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I peer out the window of my downtown apartment, across the street I observe 20 men suited in military gear. Overcome with curiosity, I immediately head outside to survey the situation. Just as I turn the corner to view the activity, someone yanks on my sleeve, allowing a military tanker to continue its charge down the street. Later, I am enjoying dinner with family. We pause in conversation after a huge blast rattles the building. The following weekend, I relax while enjoying a glass of wine. Rapid gunfire is heard in the distance and a director shouts ‘cut’.
Michigan’s film incentive offers a 40%-42% tax credit, making many areas throughout the state an appealing film set. As a Detroit city resident, living amongst the ‘Red Dawn’ set is an interesting experience. The bizarre juxtaposition of real and surreal transforms the city and alters all urban interactions. Gun shots and explosions are now an expected reality. It only took a short time to become desensitized to the implications of those sounds. Vacant buildings – normally void of life – become beautifully lit backdrops, integrating a previously scattered downtown landscape. From time to time it’s a bother getting from point A to point B, but overall the experience is pretty spectacular. The downtown liveliness resulting from ‘Red Dawn’ is a reminder of Detroit’s potential. More importantly, these productions allow out-of-state film crews (and their support staff) to experience the greater qualities of Detroit. We want them to return again and again.
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