Thanks in part to the State of Michigan's strong financial incentives for in-state film production, more producers and production companies are turning to West Michigan for their film and video needs. With up to 42 percent in incentives and rebates, the area is economically appealing and also equally as attractive with its many unique locations.
The West Michigan Film Video Alliance (WMFVA) makes it easy for anyone to find professional film and video crew members here with its peer-reviewed online database. The database is called Starmap, which stands for Search for Talent and Resources in Michigan Area Productions, and it allows visitors to search by name, keyword, category, star rating, location, or professional affiliation. A link to Starmap can be found on the West Michigan Film Office website and the Michigan Film Office also directs people to it.
Not only does WMFVA support the film industry and its members, but the corporate/commercial video industry as well. The organization began in 2005 to support and encourage a successful film and video production community in West Michigan and with nearly 170 members and well-attended monthly events, they're making good progress with this goal.
"We definitely want to promote a thriving film and video community here in West Michigan," says Chair Glen Okonoski. "As a professional organization, we give our members the opportunity to network with each other, learn more about their craft, and show off their work."
Every fourth Wednesday of each month, WMFVA sponsors an event called 4Wall at Wealthy Theatre. These monthly events rotate between networking events, training sessions or workshops, or nights where film and video professionals can show off recent work. Some nights, they will show an assortment of demos from various people and other times, they will highlight one organization's work. The 4Wall events start at 7 p.m. and are free to members and $5 for non-members.
WMFVA is financially supported by its memberships, which range from student, individual, and premier. Members receive free access to 12 events per year and the annual membership party, as well as job listings and other perks.
The membership fees collected allow WMFVA to support local film festivals and awards ceremonies, such as the WKTV-sponsored Eclipse Awards on April 19. For the second year, WMFVA is the judging sponsor for this event that honors the best regional works in film, video, sound, and television production.
In addition to the Starmap database, WMFVA offers a valuable resource with its listserv online discussion forum. People can post comments and questions and get responses right away.
Membership is not required for Starmap or the discussion forum, but members do get star ratings with their database listing to indicate their level of expertise. A panel meets six times a year to review this information.
The main advantage of membership is to show your support for the film and video industry in West Michigan and Okonoski says he would like to see the WMFVA membership base grow this year.
They're also looking for volunteers interested in serving on the board as well as speakers for upcoming training events or workshops.
If you would like to get involved with the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, here are some ways you can:
- Visit
WMFVA to find out more about the organization. (A new website is currently being developed.)
Source: Glen Okonoski, Chair of the West Michigan Film Video Alliance
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor
Image provided by the West Michigan Film Video Alliance.
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