BIRMINGHAM, Mich., February 3, 2011 – Leaders in Michigan’s growing film industry have joined together to launch the Uptown Film Festival (UFF), a celebration of Michigan-made movies and the productions created by Michigan filmmakers. The festival will take place March 11-12, 2011 in Birmingham, Mich. UFF Co-Executive Director Jeffrey Spilman made the announcement.

This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Oakland County Film.  The festival is also being sponsored by the Michigan Film Office, the Detroit Medical Center, Film Detroit, Huntington Bank and FIT Film Industry Training offered by The Stautzenberger Institute. The UFF will showcase film and television productions that were created entirely, or in part, in Michigan and is being held at the Palladium 12 Theatre, located at 250 North Old Woodward Ave., and the Birmingham 8, located at 211 South Old Woodward Ave., both in Birmingham, Mich.

The UFF, in association with the Detroit Independent Film Festival (DIFF), will also host the Michigan Film Awards, an annual awards ceremony held to recognize the accomplishments of independent films in Michigan, on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Of the more than 235 films submitted to the DIFF, those identified as the best will be screened during UFF. Fox 2 News’ Lee Thomas will serve as emcee of the event.

The UFF will also showcase five larger Michigan film premieres, including Kill the Irishman, starring Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer and Ray Stevenson, which will screen on March 11^th. Another significant film, Things Fall Apart, starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Ray Liotta, will premiere on March 12^th. The Michigan Film Awards ceremony will be held following the premiere of Things Fall Apart on March 12^th.

“We are extremely excited to bring the Uptown Film Festival to life this year,” said Spilman. “The films and talent highlighted during this event have played key roles in the substantial growth and success of the Michigan film industry during the past several years. This festival recognizes the hard work and dedication of the state’s film industry professionals, and the productions they’ve created in Michigan.”

VIP passes and tickets go on sale to the public on February 9, 2011. For more information on this event or to purchase tickets, please visit www.uptownfilmfestival.com.

About the Uptown Film Festival
Established in Birmingham, Michigan in 2011, the Uptown Film Festival (UFF) is a celebration of the Michigan film industry and, in particular, productions created entirely, or in part, within the state. It was established by leaders in the Michigan film industry and will be held annually to recognize the industry and individuals’ accomplishments within the state. Since the Michigan Film Incentives were adopted in 2008, over 7,000 production jobs have been created in addition to the 4,000 acting jobs for extras and day players. The film industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of Michigan’s economy.  For more information on the UFF, please visit www.uptownfilmfestival.com.

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DETROIT, July 27, 2010 – To attract more films and television productions, three new stages, support space and additional office space are taking shape at the Allen Park Studio Center (APSC), generating significant interest from film industry leaders, city officials announced today.

The first step was the recent pouring of more than 150,000 square feet of concrete for the stage floors.

Several productions have already used the APSC, with more slated to come to the complex in the next year. The new construction, which will not interfere with productions already underway, will add two 20,000-square-foot stages for feature film and television production and one 12,000-square-foot stage for green screen and commercials in a large facility originally built for the auto industry. The complex is also adding 20,000 square feet of production office space and 40,000 square feet of space for film support companies.

The APSC is located at 16630 Southfield Road, south of I-94, in Allen Park. S3 Entertainment Group (S3), a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into the state, has entered into a preliminary long-term agreement with Allen Park to manage operations and production development at the APSC.

With S3 involvement, a number of film industry support businesses have expressed significant interest in locating their support operations at the APSC, including state of the art post production facilities, visual and special effects, grip, electric, and specialty equipment, set design/construction, and insurance/film finance, officials said.

“The Allen Park Studio Center project is evolving into so much more than initially anticipated and is now generating significant interest from the industry,” Allen Park Mayor Gary Burtka said.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with the Allen Park Studio Center,” said Jeff Spilman, managing partner of S3. “We have had great success in making sure productions are satisfied with the resources we have here in Michigan to keep them coming back.  With the attention that the city has given to growing this industry, we plan on working together in making the Allen Park Studio Center into the filming destination in the Midwest.”

Existing tenants at the complex include Stautzenberger Institute, Roush Industries, CFS, and Unity Studios/LIMS. While a tenant at the site, Unity Studios is no longer a part of the project’s studio development plan.

Click here to view and download images from S3 Entertainment Group and the City of Allen Park

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into Michigan.  With offices in metro Detroit and Los Angeles, S3 serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan to have a successful production experience. S3 has been responsible for servicing Michigan’s film industry since the Michigan Film Tax Incentive was introduced in 2008. The company has played a major role in providing services to many large-scale Michigan-based productions, including The Irishman, Gran Torino, and The Wannabes and manages S3 Studios in Madison Heights, Mich. For more information, please visit www.S3eg.com.

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S3 Entertainment Group (S3), Michigan producers of The Wannabes starring Savvy, will host the casting call at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6th at their newly opened S3 Studios located at 29235 Stephenson Highway in Madison Heights, MI 48071.  The Wannabes starring Savvy will specifically look to cast individuals ages 18-22, who look like high school students, as well as adults ages 30-60, of all ethnic backgrounds to serve as extras on the television show. Those who plan to attend should bring a photo and contact information and must be available to work Tuesday-Friday upon short notice.  Workdays are typically 10 hours, paying $100 per day and all filming is done in Howell, MI.

Regardless of previous experience, the casting call is open to all dedicated individuals looking to partake in the excitement of the growing Michigan film industry.

The Wannabes starring Savvy has been shooting at the Parker High School campus in Howell, Mich. since last year and is currently airing overseas in Australia. The show will soon begin airing world-wide.

“We are excited to hold this casting call and provide opportunities for local talent,” said Christine LeMaire, a partner in Stern-LeMaire Productions and executive producer. “It has been encouraging to uncover gifted and talented actors in the area and have the facilities available for production in Michigan’s growing film industry.”

For more information on the show please visit www.thewannabes.tv

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into Michigan. With offices in metro Detroit and Los Angeles, S3 serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan in order to have a successful production experience. S3’s wide variety of services includes a production studio; production services; equipment and gear rental; and film finance. S3 has worked on many of the films that have shot in Michigan and was the local producer for Clint Eastwood’s film, Gran Torino.

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“We are proud to be launching S3’s first script competition as part of our ongoing initiative to build and showcase Michigan’s creative film community,” stated Spilman. “We are confident that there is an extraordinary amount of talent throughout Michigan and this is an opportunity to bring that talent to life.”

S3 is looking to create 100% Michigan-made projects. The competition requires entered screenplay length to be no more than 20 pages and the deadline to send in scripts is Friday, March 12th, 2010. Entered scripts will be judged by three guest film industry critics on originality of ideas, structure, talent with creating dialogue, character development, and the use of a Michigan-based storyline.

The winning script will be announced on Wednesday, March 17th with production of the short-film beginning the following week in the newly opened S3 Studios in Madison Heights, Mich. The winning film will also be shown at the first annual “S3 Entertainment Film Festival” to take place in early spring.

S3 is looking for the best and brightest writers in Michigan to enter their short scripts to help them pursue their goal of making a short film. All scripts should be sent to screenplay@s3eg.com in .doc format. For more information please visit www.s3eg.com.

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into Michigan. With offices in metro Detroit and Los Angeles, S3 serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan in order to have a successful production experience. S3’s wide variety of services includes a production studio; production services; equipment and gear rental; and film finance. S3 has worked on many of the films that have shot in Michigan and was the local producer for Clint Eastwood’s film, Gran Torino.

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Meghan Edwards
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The studio increases S3’s film service capabilities and fosters further film industry expansion in Michigan. The studio is a proven resource for filmmakers and the stage was previously utilized for the production of the major motion picture Youth in Revolt, starring Michael Cera, set to open this Friday, January 8, 2010. S3 has already secured six film projects for the studio in 2010. These six productions will create approximately 1,000 jobs during the next twelve months. The first production will begin at the studio on February 1, 2010, the same day S3 Studios will officially open.

The facility has a 25,000 square-foot stage with a minimum height of 30 feet, and also comes outfitted with 10,000 square-feet of furnished office space. The location is equipped to handle the full spectrum of production needs. In addition to the soundstage, S3 Studios also offers post-production facilities, a state-of-the-art screening room and camera support rooms on-site. Ample parking is available for over 100 cars and tractor-trailers. S3 Studios has everything needed to support the production of both studio and independent films.

S3 Entertainment Group has been a key player in attracting feature films to Michigan, and has been responsible for servicing Michigan’s film industry since the Michigan Film Tax Incentive was introduced in 2008. The company has played a major role in providing services to many large-scale Michigan-based productions, including The Irishman, The Wannabes and Gran Torino.  S3 also operates the FIT Film Industry Training Program, which has retrained many Michigan residents and helped them find good paying jobs in both film and television.

“S3 Studios offers an unparalleled opportunity for filmmakers to come to Michigan, hire Michigan residents, maximize their budgets, and have a great production experience,” stated Spilman.

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into Michigan. With offices in metro Detroit and Los Angeles, S3 serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan in order to have a successful production experience. S3’s wide variety of services includes a production studio; production services; equipment and gear rental; and film finance. S3 has worked on many of the films that have shot in Michigan and was the local producer for Clint Eastwood’s film, Gran Torino.

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Meghan Edwards
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To kick off the partnership, S3 is featuring several ROUSH 427R 2010 Ford Mustangs in The Wannabes, the first television series to ever be completely filmed in the state of Michigan.  The Wannabes, a “tween” television series stars Savvy, a pop sensation that has toured extensively with Radio Disney, has been shooting in Howell and has helped put many Michigan residents to work. ROUSH will also be providing propane-powered vehicles to The Wannabes and to be used in future productions led by S3.

“S3 is thrilled to work together with ROUSH to showcase the best in Michigan made vehicles, products and services in films,” said Spilman. “The growing Michigan film industry offers the perfect platform for ROUSH to present its custom vehicles to a larger audience.”

“We’re excited to break into television with The Wannabes as that is the type of program which is suitable for all members of the family and will have lasting appeal,” said Joe Thompson, vice-president and general manager of ROUSH Performance. “The ROUSH Mustangs play a recurring role and we are excited to be working with S3 Entertainment Group on this project, and hopefully others in the future.”

Click to view and download photos of the ROUSH 427R 2010 Ford Mustangs on the set of The Wannabes, a production by S3 Entertainment Group

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into Michigan. With additional offices in California and Georgia, S3 serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan in order to have a successful production experience. S3’s wide variety of services includes production services; film finance and more. S3 also provides expert analysis of productions to take full advantage of Michigan’s film related tax credits. S3 has worked on many of the films that have shot in Michigan and was the local producer for Clint Eastwood’s film, Gran Torino.

About ROUSH Performance Products
Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH. Follow us on Twitter @_ROUSH_ or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/roushperformance.

*”ROUSH” is a registered trademark of ROUSH Performance Products, Inc., or its related entities. “427R” is a trademark of ROUSH Performance Products, Inc., or its related entities.

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DETROIT, November 3, 2009 – S3 Entertainment Group (S3), a Ferndale, Mich.-based production company, today announced that the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth has certified its FIT Film Industry Training program as a licensed proprietary school. FIT Film Industry Training places its students in more high paying film industry jobs in the State of Michigan than any other film-related program. FIT graduates are guaranteed internships on feature films and television projects that lead to high paying film industry jobs. Jeffrey Spilman, managing partner of S3, made the announcement.

Since its introduction in February 2009, FIT has trained and graduated over 250 students, the majority of whom are currently in paid film industry positions that represent the development and foundation of Michigan’s film workforce. Available courses include an Introduction to Film Industry Production Accounting, Introduction to Special FX, Film Industry Overview, Grip/Electric/Generator Operator, Introduction to the Film Art Department and Introduction to the Camera Department. FIT graduates are currently working on film and television projects such as Red Dawn, Trust and The Wannabes. Previously, FIT grads were in paid positions on Little Murder, The Irishman and Alleged.

“S3 is thrilled to pioneer and grow Michigan’s most successful film industry training program,” said Spilman. “The students attending FIT benefit from a comprehensive and hands-on film industry education taught by experienced professionals—tools that are now visibly translating to career opportunities in Michigan’s growing film industry.”

For more information on the FIT program, please email fit@s3eg.com or visit www.S3eg.com.

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is a Michigan-based production company and a premier liaison in bringing film productions into Michigan. With additional offices in California and Georgia, S3 serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan in order to have a successful production experience. S3’s wide variety of services includes production services; film finance and more. S3 also provides expert analysis of productions to take full advantage of Michigan’s film related tax credits. S3 has worked on many of the films that have shot in Michigan and was the local producer for Clint Eastwood’s film, Gran Torino.

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Meghan Edwards
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medwards@identitypr.com

The event, to be held at bd’s Mongolian Grill in Auburn Hills at 3325 University Drive, will run from 5:00 pm through 10:00 pm and will donate 100 percent of the night’s proceeds to the Bottomless Toy Chest, a non-profit dedicated to providing pediatric cancer patients with art projects, crafts and interactive toys to ease patients’ suffering during hospital stays and to inspire courage and strength in each child’s battle against disease.

For $15, attendees will receive unlimited stir-fry bowls, soup, salad, soft drinks and dessert, tip included. $1 beer specials, raffles and prizes will also be available.

L2G was created by recent University of Michigan grad Ryan Doyle and Michigan State University grad Kevin Smith in 2008 with a mission to assist Michigan families and communities in need. The driven group of social entrepreneurs rallies fundraising support for causes throughout Michigan to incite positive social change. Each charitable effort is executed with the goal to personally connect recipients and donors, often through visual media, and closing the emotional gap between the two parties.

“We are thrilled to partner with Oakland University and are grateful for bd’s generous offer to host this fundraiser for the Bottomless Toy Chest,” said Smith. “I’m beyond excited to get young people all over Michigan involved in their communities and finding new and exciting ways to give back and to help rebuild Michigan.”

Tickets can be purchased at the door or to secure advanced tickets to the charity grillout, please send an email to info@livetogivefoundation.org or call 248.302.0921.

About the Live to Give Foundation
Live to Give Foundation (L2G) is a non-profit organization registered in the state of Michigan. L2G has created a growing network of young (21-30) social entrepreneurs who are doing their part to make the world a better place by adding the personal touch to charitable giving and helping local causes all over Michigan.

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Meghan Edwards
(248) 258-2333
medwards@identitypr.com

The intensive program, back after an enthusiastic response to the July program, will be held August 31st through September 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The camp will provide students with significant exposure to Michigan’s growing film industry and the unique opportunity to learn from leading industry professionals, as well as a trip to the set of the real feature film “Little Murder.” The program will be hosted onsite at S3’s studio facility, located at 1100 Woodward Heights in Ferndale, Mich.

The camp will be led by industry veteran Producer/Director Larry August, and will help to develop the skills of young actors, directors and filmmakers seeking to try their hand in film, a burgeoning area in the Michigan economy thanks to Michigan’s industry leading tax incentives. The camp is being offered for both advanced students who have already attended a previous “Hollywood Film Camp” session, as well as new attendees. Returning students will have the opportunity to convert their original scripts into a short film.

Aspiring filmmakers will have the opportunity to work under the direction of decorated writers, directors and cinematographers as they work to develop scripts, before going on to produce their very own Hollywood-style short film. Working hands-on with S3’s professional production equipment, student filmmakers will get an up-close look at the workings of a professional film production and the variety of behind-the-scenes elements that contribute to making a feature film.

Similarly, student actors will have access to top of the line acting coaches and actors, providing them with constructive notes as they develop and polish their craft. Additionally, acting students will be introduced to the top motion picture and commercial casting directors in the state, supplying invaluable feedback and coaching in real life casting situations. As a capstone to the acting curriculum, students will have the opportunity to participate in the program’s short film, earning themselves an actual credit on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) along with a copy of their work on DVD.

“After such a great response to the first Hollywood Film Camp, we are pleased to continue educating and guiding young actors and filmmakers in Michigan,” said August.

“The camp is the perfect place to follow your dream,” said Brenna Gildenberg, a previous camp attendee. “It has professional equipment and staff that leads future actors in the right direction.”

Additional Information, registration materials and program fees can be found at www.s3eg.com or by sending an email to fit@s3eg.com.

About S3 Entertainment Group
S3 Entertainment Group (S3) is the leading provider of services to the film industry in Michigan. With offices in Detroit and Los Angeles, S3 has focused on building infrastructure in Michigan that can help productions maximize the benefits of the Michigan Film Incentive. S3’s wide variety of direct services includes production services, film finance, gear rental, tax incentive consulting and monetization, travel, catering and craft services. All of these services qualify for the Michigan Film Incentive at the top rate of 42 percent.

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Meghan Edwards
(248) 258-2333
medwards@identitypr.com

The intensive program, which will be offered twice this summer, the first session beginning June 22nd and the second on July 27th, will provide students with significant exposure to Michigan’s growing film industry and the unique opportunity to learn from leading industry professionals. The program will be held at S3EG’s studio facility, located at 1100 Woodward Heights in Ferndale, and will run Monday through Friday for two weeks.

The camp will be led by industry veteran Producer/Director Larry August, and will help to develop the skills of young actors and filmmakers seeking to try their hand in film, a burgeoning area in the Michigan economy thanks to Michigan’s industry leading tax incentives. Providing a dynamic introduction to film production, the camp will combine the efforts of student actors and filmmakers as they creatively collaborate to produce a finished movie over the two-week period.

Specifically, filmmaker candidates will have the opportunity to work under the direction of decorated writers, directors and cinematographers as they work to develop and pitch their own scripts, before going on to produce their very own Hollywood-style short film. Working hands-on with S3EG’s professional production equipment, student filmmakers will get an up-close look at the workings of a professional film production and the variety of behind-the-scenes elements that contribute to making a feature film.

Similarly, student actors will have access to top of the line acting coaches, providing them with constructive notes as they develop and polish their craft. Additionally, acting students will be introduced to the top motion picture and commercial casting directors in the state, providing them with invaluable feedback and coaching in real life casting situations. As a capstone to the acting curriculum, students will have the opportunity to participate in the program’s short film, earning themselves an actual credit on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) along with a copy of their work on DVD.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Hollywood Film Camp to Michigan students,” said August. “As the film industry in Michigan continues to grow, S3 Entertainment Group is dedicated to supplying productions with a qualified and talented local workforce. This camp is an excellent opportunity for students to have access to leading film professionals as they train and become well acquainted with the film industry.”

Additional Information and registration materials can be found at www.s3eg.com or by sending an email to fit@s3eg.com.

About S3 Entertainment Group

S3 Entertainment Group (S3EG) is the leading provider of services to the film industry in Michigan. With offices in Detroit and Los Angeles, S3EG has focused on building infrastructure in Michigan that can help productions maximize the benefits of the Michigan Film Incentive. S3EG’s wide variety of direct services includes production services, film finance, gear rental, tax incentive consulting and monetization, travel, catering and craft services. All of these services qualify for the Michigan Film Incentive at the top rate of 42 percent.

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Meghan Edwards
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medwards@identitypr.com

The casting call, which will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at the Radisson Inn located at 39475 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., will consider people of all ages and backgrounds for a variety of on-screen roles. The casting call will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will specifically look to cast youth between the ages of nine and 15, with previous acting experience or a ballet proficiency in Pointe, for principal roles. Other distinguished roles to be filled include adult female dance teachers, with either a French or Russian accent, along with a comedic adult male drama teacher. Regardless of previous experience, the casting call is open to those dedicated individuals ages eight and up looking to partake in the excitement of the growing Michigan film industry.

S3EG and The Woodlands, Texas-based Stern-LeMaire Productions, Inc. (Stern-LeMaire) partnered earlier this year to produce The Wannabes, starring “Savvy,” the tween pop-sensation, who’s over one hundred shows included a coast to coast headline tour with Radio Disney. The show will shoot at the Howell Parker High School campus in Howell, Mich. beginning this summer.

“We are excited to work with S3 Entertainment Group to provide opportunities for local talent,” said Ron Stern of Stern-LeMaire. “Thanks to the growing Michigan film industry, it has been encouraging to uncover more creative prospects for our gifted and prospective actors.”

“S3EG is thrilled to include local talent in the first television series to be completely produced in Michigan,” said Spilman. “Involving local youth and experienced actors in The Wannabes is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Michigan’s exceptional talent base and work force to the larger out of state film industry.”

For more information on this open casting call, please visit www.s3eg.com.

Click to download pictures of The Wannabes.

Click to download a photo of Jeff Spilman, managing partner at S3EG.

About S3 Entertainment Group

S3 Entertainment Group (S3EG) is the leading provider of services to the film industry in Michigan. With offices in Detroit and Los Angeles, S3EG has focused on building infrastructure in Michigan that can help productions maximize the benefits of the Michigan Film Incentive. S3EG’s wide variety of direct services includes production services, film finance, gear rental, tax incentive consulting and monetization, travel, catering and craft services. All of these services qualify for the Michigan Film Incentive at the top rate of 42 percent.

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Meghan Edwards
(248) 258-2333
medwards@identitypr.com

A general information session for prospective students will be held this Thursday, April 9, 2009 at  S3 Entertainment Group at 6:00 pm. The facility is located at 1100 Woodward Heights in Ferndale.

Following the outstanding success of FIT’s February and March classes, a second series of training will be offered beginning later this month. The FIT courses are offered through OCC and taught at S3EG’s studio and headquarters in Ferndale. The two new classes that launch on April 27, 2009 include Film and Television Production Accounting and Introduction to the Camera Department. These classes complement the other classes that S3EG offers including a Film Industry Overview class, a Grip/Electric/Generator Operator class, and an Introduction to the Art Department class. Many of the graduates of the FIT program are working on feature films in the State of Michigan and all other students are guaranteed film industry internships and job placement assistance.

The Production Accounting class offers a basic understanding of the duties performed in a film accounting department, including budgeting, scheduling and payroll. The Camera Department class includes a hands-on introduction to basic cinematography principles. Students in these classes will work hand in hand with leading film industry professionals, with extensive feature film experience, to develop a working knowledge of the jobs available in Michigan’s rapidly emerging feature film industry, as well to develop the skills required to work in these areas. In addition to classroom training, students will work in an actual studio setting at S3EG, with the largest inventory of grip, electric, and specialty equipment in Michigan. At the conclusion of these two-week, 40-hour training courses, graduates of FIT will be presented with internship opportunities in the film industry, both on feature films, as well as with S3EG’s film support companies.

“We are delighted with the success of the FIT program and with the accomplishments of our students,” stated Spilman. “All of our students have been offered internships on either feature films or with film industry support companies.  We are most proud of the fact that we now have graduates of FIT with paid jobs on new films here in Michigan.”

Michigan’s film industry has grown exponentially over the past year largely due to the state’s leading film production incentives of up to 42 percent, which are the highest in the country. Thousands of direct jobs in the film industry will be created in Michigan over the next year, in addition to the plethora of employment opportunities that will be developed in film support industries, such as equipment rental houses, movie studios and post-production facilities.

“We need to establish a talented and creative workforce to support film production in Michigan,” said Spilman.  “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Oakland Community College in helping to prepare students for these wonderful career opportunities emerging in our state.” For more information on the FIT program, please email fit@s3eg.com or visit www.S3eg.com.

Click to download a photo of Jeff Spilman, managing partner of S3.

About S3 Entertainment Group

S3 Entertainment Group (S3EG) is the leading provider of services to the film industry in Michigan.  With offices in Detroit and Los Angeles, S3EG has focused on building infrastructure in Michigan that can help productions maximize the benefits of the Michigan Film Incentive. S3EG’s wide variety of direct services includes production services, film finance, gear rental, tax incentive consulting and monetization, travel, catering and craft services.   All of these services qualify for the Michigan Film Incentive at the top rate of 42 percent.

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Meghan Edwards
(248) 258-2333
medwards@identitypr.com

Film Detroit has partnered with S3 Entertainment Group, the leading production services company and film finance lender in Michigan, to put together a top-notch panel that will help every producer have a successful experience in the state.

The panel will provide details on the nation’s leading Film Production incentive (up to 42 percent), insight from producers who have filmed in Michigan and received their Post- Production Certificate, and discussions from union representatives from both the IA and Teamsters regarding how Michigan’s film industry has developed and evolved over the past year. A special introduction by Bill Black, political liaison for the Teamsters, will focus on the future of Michigan’s Film Production incentive and political support for the film industry.

The forum will begin at 4:00 p.m. and a hosted reception will follow the discussion.

The panel is made up of entertainment industry professionals who are active in the Michigan film community. Panelists include:

• Tony Wenson – COO of the Michigan Film Office
• Jeff Spilman – Managing Partner, S3 Entertainment Group
• Julie May – Certified Public Accountant
• Tim Magee – International Vice President, The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Pictures Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE) Local 38
• Pat Dougherty – Business Agent, Teamsters Local 338

The event is complimentary, but seating is limited. Please email rsvp@filmdetroit.com to make a reservation.

Click to download a photo of Jeff Spilman, managing partner of S3 Entertainment Group

About Film Detroit

Film Detroit is a division of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to market and sell the metro Detroit area worldwide as a destination for film locations, leisure and business travel, conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, tours and incentive travel to maximize additional visitors, visitor expenditures, state ad local tax revenues and job opportunities. For details about Film Detroit, visit www.filmdetroit.com or call 877-478-7883.

About S3 Entertainment Group

S3 Entertainment Group (S3EG) is a Michigan-based film production services company that provides resources to facilitate entertainment production in the State of Michigan.  With offices in Michigan, Los Angeles and New York, S3EG serves as a gateway to help filmmakers get everything that they need in Michigan in order to have a successful production experience. The company directly provides services to facilitate entertainment production. S3EG’s wide variety of services include production services, tax incentive information and processing, travel, bonding and insurance, catering and craft services, and film finance. S3EG provides these services through its companies; MI Film Production Services, LLC; Michigan Film Finance, LLC; Film Catering & Craft Services, LLC; Michigan Tax Credit, LLC; The Michigan Film Institute; Michigan Film Travel, LLC and Michigan Film Bonding & Insurance Services, LLC. S3EG also provides analysis of productions to take full advantage of Michigan’s film related tax credits. Its executives are experienced at qualifying productions for the incentive and then monetizing the incentive for the production.

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Meghan Edwards
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