The Greater Lansing CVB is committed to assisting filmmakers find all the resources they need to bring their production to the Greater Lansing region. The new film incentives from the state of Michigan have put the state on the map in Hollywood. The economic impact of a large film project will do great things for the region, and the Greater Lansing Film Partnership (GLFP) wants to be a catalyst in that process.

The Greater Lansing Film Partnership is a compilation of organizations committed to seeing the film industry thrive in our region. Partners include: the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Michigan Film Office, West Michigan Film Office, City Center Studios and local officials.

As part of the Greater Lansing CVB, the GLFP can also offer a great value to filmmakers through their numerous members, linking film prospects with many available locations and resources. Greater Lansing offers a wide array of locations, from the campus of MSU to rolling farm land and bustling cityscapes. In addition, production crews often need catering, transportation, housing assistance, etc. The GLFP will connect crews to the proper resources so they can find everything they need.

The GLFP will work closely with the Michigan Film Office and West Michigan Film Office in identifying film leads that would work well in the region. The Michigan film incentives legislation, which took effect in April, 2008, has already brought in more than $200 million in film revenue to Michigan.

2008 Michigan Filming Incentives Highlights: 

• Must spend at least $50,000 in Michigan to be eligible. 
  
• 40% refundable tax credit, across the board, on Michigan expenditures.
  
• Claim an extra 2% if filming in one of the 103 Core Communities in Michigan. 
  
• Labor and Crew: 40–42% Resident Below the Line. 40–42% Above the Line regardless of domicile. 30% Non-resident Below the Line. 
  
• There is also an infrastructure tax credit program as well as a nontransferable, nonrefundable workforce development tax credit for hiring and training current Michigan crewmembers to a higher level. 
  
• $2 million salary cap per employee per production. There is no other cap and no sunset. 
  

Application must include: estimated Michigan expenditures, project type, Michigan production days, local hires and more. The company must send a script/storyboard, insurance documents, the budget, any confidential information requirements and the application fee of $100. The project must commence filming within 90 days of approval. 

YOU MUST HAVE AN AGREEMENT APPROVED AND SIGNED BY BOTH THE MICHIGAN FILM OFFICE AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY BEFORE INCURRING ANY ELIGIBLE PRODUCTION EXPENSES. 

This incentive became effective in April, 2008. Please call or email the Michigan Film Office for additional information at (800) 477-3456 or mfo@michigan.org. We will have more complete information on the website very soon.

For more information about the Greater Lansing Film Partnership, call (517) 377-1419 or email tpadot@lansing.org.