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CURTIS OSTRANDER	DUAINE HARDING
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A REEL EFFORT »

IN WITH THE NEW. Above, WBRW Channel 6 Station Manager Richard Cory shows off the new Mac Pro systems installed at the station that will improve production. Washington Township used $34,000 of its cable franchise fees to purchase four Mac Pro systems, along with eight iMacs that will be used to train residents in production techniques.

(Observer photo by Chris Gray)

Film Office to host
tours and contest

Washington spends $34,000
to upgrade WBRW computers

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      Since its inception last month, the Romeo Film Production Office has hit the ground running in attracting the film industry to the local area.
       Among its accomplishments, the film office has helped WBRW Channel 6 obtain new editing hardware and software, organized tours of the area to interested production crews and coordinated a film contest to showcase up-and-coming film students.
       Future projects include listings on its Web site (www.romeofpo.org) for local actors, props and businesses.
       "We were in Lansing at the Film Office presenting what we're doing, and they're pretty excited about how comprehensive of a guide we're putting together," said Michael Fiscus, production liaison for the film office.
       The Washington Township Board of Trustees recently approved of using $34,000 of its cable franchise fees to purchase new computers and editing software for WBRW Channel 6 to improve its productions.
       Additionally, the high-definition (HD) capable technology will be used in a training lab for residents hoping to learn about video editing, motion graphics and production techniques for the movie industry.
       The office is looking to hold the seminars in July, and would like to partner with a college to bring in instructors as well as have WBRW staff teach a few tips.
       "This is all part of trying to figure out what opportunities there are in the community for the film industry," Fiscus said. "It'll start with presentations, then we'll offer introductory, mid-level and advanced classes."
       Fiscus said the community can expect some good things to come out of the training as well as from WBRW's productions.
       "It'll hopefully free up some time for (WBRW) in having newer, faster machines," he said.
       Tours organized by the office that show off the various locales in the area have paid off. Fiscus said an independent film will begin shooting in the area the first week of July.
       "It's a smaller film, not real intrusive, but it's a nice walk-through with the office," he said. "We'll be contacting local businesses for help, as they need about four or five positions filled."
       He said the Michigan Film Office is currently scouting for locations for 15 productions, so having a local office means the idea of using Romeo will be kept in front of the employees at the state office as they make their decisions.
       "We have experienced editors, directors, stylists, caterers, one of four steady cam operators in the state, so I think we've got a pretty attractive deal," said Fiscus.
       Those looking to establish connections with the industry can attend the film office's second networking party, which Fiscus said will be scheduled for early July.
       Film contest
       Students who are interested in showing their talents for filmmaking can enter the office's first annual Romeo Student Film Festival.
       The contest is open to students ranging from middle school to college kids who are residents of Michigan. Fiscus said it doubles as showing Romeo student talent, and by extension, Romeo's talents.
       "There are actually a lot of kids doing film production in Romeo. There is some slick-looking stuff on Youtube.com," he said.
       Students have until July 10 to submit a three- to six-minute film that features at least one of the three communities of Romeo, Bruce and Washington township. Local resources utilized by the students should be listed in the credits.
       "We'll be encouraging businesses to offer their services, because it basically gives them a free ad," he said. "And having films on your resume gives them something to list when bigger productions come in."
       The films will be screened in the third week of July, with industry experts judging each production. The grand prize winner will receive a new 24-inch iMac equipped with Final Cut Pro. First place will receive an iPod touch and second place will receive an iPod nano.
       The films may also be used in promotion and ads for the film office.
       "We're getting a lot of phone calls and e-mail about the contest," he said. "The word is definitely spreading."
       Rules and guidelines for submitting a film can be found on the Film Office's Web site. The office can be reached at (586) 677-4207.