Genres Film Partners

Creating Community

Genre Film Partners, Julie Richardson and John Karas have teamed up with executives Wayne Robbins and Christopher Lockhart, and an advisory board made up of industry professionals including Chuck Russell (Director-The Scorpion King), Peter Stougaard (Senior Vice President of 20th Century Fox), Frank Darabont (Writer-The Shawshank Redemption), Norman Steinberg (Blazing Saddles), Jay Firestone (Producer-La Femme Nikita), and Roger Towne (The Natural). Considering GFP's goal of stimulating the Michigan economy by injecting a target of $35 million over the next four years, this is definitely a company to watch. They are planning on two thirds of GFP’s films being shot in Michigan, capitalizing on the generous 42% state tax rebate and the 7% Federal incentive where possible. GFP is focusing on making profitable independent films targeting the 13-29 year old movie-going demographic, which currently comprises over 50% of the movie viewing audience.

As an aggregate group of film makers, marketing and business people aiming to bring 5 - 10 moderately budgeted (ranging from a $2.5 to $10 million dollar) 'genre films' to Michigan. Historically, genre films generate strong profits due to the low-to-moderate-cost of production combined with their disproportionately high box office revenues. Past titles include - Nightmare on Elm Street 3, The Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan, The Mask, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Moulin Rouge and Collateral. Their newest release is The Collector, which premiered July 31 of this year showing on about 1400 screens, 20 of them in the Detroit area alone. "We are really excited for these guys and what they have accomplished for $3.2 million dollars. Our color timer did the Dark Knight, and he said that this film looks like a $15 million dollar film. They had a really tight driven story, and worked themselves and their friends to death. David was the ace in the hole, but really, it starts with a good compelling story and audiences today are smart, especially the genre fans. It has to be elevated somehow and what Marcus and Patrick managed to do was really incredible," boasts Richardson.

"A lot of capable people that want to make a real contribution and learn something new, develop a new skill set" states Karas. "We believe that a proper infrastructure will provide the foundation for the non-polluting film industry in Michigan and generate further economic growth and prosperity." Genre Film Partners wants to build an infrastructure for the growing film industry within the state by hiring key personnel locally where available and work to train technicians in the various film trades. They plan on creating mentorships for Michigan students, talent, and local GFP friends thus offering practical experience through hands-on active learning. GFP also plans on auditioning local talent and extending opportunities for on-camera appearances to Michigan residents. "We want to pour as much back into the community as possible. We would like to create a visitor-friendly environment on our Michigan film sets to facilitate film education and community support. We are planning on doing several internships and mentorships for both above the line and below the line positions. Including workshops like "How To Write A Screenplay " and "How To Get On Camera: For Kids". We have been so impressed by the way the depth of crew here in Michigan is increasing. We want to use as much of the Michigan talent base as possible. A fair amount of post production will be done here in Michigan. Hopefully we can do a lot of the sound here as well. We would like to spend as much time and money as possible here in Michigan before dealing with outside contractors."

"One of the most touching sentiments we keep hearing is that so many families are upset that their kids have to move away to find jobs. We want these kids to be able to find work here in the state, to come back and be based here." states Richardson. "There is a real geographic diversity here. Even twenty minutes from the office you can find anything from city, to suburbs and even rural looking fields. It's really useable. In most other places you would have to drive a long ways to find that much geographic diversity." GNP also commented on how easy it is to get here from LA, there are tons of direct fights all of the time. "My sweetheart has already given me the thumbs up on moving here. I think he is ready to get out of LA. Sounds like we are going to be here for a while... so do you know of any good restaurants." asked Richardson. Yes, of course we do... (insert your ad here). Hollywood has arrived.

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