After losing several high profile productions including 50 Cent’s Freelancers and The Avengers due to a decrease in tax incentives, The Michigan Film Office approved more than $5 million in incentives for the comedy, Five-Year Engagement yesterday, ensuring the movie will shoot in Ann Arbor.
Five Year Engagement is the first project to be approved under the state’s new guidelines for film tax incentives issued last week. Under the new guidelines, the state is putting more weight on how much a production will contribute to Michigan’s economy.
According to The Chicago Tribune, Gov. Rick Snyder has proposed eliminating the film tax incentive program and ordering a $25 million cap on credits starting later this year. The FYE credit would be about 20 percent of such a cap.
According to the movie’s production company, Five Year Engagement, which stars Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, may begin filming as early as next month.
This is great news for the State of Michigan! Which is better a lower budget film with lots of Michigan work or a higher budget film with less Michigan work? The truth is Michigan wants them both! “This is special~” and it’s put us on the map and allowed to have something to be proud of. Our young students are staying our baby boomers are helping there kids through college.
~Mitch Album
Ron Baratono