Michigan gets role: Eastwood begins filming 'Gran Torino'

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Michigan gets the role: Eastwood begins filming 'Gran Torino'

The state has gone from bit player to movie star with actor/director/producer Clint Eastwood in town.

Filming got under way Monday as crews began shooting at a Ballantyne Road home in Grosse Pointe Shores for Eastwood's latest film, "Gran Torino," as onlookers gathered.

Eastwood earlier opened an office in Troy in advance of shooting the film, the story of a Korean War vet and a Hmong teen.

In April, the state created what is described as the most progressive incentive package in the nation aimed at attracting film, television and digital media productions.

The film package gives producers 40 cents back for every $1 spent on filming, double the old rebate, and an additional 2 percent rebate if the film is shot in certain communities. The new laws also give a 25 percent tax credit to companies investing in new film and digital media studios, and cover 50 percent oftraining expenses for state residents working as crew members.