Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy Approved for Film Incentives

Project is expected to hire 46 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 2 jobs

LANSING – The Michigan Film Office announced today that the feature film Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy has been approved for a film incentive from the state. This family-friendly action adventure, set in Northern Michigan, follows a young boy on a quest to save his family home using clues from the past. It will be shot at 10 West Studios in Manistee, as well as on location in Manistee and Ludington. 

“As Michigan natives, the producers of this film have made highlighting the state a priority throughout this project, making it a great fit for Michigan on a number of levels,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “It will be utilizing one of our Michigan studios – 10 West Studios – and boast a strong Michigan-based crew, while showcasing locations in Ludington and Manistee that are popular tourist destinations here in the state.” 

Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy was awarded an incentive of $162,128 on $388,400 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 46 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 2 jobs. 

When Mickey Matson finds a Petoskey stone engraved with a mysterious map, left to him by his grandfather, he sets out to find out where the map will lead – meeting adventure and danger on the way. Along the way, these adventures will feature the Lake Michigan shoreline, sand dunes and nearby forests, as well as historical attractions including the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee and White Pine Village in Ludington. 

“First and foremost, we are thrilled to be making a family film in our own back yard of West Michigan,” said writer/director Harold Cronk of the project. “We believe strongly in Michigan’s film industry and are working, with the help of this incentive, to build the industry and promote economic growth. We feel certain that this investment in our project by the state, our Michigan resident investors, and the local community will be realized many times over in the success of this project.” 

10 West Studios features seven sound stages totaling more than 150,000 square feet. The studio has worked on projects including War Prayer, Jerusalem Countdown and John the Revelator. 

In 2011, 17 projects have been approved with $23,362,153 in incentives being awarded on $56,162,077 of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 1,749 Michigan hires with a full time equivalent of 372 jobs. 

All applications for film incentives receive a thorough review by a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) committee comprised of the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Senior Vice President of Policy, the Vice President of Business Development and the Director of the Michigan Film Office. 

The current statute is used to guide approval decisions. Preference is given to projects that best meet the following criteria: 

•  The production is financially viable.
•  Utilization of existing infrastructure (studios, post-production facilities, film labs, etc.).
•  The number and wage levels of direct jobs for Michigan residents created by a production.
•  Ability to show Michigan in a positive light and promote the state as a tourist destination.
•  Magnitude of estimated expenditures in Michigan.

 The film incentive program continues to be jointly administered by the Michigan Film Office and the Department of Treasury and all projects must be approved in concurrence with the state treasurer. 

Since the incentives took effect in April 2008, the Film Office and the Department of Treasury have approved a total of $384,427,967 in film incentives on $977,535,181 in total qualified expenditures by productions in Michigan. This represents 222 projects that have been approved to date, including 153 projects that have actually wrapped in the state. 

The Michigan Film Office was created in 1979 to assist and attract incoming production companies and promote the growth of Michigan’s own film industry. The Film Office also administers the incentive program for film, television and other digital media production in Michigan, as well as infrastructure development and workforce training. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.