July 7, 2009 - From the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce:
In 2008, three of the four projects filmed in the Ann Arbor area stayed in local hotels for a total of 4350 room nights. Movies filmed in the area in 2009 have produced 6,890 room nights so far. Three more films are in pre-productions and are expected to generate more room nights.
· Two films have rented office space in an otherwise unoccupied building for 10 months total.
· Film crews are patronizing local restaurants and retail establishments, such as Café Zola, Arbor Brewing Company, The West End Grille, Circus Bar, Café Felix, Schokolad, Relax Station, Russel Video, Everyday Wines, Salon Vox, Fingerle Lumber, and more.
· Film crew members have hired local residents to provide services like dog walking and day care.
· A major actress used a local acupuncturist; this led to small talk which led to the major actress giving a pep-talk to the cast of a middle school play.
· The feature film Betty Ann Waters filmed at 43 locations in 9 communities. Nearly all these locations received compensation in the way of a “location fee.”
· Previously vacant warehouse space was rented to house semi-trucks for about six weeks for two films.
Local Spending Details for Youth and Revolt, who conducted a 4-day shoot last summer:
· Sign-A-Rama did building awnings and set signs
· $500 was spent at Smoothie King for crew treats
· Wrap” party for 130 was held at Nick’s on First Street. Amer’s Deli catered.
· Crew members were given $20 a day to eat lunch downtown (4 days=$8,000)
· Minimum 640 room nights at 3 area hotels: $156,160
· Porta-johns, condors, and forklifts were rented locally
· Local painters used for pre and post production
· Local business and property owners were compensated
-Pizza Pino owner and building owner
-Schlenker Building owner
-Obama Headquarters building owner
Total estimated economic impact for the four-day shoot was $200,000

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