The Michigan Film Office approved state incentives for three Michigan-based supernatural and horror film projects.
These projects are the first ones approved in fiscal year 2015, culminating in $1,317,977 of incentives being awarded on $3,765,647 of approved production costs for the year.
The projects, “Golem,” “My Soul to Keep,” and “Swish Master,” will be produced by Exxodus Pictures Studio, based in the Madison building in Detroit.
“The announcement of a Detroit-based production company making a series of feature films that will hire local crew and highlight locations throughout Michigan is a perfect example of how this program supports the film industry in our state,” said Michigan Film Office Director Jenell Leonard.
“Golem” is set during World War II and is expected to film in the Upper Peninsula. The plot focuses on Adina Akhavan, who sees the Nazis destroy her village and her people. From the rubble, an otherworldly beast rises and annihilates the soldiers.
Adina escapes and is eventually found by Captain Jaeger and his elite team of SS relic hunters. They’ve been sent to investigate the disappearance of the soldiers. Adina must hide her true identity to help Captain Jaeger, but she hasn’t forgotten her people. She must wait to exact her revenge.
“Golem” received $835,360 worth of incentive on $2,386,742 of projected in-state expenditures. The film project anticipates hiring 53 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 15 jobs.
“My Soul to Keep” will be shot in various locations around Metro Detroit, including South Lyon, Utica, and West Bloomfield. Nine-year old Eli Braverman is scared of his basement and the evil that he believes is living there. After his older sister leaves him home alone, Eli must face the darkness and the creature that may be lurking in it.
The film was awarded $210,483 of incentives of $601,380 of expected in-state expenditures. The project expects to hire 21 Michigan workers with a full-time equivalent of two jobs.
“Swish Master” tells the story of Max Sheffield, who unleashes black magic to end the bullying he goes through daily. However, Max learns that the may not be able to control the magic. The film will be shot around metro Detroit.
The project received $272,134 on $777,525 of projected in-state expenditures and is expected to hire 25 Michigan workers with a full-time equivalent of three jobs.
“Our vision at Exxodus Pictures is to create a self-sustaining film studio based in Michigan that not only creates opportunity for people but also creates content that is home grown,” said Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad, co-owner of Exxodus Pictures. “We’re excited to be working with the state again and are thrilled that the Film Office has paid so much close attention to our next group of films. It’s been an amazing experience and we’re thankful to be a part of the ever growing Michigan film industry.”
The company’s first theatrical debut, “Jinn” was released in April 2014. The movie is scheduled to be released on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, XBOX live, On Demand, and the Playstation network on March 10.