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Jackson Steals the Spotlight

In early 2009, carts brimming with movie equipment lined the streets of downtown Jackson. Inside the historic Citizen Patriot building, Hilary Swank and Oscar nominee Melissa Leo were at work shooting scenes for "Betty Anne Waters." Based on the true story of a working mother who puts herself through law school to represent her wrongfully-convicted brother, the film spotlights various locations throughout the Jackson area.

A County full of possibilities

In addition to the "Cit Pat" building, the Jackson County Courthouse and the now-closed Southern Michigan Correctional Facility in Blackman Township both serve as backdrops for this riveting tale. Other local landmarks featured in the film include Stivers Restaurant just off of I-94 in Chelsea and Dexter High School.

It's no wonder that the location scouts chose Jackson County as the perfect location to shoot "Betty Anne Waters." Jackson's talented and ready labor pool and an unbeatable cost of living and doing business are prime attractions.

Movie producers are also discovering that the Jackson area features a wide range of potential shooting locations. Whether the script calls for a downtown scene or a rural backdrop, the Jackson area offers it all within easy reach. Close proximity to several highways ensures easy access from all directions.

Jackson even has a local film office; the Convention and Visitors Bureau is ready to assist with any questions about shooting a film in Jackson County.

Michigan's Starring Role

Business is booming throughout Michigan – the film business, that is. After Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed into law the nation's most aggressive film incentive program, Michigan's movie industry has blossomed and grown. With an offer of up to 42 percent in rebates on film money spent within the state, filmmakers are flocking to Michigan. Thanks to this incentive, Michigan's burgeoning film industry is creating new jobs and increasing commerce, not to mention bringing an influx of movie stars.

Drew Barrymore, Clint Eastwood, Sigourney Weaver, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kim Cattrall: all these luminaries and many more will star in movies made in Michigan.

Detroit is proving to be a popular draw, but the charms of the Jackson area are not lost on location scouts. Yet no matter where in the state movies are filmed, the fact that producers are required to hire Michigan talent in order to earn back a portion of their rebate helps to spur job creation. And, businesses of all sorts reap the benefits, including caterers, dry cleaners, hotels and restaurants.

Michiganders are already proud of what our state has to offer. Now, the filmmaker's lens may help the rest of the world see Michigan in a new way.