Success Stories

“We took a really big hit in 2008, and without the film business, it would’ve been hard to keep the doors open, with 25 jobs at risk. But we did the proper research, found out what productions look for, how they do it, and set out to do it better than anyone. We’re experienced with high end clients, which helped us, because film sets expect top notch service, and at any time, even 4am.”

-- Eric Carlson, Chef/Owner

“The students were not just filing and fetching coffee, but involved in prep and principal photography, on set much of the time, and dealing directly with department heads. Two interns already have paying P.A. gigs on other projects because of their work on

-- Mike Manasseri, Producer of SUCKER

“The movies came at a perfect time, and have grown quickly from a niche business to a major component of our operation in a down economy. You have to be nimble minded, and ready to adapt, finding, retrieving and delivering quickly what the client wants. We’ve also enlarged our breadth of product, so when a big project like

-- Logan Orr, Branch Manager

"This is above and beyond what we’ve done previously. We can do conversions on demand, built to order. We want the car to stand on its own, but with the marketing aspects of the film, we looked at everything involved, and said, ‘this will really work."

-- Rich Downing, Manager, Action Movie Vehicle Services

“We don’t say no to anybody, for whatever needs there may be related to our skill set. In addition to our full-timers, we’ve added 15-20 additional contractors, who work in everything from basic weapons handling to full SWAT tactics. And these officers have 20-25 years under their belts, certified to train, who know the most effective methods available.”

-- Darcy Leutzinger, Founder

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“I have also farmed work out to others in the area, such as antique stores, artists, a photographer, etc. There are many independents and young people now too, benefitting from the available free lance work, who may not be on the state's radar, but are still able to sustain themselves with a living wage.”

-- Marisa Gaggino, Proprietor

"It was a fairly brief stay, but a great shot in the arm with all those rooms. We also avoided any conflict with our weekend football business. I'll take that kind of business any time."

-- Barry Hewelt, Sales Manager

“The benefits of the event consisted of much more than dollars raised, as (producers) Amy and Tina Webber did so much legwork for the event, including the PSA, and mentioning us in countless interviews. Plus, delivering our message personally to a live audience of 1,300 is invaluable.”

-- Paula Brown, Chief Development Officer

“We are now finally coming close to reaching our pre-economic collapse billing levels, and anticipate adding additional administrative and professional staff when moving into our larger office space this Spring.”

-- Patricia Kahn

“I personally would be unemployed right now if not for this program, absolutely. This is also for all the actors who stayed in Michigan for years paying their dues. There are real parts for these people now. It’s one of the only industries giving people hope.”

-- Kathy Mooney