Red Dawn

By Stef Piermattei

Twenty-five years ago, cinematic action reached a milestone.  The classic war film Red Dawn (1984) was released.  Based on events in the Cold War, the film blew audiences away.  It was the first movie to be released with a PG-13 rating and was also entered into the Guinness Book of World records for having the most acts of violence on camera – an average of 2.23 acts per minute.

Soon audiences will be gripping their seats again with the remake Red Dawn (2010).  The choice location for filming: Detroit, MI.  With an estimated budget of over $40 million, the production is the largest so far in Michigan.  Filming from September to December 2009 in both urban and rural locations, the production team has been making its mark.  Filmmakers have been blowing up houses, parading tanks down I-75, and marching troops down our streets.
Heavily inspired by the original, the story follows a group of teenagers who band together to fight for the country they believe in.  The cast is equally strong with young actors whose careers will hopefully blossom as those who originally played their characters.  Of course, a few new twists will keep audiences intrigued, and technological advancements in special effects are sure to keep our modern expectations more than satisfied.
Driving into a War Zone

So, how is Detroit delivering this war struck, action-filled film?  With the help of companies like Leadfoot Consulting, LLC who are embracing the new industry.
John Hammond and Bobby Keyes have positioned themselves smack dab in the middle of the vibrant Michigan film industry by doing what they have done best for years.  Only now, they have welcomed the film industry into their expertise: creatively integrating vehicles into production.  With valuable industry experience and an entrepreneur spirit, they formed the company Leadfoot Consulting, LLC.  In doing so, they’ve mastered the art of supply and demand by lending authentic military vehicles to film shoots.

“Before we got involved, production companies were importing heavy duty movie vehicles all the way from California.  You can imagine the expense.  They were delighted to work with us,” Hammond said.  With roots in the founding of the Michigan Film Coalition, he hopes to do all he can to stabilize the film incentives in Michigan.

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