Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS
Hangar42 Studios To Open in Former Automotive Manufacturing Plant As State's Largest Film Production Studio
By Staff
posted Feb 18, 2010, 14:41
Hangar42 Studios officially announces the opening of its nearly 500,000-square-foot full-service film production studio in Grand Rapids, Mich. Hangar42 Studios is Michigan's first fully-financed major film studio to open utilizing the infrastructure credit as part of the Michigan Film Credit and is a major milestone in the continued development of the state's film industry. The studio expects to create 50-60 administrative positions and 750-1,000 additional jobs in its first three years of operation.
(Grand Rapids, MI) Following on the heels of an announcement in Governor Granholm's
State of the State Address last night, Hangar42 Studios officially announces
the opening of its nearly 500,000-square-foot full-service film production studio
in Grand Rapids, Mich. Hangar42 Studios is Michigan's first fully-financed major
film studio to open utilizing the infrastructure credit as part of the Michigan
Film Credit and is a major milestone in the continued development of the state's
film industry. The studio expects to create 50-60 administrative positions and
750-1,000 additional jobs in its first three years of operation.
Hangar42 Studios, which is owned by a group of local investors, has invested
$45 million to purchase and renovate 450,000 square feet of the former Lear
Plant located at 2150 Alpine Avenue NW in Walker, and renovate it into production-ready
studios, office space and post-production suites. The facility was built in
1942 by the U.S. Government as a military airplane and boat manufacturing facility
and later was a General Motors and Lear plant. Many of the original 1940s structure
and design elements have been preserved, while integrating high tech and energy
efficient systems to create a state-of-the-art and highly versatile production
facility. This includes sound stages that can be configured in a variety of
ways ranging from 1,000 to 300,000-square-feet and features up to 45 foot clear
ceilings, making Hangar42 Studios the largest sound stage in the world.
"This is a project that has been in the works for quite some time and
represents a true public/private sector partnership. We couldn't be more excited
to now officially be open for business and are very appreciative to the Michigan
Film Office for all the support it's provided," said Joe Peters, principal
with Hangar42 Studios. "West Michigan is an attractive option for producers
with its unparalleled tax rebate structure, diverse landscape and topography
for film shoots and access to a large, skilled workforce. Our vision is to establish
Hangar42 Studios as the premiere full-service film studio and a go-to partner
for film projects of all budgets and sizes."
While Hangar42 Studios officially opens for business this month, film projects
have already utilized the studio during the renovation process including "The
Gun", starring Val Kilmer and rapper 50 Cent, shot at Hangar42 Studios
in December 2009 and employed nearly 200 people onsite. Studio executives are
currently in talks with several major film studios and film producers who are
interested in the space for future projects.
As a full-service film production studio, Hangar42 Studios will offer production
and pre- and post-production space, a state-of-the-art screening room, ample
office space for clients and a full range of concierge services to assist producers
with everything they need while shooting in Michigan. Services range from location
scouting, lodging and couriers to props, security and catering in the studio's
12,000-square-foot commissary.
"One of the unique offerings of Hangar42 Studios will be our full-service
concierge services program which will truly make us a one-stop shop for film
producers as we'll have a dedicated team to assist them with every aspect of
production," said Peters. "We already have some preferred vendors
lined up to serve as partners for specific goods and services and are working
now to build out our roster to ensure that we have a trusted local partner for
anything and everything a producer may need for their project."
Peters added: "Hangar42 Concierge Services will multiply the economic
impact to the local West Michigan community and tie more companies, people and
jobs to the growing film industry."
Hangar42 Studios has hired San Francisco-based Studio O + A to design the interior
space with the goal of eventually creating more than 50,000 square feet of production
offices. The goal of the design is to meld contemporary elements, while celebrating
the building's 1940s retro feel. Studio O+A and founder Primo Orpilla have created
fun, unique, high energy office space for companies like Facebook, eBay, PayPal,
Williams Sonoma and Levi Strauss and Co.
Hangar42 Studios purchased the facility from John and Jack Buchanan with Alpinist
Endeavors. Jack Buchanan, who also serves as president of local commercial real
estate firm Blue Bridge Ventures, is currently buying out his father's ownership
in Alpinist. Buchanan, who played an integral role in putting the project together,
will serve in an advisory capacity to the studio.
"This facility has a rich history dating back to the 1940s, and it's exciting
for me to see it make its transformation from a 1940s warehouse to a premier
21st century film studio," said Buchanan. "We've seen the early fruits
of this with two films and I look forward to working with Hangar42 Studios in
an advisory role. Based on the buzz and activity we've already created for the
studio, I am highly optimistic about the future for Hangar42 Studios."
Buchanan added: "The vision was always adaptive re-use for this building
when my father and I purchased it in 2006, and it's rewarding to be able to
collaborate with Joe to put this innovative project together."
Since the state of Michigan passed its film tax credit in 2008, more than 30
major productions were filmed in Michigan in 2008 and approximately another
50 in 2009. Michigan's film tax incentive is the most generous in the nation
with up to 42% in tax refunds available on production costs for motion pictures
shot in the state.
Buchanan noted the support of the City of Walker, State Representatives Robert
Dean and David Hildenbrand, in helping with the pre-requisite steps needed to
bring the Lear project to fruition and, ultimately, leading to its sale and
re-use as Hangar42 Studios.
Resources:
Hangar42 Studios: www.hangar42studios.com
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