With stunning visuals and a class story, 'Oz the Great and Powerful" is a game-changer for the biggest movie studio in Michigan.
"Disney was going to take the movie up to Vancouver," said Sam Raimi.
But the Michigan-born director fought to bring the $200 million movie to his home state. "They allowed me to send a research party there for a couple of days. We explored the state's rebate program, and although it didn't quite equal Vancouver, I told them I was adamant we had to shoot it in Michigan."
The production spent $105 million in Michigan and put 683 people to work. "Oz was our maiden voyage here, but it was incredibly important," said Anthony Wenson, director of operations with the Michigan Motion Picture Studios, a facility that boasts seven sound stages and all the needed amenities for major Hollywood productions.
In 2012, the film "Black Sky" spent reportedly $12 million and employed 450 workers.
But with changes to the state's movie incentive program, staying busy hasn't been easy. "Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down," said Wenson, citing the state's $50 million cap on film incentives.
"I'm proud to see a lot of Michigan workers who worked on that film," said Wenson.
Thursday, June 13 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-14 01:27:50 GMT
Gracious and humble British import Henry Cavill takes on the biggest role of his career playing Superman and Clark Kent in "Man of Steel". Fox 2's Lee Thomas recently sat down with Cavill for a one-on-one interview.
Gracious and humble British import Henry Cavill takes on the biggest role of his career playing Superman and Clark Kent in "Man of Steel". Fox 2's Lee Thomas recently sat down with Cavill for a one-on-one interview.
Monday, June 10 2013 12:16 PM EDT2013-06-10 16:16:28 GMT
Wesley Coller was a spike-haired kid from Pinckney that loved the movies. Now, he is the co-producer of one of the most anticipated films of the summer, 'Man of Steel.'
Wesley Coller was a spike-haired kid from Pinckney that loved the movies. Now, he is the co-producer of one of the most anticipated films of the summer, 'Man of Steel.'
Friday, June 7 2013 10:21 AM EDT2013-06-07 14:21:23 GMT
The band Death, originally from Detroit, is credited as being the first African-American punk rock band. They'll take the stage at this weekend's Orion Music + More festival on Belle Isle.
The band Death, originally from Detroit, is credited as being the first African-American punk rock band. They'll take the stage at this weekend's Orion Music + More festival on Belle Isle.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:06:45 GMT
The makers of the next installment of the "Transformers" movie franchise plan to shoot an action sequence this month along a wheat field-lined stretch of Michigan state highway near Adrian.
The makers of the next installment of the "Transformers" movie franchise plan to shoot an action sequence this month along a wheat field-lined stretch of Michigan state highway near Adrian.
Thursday, June 13 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-14 01:27:50 GMT
Gracious and humble British import Henry Cavill takes on the biggest role of his career playing Superman and Clark Kent in "Man of Steel". Fox 2's Lee Thomas recently sat down with Cavill for a one-on-one interview.
Gracious and humble British import Henry Cavill takes on the biggest role of his career playing Superman and Clark Kent in "Man of Steel". Fox 2's Lee Thomas recently sat down with Cavill for a one-on-one interview.
Monday, June 10 2013 12:16 PM EDT2013-06-10 16:16:28 GMT
Wesley Coller was a spike-haired kid from Pinckney that loved the movies. Now, he is the co-producer of one of the most anticipated films of the summer, 'Man of Steel.'
Wesley Coller was a spike-haired kid from Pinckney that loved the movies. Now, he is the co-producer of one of the most anticipated films of the summer, 'Man of Steel.'
Friday, June 7 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-06-07 17:33:23 GMT
Brad Pitt wants the music for "World War Z" to be much more than a footnote. Watch footage from the London premiere, along with a performance from Muse, inside the story.
Brad Pitt wants the music for "World War Z" to be much more than a footnote. Watch footage from the London premiere, along with a performance from Muse, inside the story.
Friday, June 7 2013 10:21 AM EDT2013-06-07 14:21:23 GMT
The band Death, originally from Detroit, is credited as being the first African-American punk rock band. They'll take the stage at this weekend's Orion Music + More festival on Belle Isle.
The band Death, originally from Detroit, is credited as being the first African-American punk rock band. They'll take the stage at this weekend's Orion Music + More festival on Belle Isle.
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