Welcome to the West Michigan Film Video Alliance!
Lawrence Productions
25 Ottawa Avenue SW; #204
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Website: www.lpi.com.
... find out more
Upcoming Screenings
- 01/11 - 01/15/09 Fairview St. - Celebration Cinema, Lansing
- 02/03/09 The Mitten Movie Project - Royal Oak, Main Art Theatre
WMFVA Introduces STARMAP
On Friday December 5 the WMFVA's updated website was introduced along with an updated "Crews & More" search engine renamed STARMAP (Search Talent And Resources for Michigan Area Productions). The new site is an interim update designed to introduce some new functionality and features. We'd like members to try them out and let us know what they like and what might be missing. Early next year we will take your suggestions and fold them into a redesigned site. Send constructive comments to chuck@wmfva.org. If you'd like to read a multi-page document describing in detail how to fill out your new profile, click on the link below.
Breaking News
WMFVA Board Appoints New Members
The WMFVA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of members Melissa Peraino, Director of Education Outreach in the Grand Valley State University Continuing Education Department and Angie Brown, Grand Rapids Area of the Chamber of Commerce. Peraino has taught in the GVSU School of Communications, the home of the film program. She is interested in developing programs that serve the training and education needs of those who want to enter the film industry in West Michigan. Brown served as a member of the start up team for the launch of the West Michigan Film Office. She chaired a subcommittee for the first Red Carpet Ready, and is interested in establishing good communication systems between the WMFVA, its members and the business community. Brown and Peraino join recent appointee Dirk Eichhorst, Muskegon area filmmaker. Both Eichhorst and Peraino have announced their intentions to run for positions on the board when their terms expire at the end of December.
Michigan Film Office Fires Back at Film Incentive Critics
It's no secret that just when Michigan began to experience real success in attracting filmmakers to the state as a result of the new film incentives, certain politicians began complaining that we can't afford the rebates filmmakers will earn here. Senators Nancy Cassis (R - Novi), Mark Jansen (R - Grand Rapids), Tom George (R-Kalamazoo) and Representative George Cushingberry (D - Detroit)have led the charge to cap film incentives. Their arguments are flimsy, often inaccurate and their numbers are just plain wrong. In order to combat the negative press, the Michigan Film Office has informally issued a list of talking points that accurately describe the impact of the film incentives here. Guess what? It's POSITIVE! So if you'd like a little help in combating the baloney, please click on the link to the document attached. And then share your opinion with your legislator!
Coming Up
WMFVA Production Party!! (and annual meeting)
Friday, January 23, 2009, 6pm to 9pm or later
Sponsored by:
You are the WMFVA and this is your party!! This is the 4th Annual membership meeting/party!! Each year this event gets bigger and better as we grow as an organization. Consider this our employee appreciation party but don't come to the party this year for the same old thing cause you aren't going to get it. We have partnered with Collective Studios as our featured location this year and we are working with them to create a most interesting event. We are still in the planning stages so keep posted to this calendar for more information on what's in store
Location: Collective Studios
215 Logan Street SW, Suite 7
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
email: gocollectivego@gmail.com
phone: 616.458.1806