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Local News PUBLISHED:
Perhaps. But this particular day, the cameras are rolling in Detroit. Its not necessarily new; films like Hoffa, 8 Mile and Transformers have made use of locations throughout the Motor City in the past. But new Michigan tax incentives for filmmakers, which make the state the cheapest place in the country to roll film, are attracting several new productions to the Great Lakes State. Even Clint Eastwood is getting in on the act, scheduled to begin shooting Gran Torino, rumored to be the final case for Dirty Harry, in Michigan this summer. That rush can pose a slight inconvenience for filmmakers. Its been tough. There are a lot of people here for films, but theres also so many films being made here now that everyones interviewing for about five different productions, said Kurt Tuffendsam, line producer and unit production manager for the independent film The Job. I think there were five to 10 films interviewing crews at the same time we were. The Job, described as a dark comedic thriller, is the first film to take advantage of Michigans new tax incentives for filmmakers. Directed by Shem Bitterman and based on his award-winning play, the film stars Perlman (Hellboy), Manning (Hustle and Flow) and Pantoliano (Memento) in an anti-morality tale about the American Dream. The script, in many ways, is very simple, but its very real and grounded, said producer Kiki Goshay. Its about a young man who cant catch a break and he meets someone who seems to be offering an opportunity for him to be an entrepreneur, but there are all sorts of twists and turns along the way. The film takes place in an unnamed city, but Goshay said that on her first visit to Detroit, she automatically knew the Motor City was the perfect place to get The Job done. The incentives got us on the plane and got us out here, she said. But once we got here, it wasnt about the incentives; the setting just fit perfectly with what we were trying to do. Goshay said the story is about a man struggling to make ends meet in a world where people feel entitled to a home, a job and the finer things in life. She said Detroit, in which derelict buildings stand around the corner from gleaming skyscrapers, symbolizes that theme. As we were scouting, we really thought we should be making a documentary about how the architecture of the city tells a story, she said. Theres a lot of opulence in these old buildings, and then theres drug houses and burned-out apartments right down the same road. Films dont just bring Hollywood to Detroit; they also create work for the citys burgeoning lighting crews, teamsters and actors. Some extras even found their way into the film and were able to pursue their dreams of movie stardom. We found some really good local talent for some of our speaking roles, Goshay said. We have extras from throughout the city. Although the film is a low-budget independent production, Bittermans writing attracted A-lists stars to the project. Goshay said although the 18-day shoot brought some highly-praised movie stars to Motown, Detroiters never appeared overly star-struck or intrusive. The cast and crew became regulars at a downtown Cuban restaurant and a local bakery supplied them with fresh treats each day. We have made such great friends here. Everybody that weve met has been really great, she said. We feel really loved-in by Detroit. |
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