It's been years since movie makers thought of Michigan as a destination state but new legislation could mean tax incentives that would once again attract filmmakers.

SEE ALSO:  'Flint: Who Can You Trust' Debuts Friday 

Michigan lawmakers are considering two new bills that offer a base tax credit of up to 30% for all money spent to hire Michigan workers. There will be a 20% tax credit for money spent to bring workers in from out-of-state.

Both bills are being considered by committees in both the State House and Senate.

A Huge Opportunity for Michigan

Bill Latka is with the Michigan Film Industry Association Board, and he says offering filmmakers tax breaks could be a huge opportunity for Michigan.

"Producers need some important things to make a movie. They need stars that are bankable, and they need locations that are beautiful like Michigan, but they also need money," Latka tells WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids. "It's an expensive business and there are 40 other states that have film incentives and Michigan doesn't so we're missing out on all the production that's happening everywhere else."

Latka goes on to say that Michigan used to have the biggest film incentive package in the United States, but some lawmakers looked at it as a 'Hollywood handout' and ended the program.

Local Economies Can Benefit

In the video below, Latka explains that production companies spend a lot of money in the communities they visit while they're on location.

"Small businesses like hotels, florists, lumber yards, caterers, restaurants, you name it - all those different businesses are hired by movies to make them happen," Latka says.

He goes on to say incentivizing the movie industry to come to Michigan would reduce the number of college students who study the art from leaving the state after graduation.

Latka says anyone who is interested in contacting their legislators can find more information at this website.

 

These Tiny Michigan Places Could Be Confused With Much Bigger Cities

You don't have to book a flight to vacation in Miami Beach or Paris - They're located right here in Michigan, well within driving distance.

$18M Simple Rustic Lodge is Most Expensive Home for Sale in Michigan

It's currently considered the most expensive home for sale in Michigan. With a price tag of $18 million, this simple rustic lodge may not be what you would expect for the money, but there's a really good reason. Yes the lodge itself, which is 3456 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, is very cool, but that isn't the attraction that warrants the hefty price. It's the property, we're talking prime real estate that screams Pure Michigan. The $18 million will secure you 18,480 feet of pristine Lake Huron shoreline along with 710 acres of recreational property. The listing on Zillow states it is believed to be the largest privately-owned Lake Huron shoreline. Think about it...your own 3.5 miles of mostly sandy shoreline with areas of sand dunes to enjoy.
Check it out!


The 5 Top Selling Vehicles in Michigan

Go Banking decided to get to work to discover what Americans are choosing as their favorite vehicles from state to state. From lifestyles to terrain, to weather and gas prices, each state has its popular selection as to what to drive.
To find the cost to own the most popular cars in each state, GOBankingRates referenced pricing and sales data from car-research site Edmunds. Overall, the most popular vehicles in each state generally run in the $28,000 to $32,000 range, but there are some notable exceptions with extras and premium models.
Take a look at Michigan's Top 5.

More From Banana 101.5