LANSING — The Michigan Film Office announced today the feature film How to Catch a Monster has been approved for a film incentive from the state. The project, a modern-fantasy drama, is scheduled to film in metro Detroit late this spring.
How to Catch a Monster marks Ryan Gosling’s first time writing and directing a feature film. Gosling is an Oscar-nominated actor having starred in films including The Ides of March, The Place Beyond the Pines, Drive, Lars and the Real Girl, and Half Nelson for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
The film will star Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Saoirse Ronan (Atonement), Eva Mendes (The Place Beyond the Pines), Matt Smith (Doctor Who on BBC One) and Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises).
“This project is a great fit for Michigan and what we have to offer – from incredible locations to a talented workforce,” said Margaret O’Riley, director of the Michigan Film Office. “It’s a strong vote of confidence when individuals who have filmed previously in Michigan bring new projects back to the state.”
How to Catch a Monster was awarded an incentive of $1.75 million on $6.2 million of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 104 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 30 jobs.
Matt Platt and Adam Siegel are producing the film on behalf of Marc Platt Productions, along with Gosling via his Phantasma Films banner. Michel Litvak and David Lancaster are producing and financing via the Bold Films banner. Sierra/Affinity is overseeing international sales for the film.
How to Catch a Monster weaves elements of fantasy noir and suspense into a modern day fairytale. Set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city, Billy, a single mother of two, is swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town. Both Billy and Bones must dive deep into the mystery if their family is to survive.
In FY 2013, 14 projects have been awarded a total of $32.7 million on $126 million of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 1,294 Michigan hires with a full time equivalent of 589 jobs.
