© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MI film commissioner discusses filmmaker incentives, new strategic plan

Scott Pohl/WKAR

State lawmakers are again looking for ways to pay for road repairs in Michigan, and that means subsidies for the film industry are again being targeted. That has amounted to $50-million a year in recent years. 

Gov. Snyder has opposed the total elimination of the subsidies in the past. Today, the Michigan Film Office is issuing a new strategic plan, a plan Michigan Film Commissioner Jenell Leonard hopes will strengthen her case for keeping the film subsidies in the state budget.  It also presents other opportunities the film office has to grow the state’s film and creative sector.
 
Current State speaks with Commissioner Leonard about the new strategic plan that was created to address what she feels are "challenges to the sustainability" of the film office’s mission.

Scott Pohl has maintained an on-call schedule reporting for WKAR following his retirement after 36 years on the air at the station.
Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.