The Michigan Film Incentive was created in 2008 to attract the lucrative movie industry to the state of Michigan.

Through the incentive, 40 percent of expenditures related to the production of a film are refunded.

In 2009 alone, 40 films took advantage of the tax break. This year, news of big-budget films and celebrity gossip began permeating through metro Detroit.

Local businesses and attractions are coming into the spotlight because of the increased presence of camera crews in and around Detroit.

What has it meant for businesses and the visibility of the city and state?

American Coney Island

Opened in 1917, Detroit’s renowned American Coney Island restaurant has been the hot spot for the movie industry recently as well as in the past.

The new Miley Cyrus movie, “LOL: Laughing Out Loud” was filmed at American Coney Island in the last month, closing the restaurant for two full days.

“Our experience so far, with them, has been absolutely extraordinary,” general manager Daniel Keros said. “We Detroiters, not just here at American Coney Island, are very receptive to having these people actually shoot on the street; use our locations, because it’s obviously bringing business downtown.”

But the benefits for filming in Michigan are not just for restaurant owners like Keros but for the movie industry as well.

By selecting a location in Detroit, filmmakers save because they are not shutting down a restaurant in a larger city for the day so the costs are far less, Keros said.

He also said filming in Detroit has alsocreated “a tremendous upswing for Detroiters or Michiganders getting jobs.”

Detroit Medical Center

While Detroit Medical Center has always been one of the top healthcare resources in southeast Michigan, it has also been a premier location for films like Scream 4 featuring Courteney Cox and Detroit 1-8-7.

“The folks that are coming down here are getting the top notch facilities,” says Patti Kukula, Vice President of Corporate Development for DMC, “They are getting to see how we can accommodate people.”

Even though crime shows and horror films are using the locations of the DMC, many hope the exposure change common perceptions about Detroit.

“The common misconception is the crime,” explains Kukula, “But there is unbelievable architecture, and places like the DIA and the oldest restaurant in Detroit like Roma Café to name a few.”

Filming in the city benefits both people from out of state but people who already live here and don’t know enough about downtown.

She said she spoke with people who were “amazed at what they saw and had a wonderful time” because of their downtown visits.

Leon’s Family Dining

Roughly six to seven months ago, the comedy-thriller to be released in 2011 and starring Jennifer Connelly and Pierce Brosnan, “Salvation Boulevard,” was filmed in Dearborn at Leon’s Family Dining.

The restaurant, which has been in business since 1983, was only closed for one day of filming and Assistant Manager Moe Askar described the relationship with the filmmakers and the overall experience as fun and positive.

“We think, because of the movie that was shot here, we got publicity and that’s why people are still coming here,” Askar said in reference to the impact of past and future filming in Detroit, “It’s going to be a lot better for the city.”

1701 Executive Cigar Bar

The upscale 1701 Executive Cigar Bar has been getting glances from various people of all ages, including the eyes of filmmakers and location scouts.

Scenes of Step Up 3D and most recently Transformers 3, were filmed at the bar.

The young owners hope to shed light on what’s right in Detroit.

“There’s been so much focus on negativity,” said Dena Hamilton, owner of 1701 Executive Cigar Bar, “At least we are gaining recognition for something positive and good things happening.”

Their classy location and unique décor helped bring a specific setting for the films — from the exterior to the basement of the business.

Kim’s Restaurant

“I must have read too many bad stories about actors storming off sets and slamming doors,” said Margaret Yee, manager of Chinese/American Kim’s Restaurant, “But everybody acted very professional and calm.”

Voted best Chinese Restaurant in Detroit by WDIV, Kim’s Restaurant served as the backdrop for a scene in the newest installment of the Harold and Kumar series in June.

Even though the details of the film have been kept quiet, local residents heard rumors and that has affected the business for the better.

“Our business has gone up a little bit due to the publicity,” says Yee, “Troy is a very small city, you cannot know something is going on.”

Meadow Brook Hall

The Meadowbrook Mansion of the famous Dodge family has always been a gem of Southeastern Michigan, but with various films like Transformers and music videos for artists such as Miley Cyrus to name a few have brought new blood in an old favorite.

Meadowbrook is already serving as the canvas for established filmmakers but is also serving as a template for future stars.

“Another benefit to the University is the student involvement,” sais Shannon O’Berski, marketing and communications manager for the Hall, “Students have been involved in serving as production assistants on several productions.  Two OU film students worked in that capacity.”

Future Projects

This Must Be the Place (2011)

Filmed at Detroit Metro Airport and elsewhere in Michigan; Stars Sean Penn

The Double (2011)

Expected to film in

Detroit; Stars Martin Sheen, Richard Gere, Odette Yustman and Topher Grace

Salvation Boulevard (2011)

Filmed in Ann Arbor and Dearborn; Stars Jennifer Connelly, Pierce Brosnan and Ed Harris

Cedar Rapids (2011)

Filmed in Ann Arbor and Plymouth; Stars

Ed Helms and Anne Heche