Tonight, for the second time in two months, Lifetime will premier an original made-for-TV movie that was shoot in Metro Detroit. America; which stars Rosie O’Donnell and breakout Detroit Cass Tech High School Senior Philip Johnson.  Last month Lifetime premiere the made-for-TV movie Prayers For Bobby; which stars Sigourney Weaver, and the network plans to distribute several more movies that will be made in the Metro Detroit area in 2009 and 2010 because of the recent Michigan film incentives.

America tells the story of Dr. Maureen Brennan (Rosie O’Donnell), a psychiatrist at a youth treatment center, encounters her newest patient, a 16-year-old biracial boy named America. Through their sessions, Dr. Brennan helps America come to terms with his roller-coaster life, which began when he was taken by authorities from his crack-addicted mother and placed into foster care as an infant. In this emotional story, Dr. Brennan works to help him open up about his painful past and discover the support and courage he needs to get his life back on track.

The Detroit Free press explains how Rosie O’Donial spotted Cass Tech senior Philip Johnson in a Detroit restaurant for her new Lifetime Network movie America.  This past fall, the cast and crew of America have been filming in Highland Park, Pleasant Ridge and Detroit

Last week, Rosie O’Donnell was in Detroit on a scouting mission for her new film, America. In this upcoming Lifetime Original Movie, O’Donnell plays a therapist who helps a teenager caught up in the foster care system.

The director of America is also looking to use the music of local Detroit rock bands and rap acts to catch the urban feel of the city [source: Motorcityrocks.com]