Michigan Film Industry Braces For Incentive Cut

The governor’s proposal to put $50 million into the state budget for next year to provide incentives for film-makers to shoot in Michigan, has been removed from the budget by the Michigan House.

But the new head of the state’s film office is undaunted.

Jenelle Leonard says she won’t comment one way or another on the effects of the cut, but she did note that 40 other states have film incentive programs, and she remains committed to the governor’s earlier proposal.

Some have criticized the expenditure, saying it’s more of a giveaway to film makers than it is an economic development tool.

The budget now goes to the Michigan Senate for consideration.