LANSING – The movie “God Bless the Broken Road” begins production this spring and includes filming at stock car track Berlin Raceway and throughout Grand Rapids. Ninety-two Michigan workers will be hired.
The film by Michigan director Harold Cronk tells the story of a young woman, Amber, who loses her husband during combat in Afghanistan and is left alone to raise their young daughter. The film combines an exploration of faith with country music and stock car racing while offering a tribute to those who serve.
The project is eligible to receive a $2,665,959 incentive from the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office based on an estimated total production, post production and publicity and advertising budget of $7,711,238.
In July 2015, legislation was signed into law eliminating the program for film and digital media incentives. The incentive agreement for “God Bless the Broken Road” was approved before the legislation took effect.
“The production provides significant private spending and economic boost in the communities where the film will be shot,” said MFDMO Commissioner, Jenell Leonard.
“Despite no longer having an incentive program, the MFDMO continually engages filmmakers looking for the diverse locations of Michigan, and assists in expediting the filmmaking process,” she said. “This film highlights the striking beauty and geographical diversity of the West Michigan region.”
Last year, MFDMO changed its name to reflect the broader emphasis on education, community outreach and development along with job creation in the digital media industries. Since then, several landmark projects have defined the new direction:
Also in the works is Comedy Central’s “Detroiters,” a comedy series that follows the travails of two small-time advertising men who produce low-budget, off-beat commercials with an eye toward a bigger dream. The series, which filmed a pilot last summer in Detroit, features Sam Richardson and Tim Robinson, both of whom have connections to metro Detroit.
Detroiters will not be receiving an incentive, however, the MFDMO collaborated with public and private partners in the City of Detroit to attract the production to – where else? – Detroit. Filming is scheduled to begin this summer.
