In my opinion the film industry is just a fair weather friend [[Or is golddigger a better term?). The ONLY reason they are here is because the state is massively subsidizing their projects, and the fact that the ending of those subsidies means the loss of the industry is proof of that.
I'll temper my argument by saying that I'm not in favor of any tax credits or public funding for any for profit industries, but to subsidize an industry that is completely mobile is a complete waste of our tax dollars.
The climate in Michigan would mean that any jobs in the industry would be at best a seasonal activity with limited production during inclement weather [[There's a reason the industry thrives in sunny California). Also with most large tax subsidies/credits there's usually a long term agreement for instate jobs, or long term capital improvement. With these credits there is none! It's cash your check and take nearly half back to California, and that's exactly what has been happening.
I know someone is going to counter with the "Film studios, film schools" argument, but of all those proposed developments that were floating around I have yet to hear of any successes. The Allen Park school ended up being a near total failure [[If not fraudulent) and the rest are either stalled, cash grabs, imaginary or simply political hot air.
Of course none of this matters. Many people think the program is a complete success because they get to see George Clooney!
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