Macomb County Studio Announces Major Build Project Innovative studio design to "keep Michigan on the global film industry map," say studio execs
Clinton Township, MI - Executives with the Macomb County based Vanir Entertainment announced plans today for a $20 million film studio build project certain to draw attention from film production companies across the globe, say its execs.

CLINTON TWP, MI, January 30, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "This is unique. We're unaware of any studio design like this in the country or the world. From the interest we've received from production companies, we see it as a major step to keep Michigan on the global film industry map," said Alex Greene, Vanir's executive producer.
Greene said the studio could not have come to fruition without the contributions of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Macomb County Film Office and officials from Clinton Township and Baker College.
Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon plans to announce the studio build at his annual State of the Township address, to take place Friday, January 29, 7:30 a.m. at the Clinton Macomb Public Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township. "Clinton Township is pleased to host this new industry and Vanir Entertainment," said Robert Cannon, Supervisor of Clinton Township. "They will provide new and exciting jobs, and bring students from throughout Michigan to learn about the film industry thanks to Baker College."
Groundbreaking for the studio, to be built on 26 acres in northern Clinton Township, will take place late spring, 2010. The project's architect is Abraham Kadushin of Kadushin Associates Architects Planners, Ann Arbor.
To be built in stages, the complex will eventually feature several buildings, including docking stations for mobile production units, overnight housing for visiting professionals, office and classroom space for degreed programs through Baker College, and three production studios, the hallmark of which will be the Vanir Dome, a 20,000 square-foot domed green screen.
Green screens are used to create special effects in films. Current green screens have limitations according to height and width; that is, directors can only film as tall or as wide as the green screen itself. The Vanir Dome changes all that. Its dome shape allows directors to film 180 degrees on the vertical and 360 degrees on the horizontal.
Once built, Lew Smith, Vanir's Chief Operating Officer, said Vanir will lease the studio to visiting production companies who want to take advantage of the studio's design and the Michigan film tax incentives. "Our business model calls for four revenue streams - studio lease, production, film distribution and, with Baker College, educating the next generation of film production professional."
"Baker's role is critical. Michigan's biggest challenge right now is strengthening the community of professionals working in film," said Greene, "and the only way to do that is through education and training."
"We are thrilled to partner with Vanir Entertainment to help develop Michigan's burgeoning film industry," said Donald R. Torline, Baker College of Clinton Township president. "Serving more than 43,000 students through an international online program and at 14 locations throughout Michigan, Baker continually strives to offer the quality education and training necessary for our students to succeed in today's global economy. We define ourselves as a career college - targeting the most promising fields and providing the precise skills that employers want. We view the development of film and production programs as a natural progression of our mission, and stand ready to do our part to meet the growing demand for quality trained film and television production professionals in Michigan."
Smith distinguished the Vanir studio from other studios going up in Michigan. "With our lower overhead and full production capabilities, we'll target both major studios and independent film-makers, who are the growth segment of the industry. From day one, we knew it was important to serve the indies, and that's what we'll do."
Greene said another unique feature of the complex is the use of mobile production studios. An area of the complex will feature docking stations for tractor trailers, RVs and buses that have been converted into rolling production studios. Docking stations allow trailers and buses to travel from film locations to the Vanir complex for post-production work. "We've only allowed for the latest technology in this complex, which is exactly what the major studios we've spoken to - and investors - want," said Greene.
Vanir execs believe the studio's design and features, like the green screen dome and docking stations, reflect the innovation that will cement Michigan's contributions to the production of films globally.
"None of this could be possible without the help of the MEDC and officials from Macomb County and Clinton Township. They have introduced us to funding sources, including investors, and their support has been phenomenal," said Smith. He said a private equity fund for investors has been established for the studio build and to finance other Vanir projects, including film, television and audio production and film distribution.
Vanir's current projects include production of two syndicated television programs, "Social Graces" and "Misery Luvs Company" "Social Graces" features reality-show style instruction on everything from dating to dress to home design from a veteran teacher of etiquette. "Misery Luvs Company" follows the exploits of a young rock and roller and his band on their climb to the top.
Greene said another feature of the complex is the attention paid to renewable energy sources. The complex will be built on a geothermal energy grid to both lessen the carbon footprint and lower studio energy costs. Selling excess energy on the state's energy grid will be a fifth although lesser revenue stream for the studio complex, said Greene.
Vanir Entertainment formed in 2008 as a partnership, the members of which have won multiple Emmy and Telly awards. The partnership already operates one of the largest green screens in metro-Detroit, a 65x20-foot screen at its current studio in Clinton Township. Vanir also hosted the first-of-its-kind film networking event last April in Pontiac. The Michigan Movie Networking Event, as it was called, was the largest gathering of film professionals in Michigan's history at the time, bringing together upwards of 1,100 professionals from several states and Canada.
For information on Vanir Entertainment, the studio complex and the Vanir Dome, reach Alex Greene at (586) 709-5754 or Lew Smith at (586) 615-3504.

Press Release Contact Information:

Lew Smith
Vanir Entertainment
COO
22758 Morreli
Clinton Twp., Mi
usa 48036
Voice: 586-615-3504