Film Company Eyes Warren for New Studio

This H.B. Stubbs Company building may soon be home to film and television production. Macomb Daily staff photo by Ray J. Skowronek

A Los Angeles based movie and television company plans to open a studio in Warren, a nearly $22 million project expected to create 350 jobs within 6 months.

Krane Media is scheduled to produce five feature films annually, and each will have a crew between 125 and 135 members, according to documents filed with the city.

Through the H.B. Stubbs Company’s building, Krane Media will ask the Warren City Council to create an Industrial Development District at the 272,000-square-foot facility at Mound and 11 Mile Road.

Krane Media was founded by chairman and CEO Jonathan D. Krane, who has produced full-length feature films for more than 35 years. Among his films, Krane was executive producer on “Face/Off,” a 1997 film starring John Travolta and Nicholas Cage; and producer on “Swordfish” (2001) and “Look Who’s Talking” (1989).

According to Warren city records, an estimated $13.6 million would be spent on film production equipment and office furnishing.

Another $8.1 million would go toward construction of production and other areas, including two green rooms estimated at $250,000 each; a cafeteria extension and “private dining area for stars” valued at $750,000; and a guard house and landscaping at $500,000.

What do you think about this new venture? How will this impact you? What direction do you see film production in Michigan headed? Leave your comments and include your full name for class credit.

Fitzgerald HS Graduate featured in Football Movie

Scott Gajos, who graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 2003, will work alongside Kurt Russell in his upcoming football movie titled "Touchback", which will be filmed near Grand Rapids.

Two former Western Michigan football players will be getting a taste of Hollywood this month, albeit in Coopersville, Mich. Walk-ons Tim Balice and Scott Gajos have been cast in the movie "Touchback", starring Kurt Russell. Balice, a punter, holder and receiver at WMU from 2006-09, will play a player on Team Coldwater, coached by Russell's character, along with Kalamazoo College defensive back Adam Powers.

Gajos, a linebacker from 2005-08, is cast on Team Cuyohoga.

The football scenes are scheduled to be shot at Coopersville High School. Those interested in being film extras can e-mail the Touchback extras coordinator for more information at: touchbackextras@gmail.com.

Here is a complete list of the two team rosters:
TEAM COLDWATER: Coached by “Coach Hand”, played by Kurt Russell

Ryan McManus from Stow, OH and played at Wake Forest
Stephen Wasil from Commerce Twp, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Jacob McGuckin from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Chris McKinney from Lawrenceville, GA and played at NC State and Arena football
Timothy Balice from Kalamazoo, MI and played at Western Michigan
Everett Stephenson from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State
Jeff Hachigian from Macomb, MI
Dennis Rutka from Marne, MI and played at Coopersville High School
Andre Benjamin from Grand Rapids, MI
Dwayne Holmes from Van Buren Twp., MI and played at Michigan State
Mike Sheldon from Royal Oak, MI and played at Albion College
Matthew Carter from Allendale, MI and played at Allendale High School
Michael Simon from Kentwood, MI and played at Grand Rapids Community College
Jordan Havercamp from Nobleville, IN and played at DePauw
Thomas Bissett from Jenison, MI
Josh Lanser from Jenison, MI and played at Hope College
John Preston from Newaygo, MI and played at Ferris State
Mitch Cummings from Big Rapids, MI
Adam Dekyger from Fremont, MI
Kevin Shurlow from Lakeview, MI
Quentin Sweat from Grand Rapids, MI
Beau Hoffman from Chesaning, MI
Aaron Higginbottom from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State
Adam Powers from Plymouth, MI and played at Kalamazoo College
Matt Anderson from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Hope College

TEAM CUYAHOGA: “Cuyahoga Coach”, played by Mark Ellis

Bernard Faithful from Detroit, MI and played at the University of Toledo
Jake Visser from Grand Rapids, MI, played at Coopersville High School and Ferris State
Philepae Phillips from Grand Rapids, MI, played at Grand Rapids Community College
Tyler Moore from Comstock Park, MI and played at Purdue
Scott Gajos from Kalamazoo, MI and played at Western Michigan University
Zach Nichols from Brighton, MI and played at Northern Michigan University
Jason Kelly from Auburn, MI and played at Saginaw Valley State University
Blake Smolen from Grand Rapids, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Matt Flutur from Allendale, MI and played at Grand Valley State
Ryan Sloth from Greenfield, IA and played at Iowa State University
Daryl Graham from Detroit, MI and played at Wayne State University
Brian Grysen from Hudsonville, MI and played at Elmhurst College
Justin Trumble from Macomb, MI and played at Grand Valley State

Construction on New Studio

Oakland County welcomes Raleigh Michigan Studios. This is part 1 of a time lapse video showing the construction of studio located in Pontiac MI.
The booming film industry in Michigan is providing jobs, and economic growth to our state. Watch the timelapse video of the construction on this new studio and let me know what you think. What does this mean to you? What opportunities might this provide, or how might you benefit from a new studio in Pontiac? Look for more updates throughout the year!