Highlighting Michigan's growing film industry

 

WATCH: Exclusive Interview with Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, Director of the new film "Jinn," which will be shot in Michigan AmericaJR.com's Garrett Godwin reports from inside Cobo Center in downtown Detroit for the 58th Annual AutoRama Classic Car Show. Watch for an inclusive interview with Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, director and writer of the new film "Jinn," which will be shot in Michigan. The movie will be filmed all over the state of Michigan and will employ workers from within in the state. Two custom cars known as "The Firebreather" will be used in the production of the film. Also, watch as AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo interviews producers Eddie Rubin and Danny Mooney who are also working on the same project. [3.1.10] Entertainment attorney Richard Rattner to give speech at WSU Oakland Center on Feb. 17 Richard Rattner is an entertainment attorney at the law office Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett, P.C. in Birmingham, Mich. He will be giving a speech at Wayne State University's Oakland Center titled "Are You Ready to be America's Next Star" on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The event is free for WSU Alumni Association members and current students. It is $5 for graduates who are not members of the Alumni Association and $10 for everyone else. [2.12.10] LISTEN: Interview with entertainment attorney Richard Rattner regarding his upcoming speech at WSU WATCH: Entertainment Attorney Richard Rattner addresses Wayne State University Students and Alumni WATCH: Exclusive Interview with Spencer Grammer, actress on the ABC Family series "GREEK" AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood actress Spencer Grammer, who plays the character of Casey Cartwright on the hit ABC Family series "GREEK." The show returns for it's second half of the third season on Monday, January 25, 2010. "GREEK" moves to a new timeslot, now at 10 p.m. every Monday on ABC Family. Grammer is one of the eight original members of the cast, who belongs to the ZBZ sorority in the television show. Find out what to expect in the new season! [1.23.10] PREVIEW: ABC Family's 'GREEK' returns on Monday at a new time - 10 p.m. "GREEK" is like a soap opera for teenagers and college students, known as a dramedy. If you like the American Pie movies (minus the nudity) or the Bring It On movies, then you'll definitely enjoy "GREEK." If you are a member of a fraternity or a sorority or you're considering to join one, then this is also a great show for you. This Monday, the show kicks off its second half of its third season in a new timeslot: 10 p.m. "GREEK" will be shown one hour later than in the past. However, there will be just as many twists and lots of surprises thrown in too. [1.23.10] Jeff Daniels encourages U-M graduates to be persistent in finding career jobs Actor/playwright Jeff Daniels gave the commencement address at the University of Michigan's winter graduation ceremony inside Crisler Arena on Sunday afternoon. Daniels, who is also a musician, brought out his guitar to sing a song about Michigan during his speech. Honorary degrees were given to journalist Helen Thomas, civil rights activist Grace Lee Boggs, biologist theorist Edward Osborne Wilson and Daniels. Many seats were empty on the main floor inside Crisler Arena during the graduation. All of the graduates from the U-M College of Law decided not to show up. [12.21.09] More women needed in leadership positions, White House Project study says A recent study by The White House Project indicates that there are too many men in leadership positions. The report, "Benchmarking Women's Leadership," was released last week and concludes that women are stalled at 18 percent. The survey was conducted over 10 different fields from the military to journalism to business and politics. The country is missing out on talent, ideas and experience from women that are more than capable of leadership positions. Actress Geena Davis was in Detroit last Wednesday for the announcement. [11.24.09] Geena Davis addresses The White House Project at the Motown Mansion in Detroit [Quicktime Video] Exclusive Interview with Hollywood actress Geena Davis and White House Project President Marie Wilson [Quicktime Video] AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood actress Geena Davis and White House Project President Marie Wilson on Wednesday evening. It took place inside the Motown Mansion in Detroit. The event was titled "Add Women, Change Michigan" to examine the status of women's leadership across ten U.S. sectors. Find out what Geena Davis thought about starring as the first female president of the United States in ABC's "Commander in Chief." Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. She is working hard to get more female film directors in Hollywood. [11.20.09] PHOTOS: The Oink Joint in Birch Run, MI was a filming location for "Whip It" AmericaJR.com's Gloria Rzucidlo takes you to the Oink Joint Restaurant in Birch Run, Michigan. Director Drew Barrymore selected the diner as one of the filming locations for her new film "Whip It", which is currently in theaters now! We'll take you inside the restaurant and show you what the filmmakers saw. It is located at 11740 Gera Road in Birch Run. The restaurant served as a meeting place for the roller derby girls in the film. Go see the movie and see if you can recognize the diner in it. Filmmakers placed a large pig sculpture on the roof of the building for the shoot. [11.4.09] Filmmakers rally to save Michigan's 42 percent tax incentive Mike Manasseri, from Big Screen Michigan introduced Wally, his cameraman, and they showed a 2-minute clip of the importance of Michigan continuing to get film incentives which was the topic of tonight's rally. The clip can be seen at bigscreenmichigan.com also a video which explains the downside of the incentive going away which can be found above the act now! Detroit Free Press columnist and author Mitch Album was one of the speakers at the event. He strongly urged Michigan leaders in Lansing to keep the 42 percent tax incentive for filmmakers. [10.28.09] Scenes from the "Red Dawn" movie shoot in downtown Detroit AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo was LIVE in downtown Detroit on Monday when film crews were shooting scenes for the remake of the 1980s picture "Red Dawn." There was lots of activity at Detroit's Grand Circus Park, Campus Martius Park and at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Griswold Street. Extras were seen wearing orange jumpsuits. The entire area was outfitted to look like a town in China. Watch some scenes from the movie shoot below... [10.28.09] WATCH: Scenes from the "Red Dawn" movie shooting in Downtown Detroit [Quicktime Video] Actor Mike Manasseri to hold rally to save Michigan film tax incentives Monday Whether you may know it or not, Mike Manasseri is part of the John Hughes legacy, thanks to his role as Wyatt, in the sci-fi/fantasy comedy, Weird Science. The series, which aired on the USA Network from 1994-98, is based on the hit 1985 movie directed by Hughes, who passed away this summer. To this day, fans still recognize him from time to time. "John Hughes was incredible. I was flattered to be on that show. [10.24.09] Al Pacino stars as Dr. Jack Kevorkian in new film being shot in Michigan The Oakland County Court House was all a buzz Thursday Oct. 15 as Al Pacino was in town to film the HBO movie titled “You Don’t Know Jack”. One girl in the crowd watching said that she had the opportunity to meet Pacino and she asked him to repeat a line about a gun from the movie Scarface, at first he was hesitant but then he said the line for her. When he saw the crowd of fans gathering around he asked them if no one had to work, one man told him this was Michigan. [10.18.09] Laurie Meeker to host Film Auditioning Workshop at Wayne State, Oct. 10 - 31 Wayne State University will host an intensive workshop for people looking to get a job in the film industry. The continuing education course will take place for four consecutive Saturdays from Oct. 10 through 31. There will be 10 hours of training each day by Screen Actors Guild (SAG) member Laurie Meeker. The class is open to the public. Students will perform mock auditions and will get coaching from Meeker. So far, 15 spots are filled out of 20. There is still time to register. [10.6.09] Michael Moore expects more when it comes to vacations I had a nice chat recently with Michael Moore, who was promoting his soon-to-be-released film “Capitalism: A Love Story,” a documentary showcasing the ills of corporate greed and exploitation of the common worker. I previewed “Capitalism” last week at a journalists’ screening, so I had many questions to ask the Academy Award-winning American filmmaker. Two of “Capitalism’s” travel-industry motifs haunted me: firstly, should we be afraid to fly on airlines which pay their pilots meager salaries, and secondly, if capitalism is evil, is it likewise evil to enjoy a luxurious cruise or other mirthful getaway when some people can’t afford to do so? [10.3.09] Scenes from the "Red Dawn" film shooting in downtown Pontiac, MI AmericaJR.com's Michele Kotlarsky was LIVE in downtown Pontiac for a look at the filming of "Red Dawn." The new Hollywood motion picture is being shot along Saginaw Street in Pontiac. There are many props on display in this area where the streets are closed. Many of the buildings have been renamed to reflect the film. Red Dawn is about a group of teenagers look to save their town from an invasion of Chinese and Russian soldiers. Chris Hemsworth, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Josh Hutcherson are the main stars in the film. The movie is expected to be released on September 24, 2010. [9.28.09] WATCH: Scenes from the "Red Dawn" movie shooting in downtown Pontiac, MI [Quicktime Video] Drew Barrymore goes roller skating with fans to promote "Whip It" Hundreds of fans of all ages waited several hours in line for a chance to skate with Drew Barrymore. The Hollywood actress and director appeared at BonaVenture Skating Center in Farmington Hills to promote her new movie, "Whip It." Barrymore arrived at around 3:30 p.m. on Friday. The new movie was filmed in the Detroit area in the summer of 2008. Members of the Detroit Derby Girls, who were included in the film, were on hand for the special event. A red carpet with velvet ropes was set up behind the skating rink so Barrymore could speak to the media. [9.13.09] WATCH: Exclusive Interview with Drew Barrymore at Roller Skating Event in Farmington Hills, MI (Quicktime Video) AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood actress and director Drew Barrymore on Friday afternoon at BonaVenture Family Skate Center in Farmington Hills, Mich. She came to town to promote her new film "Whip It" and skate with her fans. The first 955 people were allowed to participate in the event, which was hosted by Channel 955 radio. "Whip It" was the first film that Barrymore ever directed. It opens to theaters nationwide on Oct. 2, 2009! [9.12.09] Drew Barrymore to appear at roller skating event; Dave Coulier to host charity fundraiser Hollywood actress and director Drew Barrymore will make an appearance at BonaVenture Skating Center in Farmington Hills to promote her new movie, "Whip It." Barrymore will be there on Sept. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m., however fans are advised to be there before 3:30 or they won't get in. On the very next day, actor Dave Coulier will host a charity fundraiser for "Bras for a Cause." He will be at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Sept. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be an art bra show, a silent auction and musical performances by Jill Jack and Frankie D'Angelo. [9.10.09] Hollywood and area leaders mark Unity Studios groundwork with a clap Representatives of the Hollywood film industry and southeast Michigan gathered Thursday afternoon to mark the establishment of Unity Studios, a +100-acre complex dedicated to film and television production. The “groundbreaking” ceremony that afternoon was marked by the snap of a giant movie clapper by the host party. Further marking the significance of the area’s conversion was the naming of the area as "Hollywood 48101". [8.31.09] WATCH: Exclusive Interviews with Unity Studios President Jimmy Lifton, Allen Park Mayor Gary Burtka, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Unity Studios Marketing Director Eric Cedo (Quicktime Video) AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo was LIVE on Thursday afternoon at the ground breaking of the new Unity Studios in Allen Park. This production facility will also offer training to those looking for jobs in the film or television industry. It is located at I-94 and Southfield Road. You'll see exclusive one-on-one interviews with Unity Studios President Jimmy Lifton, Allen Park Mayor Gary Burtka, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Unity Studios Marketing Director Eric Cedo. [8.29.09] Specs Howard Opens New Film School in Farmington Hills If you're looking for a job in Michigan's fast-growing film industry, this is the place for you. Specs Howard, known for its radio and television programs, has opened a new film school in Farmington Hills. The campus is located within the studio one lot, Michigan's only Hollywood-style film production lot. Everything is nestled in one location, on a street called Industrial Drive, just off Halsted Road north of Nine Mile Road. Specs Howard is offering Introduction to Film and Advanced Film Editing workshops here. [6.26.09] WATCH: Specs Howard Opens New Film School in Farmington Hills (Quicktime Video) EXCLUSIVE: Michael Moore talks the economy, health care and previews his upcoming film Michael Moore was born in Flint, Mich. In 1954, he went to a Catholic seminary, at 22 years old, he co-founded the Flint Voice muckraking newspaper. In 1989, he put out his first documentary film Roger and Me, in 2002, he got an Oscar for Bowling for Columbine, and in 2003, he put out his masterpiece Fahrenheit 911 about Bush, fear and lies. It premiered at number one at box office opening weekend. In 2007, his movie Sicko came out claiming that Americans are at the bottom for health care access. [5.5.09] Michael Moore to speak at Democratic Club of Taylor on May 2 Academy Award-winning American filmmaker, author and liberal political commentator Michael Moore will be speaking at the Democratic Club of Taylor on May 2 at a fundraiser supporting Michigan Peace Team. He is the director and producer of Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Sicko, three of the top five highest-grossing documentaries of all time. Born and raised in Davisburg, Moore attended the University of Michigan – Flint, and never lost touch with his Michigan roots. When Michael Moore speaks, people listen. [4.11.09] Detroit Metro Airport offers four unique terminals for filmmakers Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) features four terminals that are available for filmmakers. Two of the terminals are completely new -- McNamara and North while the other two terminals are no longer in operation -- Smith and Berry. The airport has been used as the location for ABC's "The Prince of the Motor City" and "Homeland Security". It will be used this week for the new George Clooney film "Up in the Air". The airport is attractive to filmmakers due to the state's 42 percent tax incentive for filmmakers who choose to do their work in Michigan. [2.22.09] Exclusive Interview with Hollywood actor/comedian Dave Coulier WAV -- AIFF Exclusive Interview with Hollywood actor/director Michael Landon Jr. WAV -- AIFF Exclusive Interview with Hollywood actor Faran Tahir, star of"Iron Man" and the new "Star Trek" film MP3 Exclusive 20-minute Interview with Hollywood actor Bob Saget, host of "1 vs. 100" MP3 Exclusive Interview with Hollywood actress Amanda Bynes at Steve & Barry's in Troy, Mich. MP3

Line Producer Needed for Low Budget Detroit Feature Feature film needs an experience Line Producer for 7 weeks in the Detroit Area. Fully paid position. Must have fantastic knowledge of Low Budget(400k) film making. Must have Line Producer Feature experience and connections to low budget Crew and Equip. Please Email Resumes to MLHMovie@gmail.com if you are qualified. Crew Call for THE SAXOPHONE PLAYER The film production of THE SAXOPHONE PLAYER is crewing up. THE SAXOPHONE PLAYER will be shooting in early January in the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas on Super 16mm film, using an SRII. Please contact Rockwell09@gmail.com with your roles of interest, resumes. And brief descriptions of your previous works. MOOZ-lum Looking for Wardrobe Interns Interns should be able to work at least one full day a week (Monday through Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) until the end of November, have access to a car, and be eager and willing to help with all aspects of wardrobe. Duties may include helping orginize and keep track of both principle's and extra's costumes, trailer and office orginization, shopping and clothing returns, alterations and/or minor sewing (experience not necissary), and assisting the costume designer and set costumer. Unfortunately, unpaid- however, if you are willing to put in a number of days a week, it may be possible to arrange a small stipend. Please send resume and cover letter to AmyJuliaCheyfitz@gmail.com. Honey Creek Pictures is crewing up Honey Creek Pictures is looking for crew for ultra-low budget ($200,000) feature shooting in Grand Rapids this February. Both paid and intern positions available. This is a family Christmas film and will have a nationally-known actress in the lead. * Please note that this film will be shot entirely in Western Michigan, and that all crew must work as locals (i.e. no per diem or lodging). Please submit resume and letter of interest. Enthusiasm & commitment are as important as experience. They will begin interviewing potential crew later this year. Please include the position in the subject line, and send your resumes to tom@honeycreekpictures.com if you are interested. SOMETHING IN THE DARK: Extras Needed We are looking for extras for the feature film Something in the Dark. The pay will be $64 for 8 hours plus overtime. We are looking for adults of all ages and minors starting age 11. Please email submitme@primecasting.com if you are interested. Include a picture and your contact information please. We start shooting on November 9th and shoot until the end of November in the Metro Detroit Area. THE SAXOPHONE is Casting Musicians Rockwell Pictures will begin production on the SAXOPHONE (Working Title) starting at the beginning of January. The film is 20 minute short about a man who has recently been let go from his job at the Auto-Factory. After being laid off he begins to rediscover his passion for jazz and begins to play with local jazz bands and musicians. The film will be shot entirely in Michigan and will be a wonderful opportunity for actors to gain exposure as the film upon its completion will be submitted to various festivals. My producers and I are currently in the process of casting various jazz musicians for the jazz club scenes, and we would love to use local Detroit jazz artists. We will also potentially cast musicians who play the Saxophone for the lead. Any interested parties to please send a head shot and samples of their music for consideration to Corey at Rockwell09@gmail.com Production Company seeks Professional PA Small Production Company seeks professional, energetic production assistant to aid filmmakers in the production of 3-minute documentaries. Duties include: - Loading & unloading equipment - Setting up & breaking down lighting & video equipment - DIY / On-set log & capture (Must know FCP) - Creating & maintaining a smooth workflow on set - Keeping equipment clean & in order - Tending to director’s needs in order to ensure a smooth shoot Compensation: $200.00 per day, 2 days of work per documentary. If interested, please email us at: 1000facesofamerica@gmail.com. Please include your name, experience & contact information. CRAVE: Extras Casting Extras are needed for an upcoming feature film shooting in the Detroit area from 10/22 - 11/20. We are looking for a large number of diverse background extras to be a part of this exciting production. Please note this is an unpaid/volunteer opportunity. To be considered, please send your information (outlined below), along with a headshot/photo of yourself to CraveExtras@gmail.com Name Age Height Shirt/Dress/Pant Size Contact Information (phone and email) Availability RED DAWN: Extras needed IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL TO THE ADDRESS BELOW WITH YOUR NAME, AGE, HEIGHT, WEIGHT, RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, COMPLETE CONTACT INFORMATION AND A RECENT PICTURE OR TWO. For more information, join the “Red Dawn Extras” group on facebook.com, or e-mail RedDawnExtras@gmail.com To submit a job for this page, please send an e-mail to "americajr@americajr.com" with the subject "Film Job."

Visit the Michigan Film Office's official website

 

SPONSORED BY: