‘Pickle Recipe’ formula qualifies for incentive from Michigan Film Office

Film by former Detroit advertising executives and produced by West Bloomfield natives has demonstrated the right formula to qualify for an incentive from the Michigan Film Office

LANSING, MI – “The Pickle Recipe,” a film created by former Detroit advertising executives and produced by West Bloomfield natives, has demonstrated the right formula to qualify for an incentive from the Michigan Film Office.

The film is eligible to receive a maximum incentive of $491,706 from the state based on an anticipated spend of $1,412,129. In addition to private investment the production will direct to Michigan-based vendors, the estimated spending includes plans to hire 127 cast and crew, 119 of whom will be Michigan residents and 301 extras, making for an equivalent of 12 full-time employees.

“From writing to directing to producing, this film showcases the many talents of Michigan filmmakers,” said Jenell Leonard, commissioner of Michigan Film Office. “We are excited about projects like this drawing Michiganders home to tell their stories in their own backyard and invest in the communities where they grew up."

The story is about a down-on-his-luck party emcee, who is desperate for cash and corrupted by his shameless uncle to steal his grandmother's top-secret pickle recipe. Production began shooting in May throughout metro Detroit. Filming is expected through mid-June in Detroit, Hamtramck, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield.

With a distinctive metro Detroit tone and feel, “The Pickle Recipe” is based on the script by Sheldon Cohn and story by Gary Wolfson, both of whom were former execs at Doner advertising agency of Southfield. The film is produced by Jason Potash and Paul Finkel of West Bloomfield. Potash and Finkel recently produced “Beside Still Waters” and “Dial a Prayer,” starring Brittany Snow and William H. Macy, both Michigan-based productions.

West Coast transplant and Michigan resident Michael Manasseri directs the film. Manasseri directed and produced “Sucker,” (2013) a science-fiction story filmed in Pontiac. The film stars comedian Jon Dore, Lynn Cohen and Academy Award nominee David Paymer.

“The Pickle Recipe” is the latest of approved incentive projects from the Michigan Film Office. Recently announced projects include “My Soul to Keep,” “Swish Master,” and “Golem.” Total approved incentives, including “The Pickle Recipe,” amount to $1,809,683. Of that amount, a projected $5,177,776 is estimated to be spent collectively in Michigan by the four productions with an anticipated 218 workers to be hired and 32 full-time jobs created. Disbursement of state funds by the Michigan Film Office is contingent on verified documentation of spending submitted by the production company.

By its nature, the film and video production industry is distinct from many of the industries that make up the Michigan economy. The workforce consists of a range of self-employed and freelance workers in diverse fields, including production designers, actors, sound engineers, graphic designers, talent agents, equipment rental operators, extras, carpenters and electricians along with other skilled-trades workers.

The Michigan Film Office was established in 1979 to assist and attract production companies and promote the growth of Michigan’s film industry. The office administers the incentive (cash rebate) program for film, television and other digital media production in the state.

#           #           #

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.