DETROIT, July 9, 2009 – CBS RADIO Detroit announced today it will host “Michigan Makes Movies Expo” Sunday, July 12 from 10am to 6pm, at the Rock Financial Showplace, in Novi Michigan. This event is open to all Michiganders who are interested in learning more about the growing Michigan Film Industry and what they need to know to become a part of an industry that Michigan’s leaders hope will grow the state’s economy.
The event will include a film industry expo with Michigan vendors from production companies, talent agents, casting directors, colleges offering film industry courses, as well as more than 35 breakout sessions hosted by working industry professionals. Sessions include casting, how to become an extra, production assistant bootcamp, a panel made up of representatives from the Michigan movie studios, a screenwriters “pitch panel” where screenwriters will have two minutes to pitch their script to the panel and receive three minutes of critique in return….plus Building a Film Bull Pen In Michigan…conducted by Christopher Coppola…who is in town currently teaching at Madonna University. Hollywood character actor David Dean Bottrell will host two sessions including “Acting For The Camera” and “Screenwriting Essentials.” Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about SAG and small businesses can learn how to be an entrepreneur in the new Michigan Film Economy.
CBS RADIO Detroit’s Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Debbie Kenyon said “We are very excited to bring this type of event to our listeners. We are dedicated to helping Michigan’s economy grow through the film industry and to providing our audience with the important information they need to enhance their futures and excel in this new exciting field. It’s pleasing to have the quality speakers that we have hosting our breakout sessions. They are prominent members of the local industry with extensive knowledge to share with our listeners.”
The event is not a job fair, but rather an informational event designed to give attendees the knowledge they will need to build a career in the local film industry. The Michigan Film Industry is growing quickly because of the tax incentives put into place by Governor Jennifer Granholm (www.michigan.gov/filmoffice). Many Hollywood films are being filmed in the state this summer and several have been filmed over the last year due to the tax incentives. Gran Torino starring and directed by Clint Eastwood was filmed in the Detroit area, as was, Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It!” Currently, Rob Reiner is in Michigan filming “Flipped”, Robert De Niro is in the state filming “Stone” and HBO’s new series “Hung” just finished it’s filming in the Great Lakes State.
Tickets to the event are available in advance for $20.00 at www.michiganmakesmovies.com or at the door the day of the event for $25.00. 16 years old and older are welcome.
Owned and Operated by CBS RADIO, WWJ-AM 950 is Detroit’s only all-news station. CBS RADIO in Detroit also owns radio stations WOMC-FM, WVMV-FM, WXYT-AM/FM and WYCD-FM.
