|
Lisa Pick on the Future of Michigan Film
By: Chris Aliapoulios
When Lisa Pick graduated from the University of Michigan in film/video and communication, there were very few film opportunities for her in Michigan. She decided to continue her education, earning her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin law school, and then joined Miller Canfield to practice corporate and commercial transactions law.
Lisa envisioned a new opportunity when the Michigan film incentive was adopted. She suggested a win-win proposition to members of Miller Canfield’s established sports entertainment team. The firm could realign its resources to support anticipated growth in film/media, where she could combine her knowledge in corporate and transactional law with her passion for film. Lisa now co-leads Miller Canfield’s expanded Entertainment, Sports, and Multimedia Group, launched in 2008. The group has more than two dozen lawyers whose expertise includes financing, litigation, intellectual property, employment law and labor, contracts, and incentives offered in Michigan, as well as in other states and Canada.
Miller Canfield is currently involved in all aspects of the film/media production process, including financing, production agreements, intellectual property legalities, and commercial contracts. Since the new division was announced, Lisa and her team have been involved in numerous film projects, and promotional endeavors like the Oceans of Pearls premiere at Birmingham’s Uptown Palladium Theatre and the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
Michigan Movie Magazine had the opportunity to sit with Lisa Pick, in her Troy office. Lisa shared some of her observations and expectations for the future of Michigan film.
MMM - Are we making progress toward establishing the indigenous infrastructure necessary to provide long term jobs in Michigan?
LP - Yes, I think we are. Infrastructure inherently takes longer to develop. It requires adequate financing, governmental approvals and sufficient resources to support the build. Like most things, it tends to take longer than one expects or hopes. However, there are people working on establishing indigenous infrastructure, and it is my hope that with a little more patience, we will see promising developments in this area.
We have already seen progress in the increase of available resources in Michigan including crew, equipment and related services. All of these developments will facilitate growth and permanence of the film industry, and with that should come more business and more jobs - preferably long term jobs.
MMM - There have been reports that the incentives are not providing the desired economic impact. How do you feel about the studies that have been published so far regarding the payback of the film tax incentives?
LP - It is very difficult to measure the success of the incentives. Reports are helpful; however, it is imperative that any study leading to a report should be independent, properly consider all of the elements, and be conducted at the right time. For example, a study that is done prematurely is not helpful. That may have been a factor in some previous reports. I would like to see a truly independent study done like has been done in other states, but the timing is important. I think we need some more time to let the program and business develop.
We also have to keep in mind that the film industry has tremendous reach in its effect on jobs and the local economy. In addition to the creation of film jobs, we see local vendors, hotels, caterers and other professionals benefitting from the increased activity.
Moreover, although not directly reflected in the reported statistics, film provides the opportunity to promote Michigan and show its greatness on a worldwide basis. We want to show people outside of Michigan that we have a beautiful state with wonderful people and that they should come here, stay here and build businesses here. These intangible benefits will help translate to the business and opportunities that the credits were intended to stimulate.
MMM - It is rumored, there are numerous Hollywood professionals, originally from Michigan, looking for opportunities to return and participate in the development of the Michigan Film Industry. Do you feel this would be a good thing for the state, and what assurances do you believe these people are looking for?
LP - It would be a great thing for the state. In the past, so many talented people from Michigan had to leave if they wanted a job in this industry. Now, they have the chance to return home and bring with them their expertise and fondness for Michigan. In addition, I believe that people who want to return are more likely to stay and further build upon the success of the business than those with no ties to the state.
However, in order to move their jobs and their families, they will want to feel confident as to the sustainability of this business in Michigan. In part, this will require the state showing commitment to the retention of the incentives. I also think that showing some permanence - such as infrastructure and building and retaining intellectual properties here in Michigan - will make those who moved away feel more secure about coming back.
MMM - Based on what you have seen so far, how confident are you that the state will develop its own thriving film and multimedia industry?
LP - If the state retains the incentives, I think it will develop its own thriving film and multimedia industry. Look how much has happened already and we are only two years into the credits. There is so much opportunity out there and Michigan has the talent and locations to do it.
Of course, there will be obstacles. For example, there may be additional competition from other states. However, Michigan is no stranger to this industry. We just need to keep building on the momentum and give this investment an opportunity to pay off.
 |
Share Link: 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments