Community
AROUND TOWN
Keeping It Reel
ADL hosts Hollywood-themed evening focused on Michigan's growing film industry.
Sandy August of Commerce
Sandy Dubin of West Bloomfield and her son Sammy
W
Now, the trick will be keeping those tax breaks in place. Some lawmakers are already
considering capping the incentives, arguing they're too costly in these tough economic
times. But Binder, whose film credits include The Upside of Anger, Man About Town
and Reign Over Me, told the crowd of about 270, "there are a bunch of politicians who
are fighting this all the time." He urged people to let lawmakers know they support the
growing industry which is expected to create thousands of new jobs.
"One of our goals for the future is to make a movie using all Michigan talent," he said.
Following the lively discussion, which included a question-and-answer session and
Binder telling several jokes, there was a coffee and dessert reception.
Spotted in the ADL crowd were: Regional Director Betsy Kellman of Huntington
Woods; Esther Mintz, Melba Winer, Judi Schram, and Anita and Robert Naftaly, all
of West Bloomfield; and Sharon and Barry Lesnick of Farmington Hills.
hen actor/director Clint Eastwood was in town last year, shooting his film
Gran Torino, he made a bold prediction: "Michigan will be the next film-mak-
ing capital of the world:' If you look at the numbers, he just might be right.
Janet Lockwood, director of the state's film office, says in 2007, moviemakers spent
$2 million to produce films in Michigan. The following year, film revenues catapulted
to $125 million, after lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm
approved tax refunds as high as 42 percent.
Two of the men who helped influence that decision were guest
speakers June 25 during a Hollywood-themed evening at the
Townsend Hotel in Birmingham hosted by the Michigan Region
of the Anti-Defamation League. Writer, producer, actor and
comedian Michael Binder and author, sports commentator and
radio personality Mitch Albom both lobbied for Michigan's film
incentives.
"The governor said, `What am I doing wrong?' recalled Binder.
"We said,`You're not being bold, enough? I give her a lot of credit
because at a time with budget problems and all of these things,
she did the right thing."
Michael Lebowitz and Francine Wunder,
both of Bloomfield Hills
C16
July 2 • 2009
Marty and Barbara Burnstein of West
Bloomfield
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The ADL Michigan Region is also planning a film-themed fall fundraiser called
"Lights, Camera, ADL Takes Action" on Oct.14 at Knollwood Country Club in
West Bloomfield. Sponsorships are available at many levels. Contact (248) 353-
7553 for more information.
Esther Mintz and Melba Winer, both of
West Bloomfield
Mitch Albom