Industry turns out for MiFIA town hall

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – Excitement ran through Studio Center’s Stage A as several hundred film and commercial industry professionals gathered for the Michigan Film Industry Association’s inaugural town hall event

              A social hour kicked off the evening, providing an in-person opportunity for networking between filmmakers, photographers, lighting crew members and the industry’s many hard-working men and women. The town hall followed with a panel discussion on MiFIA’s legislation to create a pro-jobs, pro-economy film incentive program in Michigan.

              “Metro Detroit turned out in force tonight to show their support of our industry and their passion for returning a film incentive to this great state,” said David Haddad, MiFIA chair. “Tonight is proof that we are energized and ready to get these bills across the finish line and enacted into law.”

The Michigan Film Industry Association aims to create a film incentive program in Michigan. The organization has worked tirelessly to draft bipartisan, pro-jobs legislation to boost the state’s economy, retain and attract talent, and compete with 40 other U.S. states with film incentives. The bills, SBs 862-863 and HBs 5724-25, await action in committee.

The metro Detroit town hall kicked off a series of events. Others are scheduled for May 9 at the Workshop Brewing Company in Traverse City and May 11 at Lowing Studios in Grand Rapids.

              “The turnout for tonight’s town hall demonstrates the excitement to return filmmaking to Michigan,” said Diane Stratton, event organizer and owner of Stratton Camera. “We are determined to keep our talent here and showcase our great state.”

Sponsors for the April 21 event are Studio Center, Angel Food Catering, Stratton Camera, Michael Kuentz Photography, Hamco Audio and JBC Production Services.

              To donate or become a MiFIA member, visit www.mifia.org.