With stunning visuals and a class story, 'Oz the Great and Powerful" is a game-changer for the biggest movie studio in Michigan.
"Disney was going to take the movie up to Vancouver," said Sam Raimi.
But the Michigan-born director fought to bring the $200 million movie to his home state. "They allowed me to send a research party there for a couple of days. We explored the state's rebate program, and although it didn't quite equal Vancouver, I told them I was adamant we had to shoot it in Michigan."
The production spent $105 million in Michigan and put 683 people to work. "Oz was our maiden voyage here, but it was incredibly important," said Anthony Wenson, director of operations with the Michigan Motion Picture Studios, a facility that boasts seven sound stages and all the needed amenities for major Hollywood productions.
In 2012, the film "Black Sky" spent reportedly $12 million and employed 450 workers.
But with changes to the state's movie incentive program, staying busy hasn't been easy. "Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down," said Wenson, citing the state's $50 million cap on film incentives.
"I'm proud to see a lot of Michigan workers who worked on that film," said Wenson.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 02:01:50 GMT
Valentine Distilling is winning national awards for its smooth and delicious spirits. The metro Detroit company says their approach is simple, and it's catching on.
Valentine Distilling is winning national awards for its smooth and delicious spirits. The metro Detroit company says their approach is simple, and it's catching on.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-14 13:45:32 GMT
You may know him best from his role on the BBC's hit drama "Sherlock." But after this weekend, you'll know Benedict Cumberbatch as the latest in a long line of Star Trek villains.
You may know him best from his role on the BBC's hit drama "Sherlock." But after this weekend, you'll know Benedict Cumberbatch as the latest in a long line of Star Trek villains.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:12:00 GMT
Marvel Comic book legend Stan Lee made an appearance at the Detroit Comic Convention and FOX 2 was there to talk to him. What should Marvel fans be looking forward too?
Marvel Comic book legend Stan Lee made an appearance at the Detroit Comic Convention and FOX 2 was there to talk to him. What should Marvel fans be looking forward too?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:37:17 GMT
Award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot return to the MASTERCHEF judging panel. After a nationwide search, only the best home cooks - including
Award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay, restaurateur Joe Bastianich and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot return to the MASTERCHEF judging panel.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:58:40 GMT
The Cannes Film Festival is missing one of its biggest stars of this year's festival: Ryan Gosling. That's because he's in Detroit shooting his directorial debut, "How to Catch a Monster."
The Cannes Film Festival is missing one of its biggest stars of this year's festival: Ryan Gosling. That's because he's in Detroit shooting his directorial debut, "How to Catch a Monster."
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:27 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:27:14 GMT
Carol Burnett, who became famous for playing a variety of characters in sketch comedy routines on her namesake television show, has been named the winner of the nation's top humor prize.
Carol Burnett, who became famous for playing a variety of characters in sketch comedy routines on her namesake television show, has been named the winner of the nation's top humor prize.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:33 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:33:57 GMT
The third time's the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist won the Fox singing competition after auditioning a trio of times and making it to the finals this year.
The third time's the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist won the Fox singing competition after auditioning a trio of times and making it to the finals this year.
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 02:01:50 GMT
Valentine Distilling is winning national awards for its smooth and delicious spirits. The metro Detroit company says their approach is simple, and it's catching on.
Valentine Distilling is winning national awards for its smooth and delicious spirits. The metro Detroit company says their approach is simple, and it's catching on.
