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'Parts Per Billion' Approved for Film Incentive

LANSING – The Michigan Film Office announced today the feature film 'Parts Per Billion' has been approved for a film incentive from the state. The film tells the interwoven stories of three couples forced to make life altering decisions in the face of a disastrous war. The project will shoot in metro Detroit this December.

Cast for Parts Per Billion includes Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon, Superman Returns), Gena Rowlands (The Notebook, The Skeleton Key), Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds, Sin City), Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl, Easy A) and Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbor).  This is the third project in Michigan for producer Molly Hassell (Vamps, The Giant Mechanical Man).  The screenplay is by Brian Horiuchi, who is also directing.

"Repeat business is a sign of a quality product," said Margaret O'Riley, director of the Michigan Film Office.  "Filming this project in Michigan speaks to our competitive incentive program, our talented workforce and the quality of filmmaking this state has to offer."

Parts Per Billion was awarded an incentive of $295,766 on $991,003 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 73 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of nine jobs.

As a terrible war unfolds around them, three couples grapple with the devastation, as well as their own relationships.  Inspired and sometimes blinded by their love, Len, Mia, Andy, Esther, Anna and Erik are as flawed and beautiful as any of the billions who are facing this human-made biological disaster.

"The crews in Michigan are some of the hardest working in the nation. Not to mention, good attitudes and helpful at every step in the process," Hassell said.  "We are very happy to be returning for the third movie."

In Fiscal Year 2013, six projects have been awarded a total of $807,310 on $2,776,210 of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 293 Michigan hires with a full time equivalent of 17 jobs.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Film Review Committee, comprised of senior MEDC staff including the Michigan Film Commissioner, reviews all completed applications.

Using the statute to guide approval decisions, preference is given to projects that best meet the following criteria:
* The production is financially viable.
* Utilization of existing infrastructure (studios, post-production facilities, equipment rental, etc.).
* The number and wage levels of direct jobs for Michigan residents created by a production.
* Ability to show Michigan in a positive light and promote the state as a tourist destination.
* Magnitude of estimated expenditures in Michigan.

The Michigan Film Office was created in 1979 to assist and attract incoming production companies and promote the growth of Michigan's own film industry. The Film Office also administers the incentive program for film, television and other digital media production in Michigan. For more on the Michigan Film Office, visit: MichiganFilmOffice.org.

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