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With the summer tourism season just around the corner, I want to provide an update on what is happening in the Michigan legislature. Legislation has recently been introduced that should have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Michigan. House Bill 6066, introduced by Rep. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, would create the Michigan Film Advisory Commission within the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. The Commission would advise the Governor, the department, and the legislature on how to promote and market Michigan’s locations and workers to the film and television industries.
The film industry is growing in Michigan and generating significant revenue to the state. Michigan ranked in the top ten nationally in film production in 2001. Last year, feature films generated $20 million in economic impact to the state. Commercial films, including advertising and business films, contributed over $50 million to the state’s economy. Additionally, luring feature films to Michigan provides a vehicle to market the state and provide nationwide exposure.
The Film Advisory Commission would complement the work that the Michigan Film Office is already doing in attracting new business to the state. The Commission will be comprised of fifteen individuals from the film and motion picture industries, television industry, theater owners, related unions, and the general public. The legislation is scheduled for a hearing before the Commerce Committee early next week.
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