In the latest deal struck with the AMPTP, the IATSE has changed Michigan’s ten most production friendly counties into the Maryland Rates. The change effects Ann Arbor and Detroit’s scenic and wealthier suburbs.

You may ask, how is this killing production and the economy in Michigan? Well, prior to this union agreement which takes effect on August 1, 2009, most of Michigan, except for Detroit’s Wayne County, came within the Area Standards rates which cover most of the country, including South Carolina and Louisiana. According to a production executive at my company, the additional cost of the Maryland Rates will be almost $500,000 over the course of an average production. Hence the benefits of the 40% in tax credits is gone. [read more]