Written by David Lewis on Aug 28, 2009. Posted in On Location

Michigan studios secure funding

Raleigh Michigan Studios, formerly known as the Motown Motion Picture Studios, has obtained the USD75.8 million in financing it needs to convert the idled General Motors plant in Pontiac into two buildings that will house seven new soundstages.

Construction will start by the end of next month on the seven stages that will range from 12,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet. They could be ready as early as next summer.

Raleigh Michigan has big plans for its studio complex. It is in discussions that could result in one or more animation studios also opening at the property and they hope to be able to offer on-site film production training classes, taught by instructors from local schools.

Production studios are widely viewed as the kind of infrastructure that Michigan needs in order to grow a thriving film and TV industry with thousands of permanent jobs. Filmmakers have been flocking to Michigan since last year, lured by the most generous incentive in the country.