U-M prof says Michigan's film industry is "stemming brain drain," state could be Midwest's film HQ

A University of Michigan professor and Hollywood screenwriter says this year is the first year his screenwriting students have stayed in the state after graduation, and credits the state's burgeoning film industry. Opportunities to film television series will bring steady income to industry workers and create more jobs.

According to excerpts from the story:

Jim Burnstein, University of Michigan professor and Hollywood screenwriter, was one of the main architects of Michigan's tax incentives for the film industry that has brought more than $125 million in film production spending since April 2008.  Burstein said with investments in training and infrastructure - and the patience to let the incentives work - Michigan could become the film and television headquarters of the Midwest. And the potential for television series to start shooting in Michigan could bring more steady employment than the intermittent schedules of feature films provide, he added. Burnstein is vice-chair of the Michigan Film Office Advisory Committee.

Read the complete story here.

 

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