"Cedar Rapids" filming under way downtown
Anne Heche is in town for the filming of “Cedar Rapids.” She was spotted outside of Pacific Rim restaurant and entering the Grange Kitchen and Bar.
Mark Bialek for AnnArbor.com
The sidewalk on the north side of Liberty Street between Main and Ashley is blocked off today for a film crew, and one of the storefronts in that block has been covered with black plastic sheeting.
According to Kay Seaser of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the movie is “Cedar Rapids,” starring Ed Helms (“The Office”) and directed by Miguel Arteta (“Youth in Revolt,” which also partially filmed in Ann Arbor and is set for release in January).
As AnnArbor.com’s Paula Gardner reported recently, “Cedar Rapids” came to Ann Arbor after the state of Iowa ended its tax-credit incentive program for movie production. Michigan’s credit is among the country’s most generous.
The David Schwimmer-directed movie “Trust” is expected to start shooting in Washtenaw County in upcoming days, in both Dexter and Ann Arbor. The independent production “Mooz-lum” is also shooting in Ann Arbor this week.
A film crew set up on Liberty St. one block west of Main St. in Ann Arbor on Nov. 3, 2009.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Comments
tommy_t
Thu, Nov 5, 2009 : 9:22 p.m.
Who checks their accounting?
amt1000
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 7:46 p.m.
"Now i get.... Jenny Granholm is hoping to lure movies so our future job growth is based on us becoming extras in these movies. what a plan jenny, you still know how to blow us away" The movies benefit local businesses like hotels where the actors and crews stay, the bars and restaurants where they relax, the drivers who take them to the set and the airport and the homes they rent in town. They book flights through Michigan companies as well.
dave
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 6:50 p.m.
If anyone in the area has information about upcoming filming locations for Cedar Rapids and wants to share, or is looking for information check out about the film http://www.beforethetrailer.com/2009/11/cedar-rapids-and-trust-movies-filming-in-ann-arbor/
chosen1
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 6:41 p.m.
Now i get.... Jenny Granholm is hoping to lure movies so our future job growth is based on us becoming extras in these movies. what a plan jenny, you still know how to blow us away
Jeremy Peters
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 4:13 p.m.
I'm a contributor for AnnArbor.com, so I should probably stay out of this, but I'll get in anyways. You and I aren't paying for the incentives. They are what is essentially a tax refund at a higher rate. We aren't paying up front, and what is happening is that what normally would be taxed on the film production is being partially refunded back to the production, thus, an incentive.
doh
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 3:53 p.m.
Yes, the police services are paid for and these movie companies spend money like drunken sailors. Plus they aren't afraid of unionized labor. It definitely is one of the biggest economic possibilities michigan has seen since the auto industry.
Duane Collicott
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 3:32 p.m.
Is there also a movie called "Ann Arbor" being filmed in Cedar Rapids?
Some Guy in A2
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 3:25 p.m.
@jhm: Supposedly they are, but you and I are paying for almost half of it with the state incentives. Hopefully the investment actually pans out.
aareader
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 3:15 p.m.
BRING 'EM in. The more the merrier. With the autos struggling and revenue down everywhere this should be a bright spot for the State. It will be interesting to see if TAX BREAKS will really bring in more business that will help generate enough jobs along with revenue. Let us see what develops.
braggslaw
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 2:13 p.m.
I love the idea of a film industry in Michigan. I just don't want it to cost more than it brings in.
Jim Mulchay
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 1:33 p.m.
I assume the film company is paying for any police services they require. If I remember correctly about a month ago the Ann Arbor based businesses were told they could have more police "presence" if they contracted for it.