In 2008, when the State of Michigan first offered a tax incentive to the film industry, Michigan-born filmmaker Chris-Teena Constas left her career in Chicago to move back home to Detroit. With the state then at the forefront of the industry, it was a time of innovation and excitement. In her fast-paced work, there was no time to write in a journal so, in true filmmaker fashion, she decided to capture her story behind her lens. At first, she recorded main events, then began to document everyday life. She wound up with seven years of footage stored on hard drives.
In 2011, Governor Rick Snyder proposed reducing incentive, and the emerging film industry immediately slowed. Now unemployed, Constas began reviewing her footage and saw that she had an opportunity to raise awareness about the positive effects of the film industry on the state, how it attracted creative minds and young talent, and the crippling effects of the reduction on the fledgling field. Jane Of All Trades: The Rise and Fall of the Michigan Film Incentive puts a human face on the facts and figures surrounding legislation and rhetoric, showing how the film industry could help save not only individuals, but maybe the entire state.
Chris-Teena Constas will join us for a Q & A after the show and a moderated discussion about the current climate of film incentives in Michigan, focusing on a proactive stance. Come out and learn what you can do to help.
Our screening is co-hosted by Michigan Production Alliance (MPA). In existence since 2003, MPA is a 501c6 non-profit with a mission to provide cohesiveness to the film community through communications, continuing education and political awareness.
Jane Of All Trades: The Rise and Fall of the Michigan Film Incentive
Documentary – NR – 46 min – Tickets $5 – Get tickets online
Thursday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. only
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