Michigan Film Industry Prepping For Batman-Superman Movie
DETROIT (WWJ) – Michigan's film industry is preparing to begin production on one of Hollywood's most anxiously-awaited films: the new Batman-Superman.movie.
Yes, the two caped crusaders will be filming in Michigan this year, and the film, which stars Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman, is scheduled to spend several months shooting in numerous locations, including the state-of-the-art Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac.
Michelle Grinnell, public relations manager for the Michigan Film Office, says this is exciting for the state's film industry.
"It's the film where Batman and Superman meet for the first time on the Big Screen," Grinnell said.
Grinnell went on to say that the movie will be the largest film shot in Michigan thus far, with a budget of about $131 million, surpassing the amount spent by "Oz: The Great and Powerful," which filmed in Michigan back in 2011.
"The difference in part is 'Oz' did all of their filming at the studios in Pontiac," Grinnell said. "It was a lot of green screens and set builds there. The Superman-Batman movie will be doing some of that, but they will also be doing some other on-location stuff here in the state."
With a $131 million budget, that means the production will create hundreds of jobs for crew members and, Grinnell says, about 6,000 jobs for extras, "so it's a great project for our talented workforce here in Michigan," she said.
Grinnell said the production is also expected to pump millions – about $5 million in fact – into the hotel industry; not to mention the money that'll also be spent in the state's bars, restaurants and other businesses that the cast and crew will be patronizing.
Exciting, right? Well, if you want to get involved, Grinnell says be sure to check out the Michigan Film Office's website for information on how to apply for behind-the-scenes positions as well as on-camera opportunities.
Stay tuned for more exciting info on the movie throughout the production process, and in the meantime, I'll see you at the movies!
Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee
