There's always been an ongoing debate as to whether Michigan's film incentive program that has lured major movies to the state, particularly Detroit, have paid off.
Some complain that it only creates temporary jobs. Others say it helps stimulate the local economy. The state gives film production companies money to film here. The latest Batman film, starring Ben Affleck, was one of those films that recently got state incentives to film in Michigan.
Chad Livengood and Gary Heinlein of The Detroit News write that film cash incentives could be a target for cuts as Gov. Rick Snyder prepares to unveil a plan Wednesday to address budget shortfalls totaling hundreds of millions of dollars over two fiscal years.
The News reports that the Michigan Film Office hasn't spent any of its $50 million for new movie projects in the current fiscal year. He notes that some Republican lawmakers aren't fond of the program and would like to see it go to save money.
"I think that it has not produced the results that we should see after this period of years of investment," said House Speaker Kevin Cotter, R-Mount Pleasant.
