The Michigan Production Alliance (MPA) and members of the local film community are proud to announce the release of a PSA that says that we live here, we work here, and we want the film industry to be given the chance that it deserves to grow and bring jobs to the state of Michigan. Teresa Leming, of Mid America Cine’ Support, teamed up with Producer Connie Dillinger Johnson to deliver the message of the PSA. “We wanted the message to be simple, and concise, and we wanted it to be valid for all incoming businesses coming to Michigan to set up shop” said Johnson, “‘I live in Michigan; I want to work in Michigan’ does that”. Ringside Creative then took charge, handling creative and post production.

A meeting with Storyboard Artist, Dave Chow from the College for Creative Studies, set the tone for the PSA. Johnson and Leming then contacted vendors and crew for support. Mid America Cine’ Support was first on board with the donation of the grip and lighting equipment for both the Lansing location and studio shooting. “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get people excited about this project, we were not turned down by a single individual or company”, said Johnson. A full list of credits will roll with the web version of the PSA at www.iliveinmichigan.com.

Jeff Moon Productions Services provided camera, sound, and crew support. “When Connie approached me with the PSA idea, I had to say yes. With the economy here being so soft and the auto industry hurting, we have to find ways to promote ourselves and develop new business. What a great opportunity to do so with the “I LIVE IN MICHIGAN, I WANT TO WORK IN MICHIGAN” campaign. We look at this as a way to give back and to help rebuild our industry and those people around us that count on our work,” said Moon.

Ringside Creative offered up the Combermere Stage, which was the base for the one day shoot. A Crew of 30 people worked a nine hour day to shoot just under 30 different people for the series of PSA : 30 spots. The production crew included production assistants who had recently completed training programs from TicTock Studios and Macomb County Community College. Hopwood DePree of TicTock in Grand Rapids was excited to hear that students from his training program were utilized. “Michigan is brimming with talented, hard-working people — many of whom are out of work. Boosting the film industry in Michigan could go a long way toward kick-starting our ailing economy and putting our residents back to work in an exciting industry that offers a wide range of job opportunities.”

The PSA features Governor Granholm, Kid Rock a host of other Michigan based celebrities, and professionals. Mitch Albom, who was not able to be part of the shoot because he was on location in Anaheim with the Detroit Red Wings, said about the project, “I have always been proud to live and work in Michigan and know that anyone coming to work here – or make movies or TV shows here – will find it the same. The state’s efforts to entice new, creative and growing businesses – such as digital gaming, movies and TV – should be applauded and supported.”

Michigan Production Alliance is the non-profit sponsor of the PSA, and was behind the project from its inception. “MPA strives to be the voice of the production community, it only makes sense that we would fully support this kind effort”, said Mark Adler, head of the MPA. Watch “I LIVE IN MICHIGAN, I WANT TO WORK IN MICHIGAN” now!

Stage 3 recently hosted the annual Cinco de Mayo fundraiser for Gilda's Club which provides programs of emotional and social support for people living with cancer. Event coordinator, Angela Butorac, who selected Stage 3 to host the event because of its' unique movie studio environment said, “The third annual Terry's Team Fundraiser for Gilda's Club at Stage 3 was our best yet! The room was packed with people until late in the night, it was a great venue, the atmosphere Colonial Events provided looked amazing in the space. Every aspect of this event was simply wonderful and we could not have asked for a better night!” The evening's festivities included delicious food from Abuelo's Mexican Cuisine, beer, wine, entertainment, a Chinese auction, and door prizes.

If you were one of the fortunate ones to attend Margie Haber's Acting Coach Seminar here at Stage 3, then you would have felt the intensity and focus of those soaking up every moment. When the event was scheduled to begin, expected audience was 65 actors but quickly grew to over 130 aspiring artists. In attendance were also talent agencies checking out actors and taking names and numbers. Margie Haber's clients include Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Vince Vaughn, and other well known screen actors. Expect to see Margie fly back into town and hold another great seminar here at Stage 3 soon.

For information contact Art Bonus at 888-330-5179.

Stage 3 hosted another film industry bash for 11th Hour Production Services, with their friends at Mid America Cine Support, to announce their initiative to expand opportunities with the film industry by forming a new office to handle pipelining productions and information from Los Angeles to Michigan. The Mayor of Warren also made a special appearance to show the city's support of the film industry announcing its local incentive program of an extra 2% in tax reimbursements for filming in Warren. This raises the total state tax reimbursements to 42%, the highest of any state. The city also offers one step legislation to make filming in Warren exceptionally easy and cost effective.

Also on hand for the event were film producers, location scouts, associated film crew and support staff, models, actors, and various state and local government officials. The event was slated to end at 9:00 p.m. but ended much later because of the great music, conversation, and networking opportunities.

If you would like to take advantage of Stage 3's momentum, creative services and facility to announce your company or upcoming events, please contact Art Bonus at (888) 330-5179 or artbonus@stage3.com

It was a great start to the year with an incredible shoot featuring stunning and talented people. Though right now we cannot be specific about the shoot, we can tell you that it was for the MGM Grand Casino, and the production spanned over four days. Various locations at the casino were selected which had to be well coordinated so as not to interfere with gaming. Some of the shooting locations were along side the gaming area, and other enticing backdrops were the luxurious rooms, relaxing pool side, over the top spas, sumptuous restaurants, jamming night clubs and more. Not only were the locations hot, but so were the models. It was great to work with the talent agencies, local models, and MGM Grand Casino staff. Many patrons enjoyed glaring at the beauty and were fascinated by the intricate production. Not only could they feel the excitement, they could tell that there are some great things happening with Stage 3, a 42,000 sq. ft. studio specializing in photography, CGI, graphic design and retouching.

For information about our studios and projects, contact Art Bonus at (586) 576-0625 or artbonus@stage3.com

Thanks to The Whitney, J. Lauri Filmworks and Stage 3 the new Cinematique events are starting to be the buzz around town. Those fortunate enough to have attended the film production industry party agreed that Saturday's event was exceptionally exciting.

Two major productions were unveiled. First the highlights of “Want” the short film by award winning writer Steve Karageanes, produced by J. Lauri Filmworks and made in association with Stage 3. Second was the announcement of the television show “Movie Show Plus” hosted by the Emmy award winning Greg Russell to be produced at Stage 3's expansive production facility in Warren, Michigan.

Numerous well known directors, producers, actors, models and photographers mingled and talked about upcoming productions in Detroit. Also attending were various “who's who” from local advertising agencies. Music, dancing, laughter and intense movie talk filled the night's air along with the promise that fantastic things are beginning to happen in Detroit.

Many thanks to The Whitney for providing the perfect venue for Cinematique's on-going fun and glamorous events. Stay tuned for information on Cinematique III.

For more information and updates contact Greg DeGorsky at (586) 576-0625 or gregd@stage3.com

As Stage 3 begins to ramp up for 2009, we realize that there are some serious needs for 3D photo-realistic imagery. It appears that a number of our clients are noticing that computer generated imagery (CGI) can be used for many cool areas on the web to highlight products ranging from clothing to toys to dental products. Understanding that CGI/3D is just another lens on our camera so to speak, the speed at which we can create photo-realistic 3D imagery has a few scratching their heads.

Our clients are realizing that our expertise in utilizing engineering data, or modeled products from scratch helps add a new dimension to their portfolio of offerings. Recently one of our international clients was awarded a huge project using our CGI as a cornerstone to the production. Yes, it does mean some good work for us, but it's also helping our clients to diversify and land some serious CGI advertising contracts.

For more information please contact Greg DeGorsky at (586) 576-0625 or gregd@stage3.com

Okay, so we have some really cool studios, and yes, great photographers, videographers, artists, production staff, connections, and even parties. But we're also attracting the excitement of the film industry. Serious, and way cool!

Since we have been teaming up with various persons in the film industry, we are noticing more projects begin to line up. We've also noticed that in order to be part of the action, you've just got to get near it. One of our clients mentioned that his spouse had an interest in the film industry. Even though their business is in no way related to the film industry, it was her dream to somehow get involved. While hanging out at our studio one day the delighted spouse got noticed and was asked to be an extra in an upcoming local film. The husband and wife both appeared in the movie scene, and now can add it to their credits of seen it, done it, loved it! Stage 3 is excited to be a part of the growing film industry in Detroit, and we look forward to helping as many people as possible become part of the action as well.

For more information please contact Art Bonus at (586) 576-0625 or artbonus@stage3.com