Clock is Ticking on Building the Michigan Film Industry

Printer-friendly versionPDF version

A SWOT Session Update

Q: What the heck is a SWOT

A: Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threat (SWOT)

Grand Rapids, MI, January 21, 2013 - (PressReleasePoint) -  In November and December of 2012, Film Friendly Michigan (FFM) co-founders Mark Adler and Deb Havens began hosting SWOT sessions. People who actually work in the film and production industry were invited to identify the strengths and challenges to the growth of the film industry in Michigan. Two sessions have been held to date, one in Grand Rapids and one in the SAG-AFTRA office in Southfield. "We plan to conduct at least two more sessions in other regions around the state in the coming months, including Traverse City and Jackson."

WHY?

As Havens partner Mark Adler, FFM CIO pointed out, "We all know that building an industry means more than having outside projects come and go or approving an occasional Michigan project for incentives –  we need to find out exactly what is keeping our residents from working in the film and production fields they love?  Where are the opportunities to improve the situation? What are the critical weaknesses in how our industry is promoted as an economic driver? How can we move forward?"

Havens noted, "It's simply not all about incentives. It’s about growing and maintaining an industry here; but nothing will change the status quo unless Michigan communities understand the possibilities for economic growth offered by the film industry, and acknowledge that many residents want to work in this field. " The Film Friendly Michigan pair believes that without significant job growth and community support showing up soon,  legislators will likely lose enthusiasm for incentives to support the industry. 

As Adler stated, "And will legislators be to blame? The foundation and the justification for motion media incentives program is the promise of developing an indigenous film industry here."

The Film Friendly Michigan mission is to assist communities and industry folk to work together to generate local growth. "We think we need a plan to make that happen," says Havens. "A SWOT session to get input from Michigan crw and talent is just the beginning." 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR FILM FRIENDLY MICHIGAN?

Film Friendly Michigan first offered their well-attended seminars in Detroit and Traverse City areas during the thrill of the first incentives program (2008 – 2010). Their focus was to introduce Michigan communities to this new industry, and the FFM business, like many others, really took off. "People were excited about the future of the industry," says Havens.. And now? "Not so much."

"We  still offer our basic FFM program for those who have never had a production crew in town, as well as an advanced presentation for those who have and want to step up their game," said Havens. "In addition, we offer new Film Friendly certification and and super charged SEO promotion for CERTIFIED communities on our Film Friendly Michigan website."

http://www.filmfriendlyMichigan.com

Adler added, "But we think we can offer more--we can be facilitators for information between the Michigan Film Office (MFO) , communities, and Michigan crew and talent. We're not elected to solve any problems--we're just willing to work at it."

A visit to the FFM website for further information provides the following statement of their service:  Film Friendly Michigan provides the gateway between producers and Michigan communities CERTIFIED Film Friendly.

The Film Friendly Michigan team:

• TRAINs Communities to promote and prepare to work with Production Companies
• SERVEs Municipalities, Police and Fire, Economic Development agencies, CVBs/Chambers of Commerce & Business
• OFFERs Film Friendly promotion and website consultations
• ONE-CLICK connections between Producers and Film Friendly Communities
• Certification and Profiles for Film Friendly Communities on the FFM SEO website
• Regional or small group sessions – half-day, one, or two day courses – Basic and Advanced

Get CERTIFIED Film Friendly!  Be ready when Hollywood comes to Town!

To find out more:

Email info@filmfriendlymichigan.com.

Or Call Mark Adler 313.447.0566 / Deb Havens 616.885.2961.

"We’re friendly, too!"

Deb Havens
CEO/Film Friendly Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Direct 616-885-1961
Fax 616-608-3818

Mark Adler
CIO/Film Friendly Michigan
Novi, Michigan
Direct: 313.447.0566

FAX: 148-349-8757
PressRelease Distribution By PressReleasePoint