Film incentive opens door for students, Tax rebate can provide BCA majors with industry experience

The Michigan Tax Incentive for filmmaking has given some students extra opportunities within the state.

For Birmingham freshman Josh Finn, it has helped a lot.

Finn played as an extra in the Lifetime film “Prayers for Bobby,” which stars Sigourney Weaver. The picture was filmed near his house.

“It’s a cool rush when you get to be on the big screen or be a part of a production with famous celebrities,” Finn said. “BCA allows students to actually be a part of the production, whether it’s on- or off-screen.”

The incentive for films is a tax rebate equal to 40 percent of qualified production expenditures, not a credit against taxes owed. It includes an additional 2 percent credit in core communities such as Mount Pleasant.

The incentive has helped Central Michigan University’s Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts department by providing students with the opportunity to gain experience and exposure to the film industry in a real-life setting.

Benjamin Tigner, coordinator of video laboratories for the School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, knows several students who have worked as extras in films set in Detroit, such as “Whip It” and “Red Dawn.”

Tigner is grateful for the opportunities the tax incentive brings to his students.

“I can teach it, but there’s no better way to learn it than to apply it,” Tigner said. “They take with them the skills and bring them back to the classroom.”

He said without the Michigan Tax Incentive, students who do not live in Hollywood would never get a feel of the film industry, or at least not as easily.

“It’s absolutely important to get real-life experience,” Tigner said. “It is the best way to learn, and the best way to understand how we make TV.”

Finn said although he has always known he wanted to major in broadcasting, living in Michigan helps.

He has taken full advantage of BCA programs as well. He’s involved in “The Morning After Show” on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Modern Rock 91.5.

“The program here is honestly amazing,” Finn said. “The radio show allows me to be involved in the BCA program right away, which is awesome.”

Though the tax incentive has given students exposure, Tigner said that does not mean jobs necessarily.

He said the incentive might boost the economy because the companies use local hotels, restaurants and stores, but there are drawbacks for local students because crews typically bring videographers with them from Hollywood.

“The companies in Hollywood have been slowly coming for the incentive and just using us for the location,” Tigner said.