Feature Film AKA Jimmy Picard Awarded Michigan Film Incentive

The Michigan Film Office announced today the feature film AKA Jimmy Picard has been approved for a film incentive from the state.

LANSING – The Michigan Film Office announced today the feature film AKA Jimmy Picard has been approved for a film incentive from the state. The project is based on a true story of a WWII veteran and Blackfoot Indian with the alias Jimmy Picard and one of the nation’s first documented cases of dream analysis and interpretation. The film is expected to shoot in Monroe and metro Detroit. 

“Michigan doubles as Topeka, Kansas and New York City in this period film – another testament to the diversity and quality of locations found throughout our state,” said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office. “Michigan beat out a number of other states for this project, helping to put our crew and talent here in the state to work.” 

The project was awarded an incentive of $1,964,810 on $6,929,375 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 135 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 35 jobs. 

The project is being directed by celebrated director Arnaud Desplechin and produced by the French company Why Not Productions. Why Not Productions has produced A Prophet and the remake of Assault of Precinct 13 as well a number of BAFTA and Cannes-award winning films. 

“From the compelling locations to a competitive incentive program, Michigan offered the best all-around package for filming AKA Jimmy Picard,” said Jennifer Roth, producer on the project. “We have some fantastic locations lined up and we are excited to start filming.” 

To date in 2012, three projects have been awarded a total of $14,149,273 on $47,936,564 of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 630 Michigan hires with a full time equivalent of 206 jobs. 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Film Review Committee, comprised of senior MEDC staff including the Michigan Film Commissioner, reviews all completed applications. 

Using the statute to guide approval decisions, preference is given to projects that best meet the following criteria: 

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

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. 

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.