormous socio-cultural implications this generates. Rather than a “First Encounters of Third Kind” approach, the storyline addresses themes of bigotry and xenophobia, more reminiscent of the science fiction movie “Alien Nation”. Where it departs from the standard science fiction genre, though, is the powerfully symbolic setting of the story itself: Johannesburg, South Africa, the central location of decades of world attention due to its apartheid laws that created legal separation between Blacks and Whites. In the movie, similar draconian laws are passed to address the alien “problem” in District 9, a bureaucratic designation given the location where these stranded extraterrestrials are forced to live in squalid conditions very akin to Nazi concentration camps. The personal transformation that both the aliens and some of the human beings who are close to the situation undergo makes for a visceral connection; particularly to the larger concerns of today about a re-emergence of deep seated racial intolerance coming forth in many developed countries due to economic conditions, immigration issues, and America having elected its first African American president.
The second standout in my acknowledging contributions of higher order thinking and learning via the creative medium is the teens-targeted Nickelodeon show, iCarly. A 21st century version of “Wayne’s World", the shows’ stars host a web-based television show for their peers. Though essentially a comedy, iCarly manages to serve up some potent lessons about the environment, entrepreneurship, and basic family values in most episodes I have seen. Most recently an episode about constructing a science project contest that had at least one lesson dealing with environmental stewardship was built around the theme “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Though, predictably, none of the iCarly cast won the contest, their hijinks in trying to develop an acceptable project made for some poignant teachable moments. One of note was the character Fred learning that his otherwise very well designed mobile composting device would actually increase the carbon footprint because some of the materials needed would have to be shipped in by aircraft. Another was lead character Carly’s electric bicycle that not only burned more energy than expected but travelled at a ridiculously slow speed.
To be sure, there is a chasm of difference between the content and themes of District 9 and iCarly, but what both have in common is that social consciousness did not end up on the cutting room floor; a further testament to the potential power of learning by thoughtful use of the audio-visual medium.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Goodbye Knowledge Age, Helllllooooo, Conceptual Age!
We are living in exciting times. It’s been more than 20 years ago that the term “knowledge worker” burst on the scene and captured the public mind. This came in tandem with the convergence of revolutions (and evolutions) of computer communications.
But it is a new day.
Author Daniel Pink, who delivers a wonderful narrative on this in his book, “A Whole New Mind,” identifies this time we are living as the post-knowledge age and, more specifically, the time of the “conceptual worker”.
Whereas the knowledge worker was someone who took the traditional blue collar work concept and moved it to information-specific activities such as software engineering, the conceptual work synthesizes disparate work systems and brings forth new and interesting definitions. The conceptual worker is an innovator.
And interestingly enough, as blue collar work eventually moved overseas to countries with developing economies, so now has knowledge work done the same thing. This is why China and India are ruling the economic dynamics of present time.
And it is also why the U.S. and other developed economies, under the right leadership, will emerge as leaders of conceptual work the essence of which is entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
The truth is—and I am borrowing very loosely from Andy Warhol’s famous line—in the future we are all going to be actors, artists, and designers.
My oldest son, Cornelius Fortune, is an excellent example of a conceptual worker. Corney is the associate managing editor of a newspaper, an accomplished fiction writer, and a musician with a popular local band (where he play a variety of horn and electronic instruments). Similarly, I am a writer, an educator, a preacher, and an entrepreneur. There was a time when someone with this array of skills was labeled affectionately as a “renaissance man.” But there was also the unspoken implication that this person was still trying to figure out what he would be “when he grew up.” Now, though, the synthesizing of skills is the hallmark of conceptual competence and evidence of functioning at the higher order levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Indeed, what an exciting time we are living in.
Bibliography
Bloom’s taxonomy (2009). Retrieved July 29, 2009 from
http://www.odu.edu/educ/roverbau/Bloom/blooms_taxonomy.htm
Kolb, D.A. (1984). Experiential learning. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Pink, D.H. (2008). A whole new mind. NY: Riverhead Books.
Knowles, M.S. (1989). The making of an adult learner. Jose Bass: San Francisco
But it is a new day.
Author Daniel Pink, who delivers a wonderful narrative on this in his book, “A Whole New Mind,” identifies this time we are living as the post-knowledge age and, more specifically, the time of the “conceptual worker”.
Whereas the knowledge worker was someone who took the traditional blue collar work concept and moved it to information-specific activities such as software engineering, the conceptual work synthesizes disparate work systems and brings forth new and interesting definitions. The conceptual worker is an innovator.
And interestingly enough, as blue collar work eventually moved overseas to countries with developing economies, so now has knowledge work done the same thing. This is why China and India are ruling the economic dynamics of present time.
And it is also why the U.S. and other developed economies, under the right leadership, will emerge as leaders of conceptual work the essence of which is entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
The truth is—and I am borrowing very loosely from Andy Warhol’s famous line—in the future we are all going to be actors, artists, and designers.
My oldest son, Cornelius Fortune, is an excellent example of a conceptual worker. Corney is the associate managing editor of a newspaper, an accomplished fiction writer, and a musician with a popular local band (where he play a variety of horn and electronic instruments). Similarly, I am a writer, an educator, a preacher, and an entrepreneur. There was a time when someone with this array of skills was labeled affectionately as a “renaissance man.” But there was also the unspoken implication that this person was still trying to figure out what he would be “when he grew up.” Now, though, the synthesizing of skills is the hallmark of conceptual competence and evidence of functioning at the higher order levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Indeed, what an exciting time we are living in.
Bibliography
Bloom’s taxonomy (2009). Retrieved July 29, 2009 from
http://www.odu.edu/educ/roverbau/Bloom/blooms_taxonomy.htm
Kolb, D.A. (1984). Experiential learning. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Pink, D.H. (2008). A whole new mind. NY: Riverhead Books.
Knowles, M.S. (1989). The making of an adult learner. Jose Bass: San Francisco
Monday, April 13, 2009
Boosting Creativity
This entry will address various methods to boost creative energy and otherwise prompt inspirational modes in a reasonably healthy way.
Spending time with a beloved pet
Meditation
Prayer
Aerobic exercise
Vacations that are well planned and last for at least three weeks
Good times with friends and/or family
Watching a really good movie, reading a really good book
Intimacy with the one you love
A walk in the woods
Riding a bike really fast on a summer night in a familiar neighborhood
Singing
Dancing
Yoga
Listening to a good sermon
Teaching a class on a subject you have deep knowledge of
Listening to a really good lecture
Some energy drinks, but definitely in moderation [the best effect comes the day after]
Vitamins
Breathing exercises
Tai Chi
Green Tea
ADD TO THIS LIST!
Spending time with a beloved pet
Meditation
Prayer
Aerobic exercise
Vacations that are well planned and last for at least three weeks
Good times with friends and/or family
Watching a really good movie, reading a really good book
Intimacy with the one you love
A walk in the woods
Riding a bike really fast on a summer night in a familiar neighborhood
Singing
Dancing
Yoga
Listening to a good sermon
Teaching a class on a subject you have deep knowledge of
Listening to a really good lecture
Some energy drinks, but definitely in moderation [the best effect comes the day after]
Vitamins
Breathing exercises
Tai Chi
Green Tea
ADD TO THIS LIST!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Our Core Purpose
"I have learned a lot about learning and about how people really learn. And I have learned about the barriers out there in culture and in society that block learning. Elitism is a real problem."
-Robert McTyre Sr., founder and president of the Creative Community of Metro-Detroit
-Robert McTyre Sr., founder and president of the Creative Community of Metro-Detroit
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Response from Sen. Cassis re. Legislation Impacting Michigan's Fledgling Film Industry
From: Ofc. N. Cassis
Subject: Re: re. legislation that will hurt the emergent film industry in Michigan (Film Credit Reform)
To: "Robert McTyre"
Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 2:33 PM
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your opinion on the Michigan film credit. I think it is appropriate to provide you with background and rationale on Senate Bills 404 and 405.
A year ago, the legislative package establishing the film credit was signed into law by Governor Granholm, creating the largest film incentive in the nation. I supported all of the bills in this 14-bill incentive package, except for one. The 13 bills I supported would provide a credit for infrastructure and job training expenditures, create the Michigan Film Office, authorize the use of public property without charge for film production, create three loan programs, and allow for a possible income tax and investment credit and "high-technology activity" Michigan Economic Growth Authority credits.
I opposed House Bill 5841 (Public Act 77 of 2008), which provides for a 40-42% refundable credit on production expenditures. A refundable credit allows a production company to eliminate its tax liability and pay no taxes, while receiving the remainder of the credit as a check from the state’s general fund. When the bills were passed, the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency stated that, "The bills will decrease State revenue, mostly to the General Fund, by an unknown and potentially significant amount."[1]
Over the course of the last year, new information has come to light about Michigan’s economy and how the film credits are working. Michigan has experienced the worst unemployment in the nation at 12 percent[2] and a deepening economic recession. The Michigan state government faces a $1.5 billion budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.[3] Also, during January and February the state received $200 million less in revenue than it had expected.[4] And on top of all of this, the uncapped refundable Michigan film credit continues to expend funds from an ever-shrinking revenue source, adding to the growing deficit and creating very few sustainable jobs.
A recent report required by law, which Michigan State University compiled for the Michigan Film Office, shows that 32 film productions occurred in Michigan during the credit’s first nine months at a cost of $48 million to the state general fund.[5] The Michigan Department of Treasury and the nonpartisan Senate and House Fiscal Agencies have estimated that the film credit could cost the general fund $100 million for the full 2009 fiscal year and $150 million in fiscal year 2010.[6] The report also states that the credits created 2,800 jobs. However, these jobs only lasted for an average of 23 days. According to the Senate Fiscal Agency (SFA), when the number is annualized the result is 254 jobs.[7]
With the difficult economic times that Michigan faces, the increasing uncapped cost of the film credit jeopardizes other programs that the state provides to its citizens. Whether providing a safety net for our most vulnerable residents, keeping criminals behind bars, or funding schools and higher education, failure to put a reasonable cap on the film credit could take money from critical services.
Furthermore, without the cap the state cannot provide broad-based tax relief for all of Michigan’s businesses. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I have heard from businesses being forced to close their doors due to the overwhelming burden of the Michigan Business Tax surcharge. Also, small businesses, which create 80% of Michigan’s jobs,[8] have been forced to lay off employees or cancel expansion of their businesses.
Therefore, bipartisan bills have been introduced to “right-size” the film credit, while allowing Michigan to continue offering the most generous and competitive film incentives in the nation. Importantly, these bills expand the infrastructure credit from 25 percent to 30 percent, require that 90 percent of the employees on the production reside in Michigan, and apply the credit to the production of television commercials. Encouraging the construction of infrastructure in Michigan and expanding the credit to commercial production will help create more permanent jobs for Michigan residents. As with all legislation, these bills will be negotiated and may change as they advance through the legislative process.
Please visit my website (www.senatornancycassis.com) for more information on this issue and the many other initiatives I have sponsored. I have also attached below a fact sheet with information on the bills and a list of articles for your review.
I value your input and thank you for your interest in this issue.
Sincerely,
NANCY CASSIS
State Senator, District 15
Chair, Senate Finance Committee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnotes
[1] http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2007-SFA-5841-F.pdf
[2] http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm
[3] http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/BudUpdates/YearEndBalance.pdf
[4] http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/MonthRev/mrrfeb09.pdf
[5] http://www.michigan.gov/documents/filmoffice/MSU_Economic_Impact_Study_269263_7.pdf
[6] January 2009 Revenue Estimating Conference
[7] SFA Memorandum, March 2009
[8] http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/sbfaq.pdf
Michigan Film Credit Fact Sheet
Senate Bill 404 (Gilbert) - Changes to the Production Film Credit
* Reduces the film production credit to 35%, down from the current 40-42%
* Requires that 90% of the employees would need to be Michigan residents
* Expands the credit to apply to the production of commercials in Michigan
* Increases the credit for “below the line” employees, such as gaffers and grips, from the current 30% up to 35%
* Places an annual $50 million cap on the credit
* No employee may receive more than $1 million in compensation
* No individual project can claim a credit that exceeds $9 million
* Adds transparency/reporting language
Senate Bill 405 (Cassis) – Changes to the Infrastructure Film Credit
* Increases the film infrastructure credit to 30%, up from the current 25%
* Requires a minimum infrastructure investment of $500,000 to qualify for the credit. Current law requires a minimum investment of $250,000.
* Requires that 90% of the employees would need to be Michigan residents
Articles
* Michigan Movies are Taking Baby Steps - Detroit News, March 27, 2009 (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903270355)
* Officials Question Movie Report – Livingston Daily, March 25, 2009 (http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903250303)
* No Credit Required For Tax Credit Idea - Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 23, 2008 (http://blog.mlive.com/bradosphere/2008/03/no_credit_required_for_tax_cre.html)
* Film Office Report Violates Michigan Law And The Spirit Of Sunshine Week - Mackinac Center, March 19, 2009 (http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=10391)
* No Accounting On How Film Dollars Are Being Spent - Livingston Daily, March 13, 2009 (http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090313/OPINION01/903130324)
* Official Not Sold On Film Tax Incentive – Livingston Daily, March 4, 2009 (http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090304/NEWS01/903040309)
* The Film Industry In New Mexico And The Provision Of Tax Incentives - Arrowhead Center, Office of Policy Analysis, New Mexico State University (http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/lfc/lfcdocs/film%20credit%20study%20TP&JP_08.pdf)
Subject: Re: re. legislation that will hurt the emergent film industry in Michigan (Film Credit Reform)
To: "Robert McTyre"
Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 2:33 PM
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your opinion on the Michigan film credit. I think it is appropriate to provide you with background and rationale on Senate Bills 404 and 405.
A year ago, the legislative package establishing the film credit was signed into law by Governor Granholm, creating the largest film incentive in the nation. I supported all of the bills in this 14-bill incentive package, except for one. The 13 bills I supported would provide a credit for infrastructure and job training expenditures, create the Michigan Film Office, authorize the use of public property without charge for film production, create three loan programs, and allow for a possible income tax and investment credit and "high-technology activity" Michigan Economic Growth Authority credits.
I opposed House Bill 5841 (Public Act 77 of 2008), which provides for a 40-42% refundable credit on production expenditures. A refundable credit allows a production company to eliminate its tax liability and pay no taxes, while receiving the remainder of the credit as a check from the state’s general fund. When the bills were passed, the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency stated that, "The bills will decrease State revenue, mostly to the General Fund, by an unknown and potentially significant amount."[1]
Over the course of the last year, new information has come to light about Michigan’s economy and how the film credits are working. Michigan has experienced the worst unemployment in the nation at 12 percent[2] and a deepening economic recession. The Michigan state government faces a $1.5 billion budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.[3] Also, during January and February the state received $200 million less in revenue than it had expected.[4] And on top of all of this, the uncapped refundable Michigan film credit continues to expend funds from an ever-shrinking revenue source, adding to the growing deficit and creating very few sustainable jobs.
A recent report required by law, which Michigan State University compiled for the Michigan Film Office, shows that 32 film productions occurred in Michigan during the credit’s first nine months at a cost of $48 million to the state general fund.[5] The Michigan Department of Treasury and the nonpartisan Senate and House Fiscal Agencies have estimated that the film credit could cost the general fund $100 million for the full 2009 fiscal year and $150 million in fiscal year 2010.[6] The report also states that the credits created 2,800 jobs. However, these jobs only lasted for an average of 23 days. According to the Senate Fiscal Agency (SFA), when the number is annualized the result is 254 jobs.[7]
With the difficult economic times that Michigan faces, the increasing uncapped cost of the film credit jeopardizes other programs that the state provides to its citizens. Whether providing a safety net for our most vulnerable residents, keeping criminals behind bars, or funding schools and higher education, failure to put a reasonable cap on the film credit could take money from critical services.
Furthermore, without the cap the state cannot provide broad-based tax relief for all of Michigan’s businesses. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I have heard from businesses being forced to close their doors due to the overwhelming burden of the Michigan Business Tax surcharge. Also, small businesses, which create 80% of Michigan’s jobs,[8] have been forced to lay off employees or cancel expansion of their businesses.
Therefore, bipartisan bills have been introduced to “right-size” the film credit, while allowing Michigan to continue offering the most generous and competitive film incentives in the nation. Importantly, these bills expand the infrastructure credit from 25 percent to 30 percent, require that 90 percent of the employees on the production reside in Michigan, and apply the credit to the production of television commercials. Encouraging the construction of infrastructure in Michigan and expanding the credit to commercial production will help create more permanent jobs for Michigan residents. As with all legislation, these bills will be negotiated and may change as they advance through the legislative process.
Please visit my website (www.senatornancycassis.com) for more information on this issue and the many other initiatives I have sponsored. I have also attached below a fact sheet with information on the bills and a list of articles for your review.
I value your input and thank you for your interest in this issue.
Sincerely,
NANCY CASSIS
State Senator, District 15
Chair, Senate Finance Committee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnotes
[1] http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2007-SFA-5841-F.pdf
[2] http://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm
[3] http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/BudUpdates/YearEndBalance.pdf
[4] http://www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/Publications/MonthRev/mrrfeb09.pdf
[5] http://www.michigan.gov/documents/filmoffice/MSU_Economic_Impact_Study_269263_7.pdf
[6] January 2009 Revenue Estimating Conference
[7] SFA Memorandum, March 2009
[8] http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/sbfaq.pdf
Michigan Film Credit Fact Sheet
Senate Bill 404 (Gilbert) - Changes to the Production Film Credit
* Reduces the film production credit to 35%, down from the current 40-42%
* Requires that 90% of the employees would need to be Michigan residents
* Expands the credit to apply to the production of commercials in Michigan
* Increases the credit for “below the line” employees, such as gaffers and grips, from the current 30% up to 35%
* Places an annual $50 million cap on the credit
* No employee may receive more than $1 million in compensation
* No individual project can claim a credit that exceeds $9 million
* Adds transparency/reporting language
Senate Bill 405 (Cassis) – Changes to the Infrastructure Film Credit
* Increases the film infrastructure credit to 30%, up from the current 25%
* Requires a minimum infrastructure investment of $500,000 to qualify for the credit. Current law requires a minimum investment of $250,000.
* Requires that 90% of the employees would need to be Michigan residents
Articles
* Michigan Movies are Taking Baby Steps - Detroit News, March 27, 2009 (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903270355)
* Officials Question Movie Report – Livingston Daily, March 25, 2009 (http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903250303)
* No Credit Required For Tax Credit Idea - Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 23, 2008 (http://blog.mlive.com/bradosphere/2008/03/no_credit_required_for_tax_cre.html)
* Film Office Report Violates Michigan Law And The Spirit Of Sunshine Week - Mackinac Center, March 19, 2009 (http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=10391)
* No Accounting On How Film Dollars Are Being Spent - Livingston Daily, March 13, 2009 (http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090313/OPINION01/903130324)
* Official Not Sold On Film Tax Incentive – Livingston Daily, March 4, 2009 (http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090304/NEWS01/903040309)
* The Film Industry In New Mexico And The Provision Of Tax Incentives - Arrowhead Center, Office of Policy Analysis, New Mexico State University (http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/lfc/lfcdocs/film%20credit%20study%20TP&JP_08.pdf)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Legislation will Hurt Michigan's Emergent Creative Industry
Senator Nancy Cassis
Michigan State Senate
Dear Senator Cassis,
I represent an organization that advocates and educates on behalf of creative workers worldwide, but specifically the metropolitan Detroit area. I am writing to express my strong opposition to legislation you are sponsoring which will create onerous burdens on the film industry’s fledgling efforts to grow here in Michigan.
My organization is working hard to develop and incubate the many expressions of creative abilities found in the diverse metropolitan Detroit area and it is my firm belief that our lawmakers should be working in concert with such efforts, not against it. Michigan’s economy can become one that is largely fueled by creative industries such as filmmaking, game design, software development, and research and development, but we must not step back from the initial foundation that is still taking shape to make this happen. The legislation you are sponsoring would cause this to happen, and would be a travesty if allowed to become law.
I urge you to reconsider further pursuit of this legislation.
With great concern,
Dr. Robert McTyre Sr.
Founder and President
Creative Community of Metro-Detroit
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Governor Jennifer Granholm
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