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

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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).

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