Assignment 1 Ryan Phillips

Janet Lockwood
Director of Michigan Film Office
Interviewed by Ryan Phillips



1. Can you briefly define your job to me?

Yes I can, I run the film office with eight other employees under me. My job is to bring films to Michigan and make them see why there films should be done here. I encourage people to shoot here, and do whatever means possible to get that done.

Q. So if they need pictures of locations or anything around Michigan you get that for them.

A. Yes, I have multiple people who can do that for me with new digital technology so we can get back to them as soon as possible. Like I said the primary objective is to get the client excited to come here and shoot the movie. We offer the best incentives in the country right now, and I make sure they know.






2. How did you get started in this business?


I got very lucky and was in the right place at the right time. I started out as an actor in my childhood years and loved doing that. One day there was an opening though and I took it. I love what I do and am very happy with that. I have served for 17 years and am one of the second longest state film commissioners.

Q. So pretty much one day you where an actress and the next the director of the film commission?

A. “laughs” Yes that is pretty much it, like I said sometimes you really just have to be in the right place at the right time. I loved acting, but like I said before I love my job here, it’s great.



3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?


Well my boss is the Governor who I work very closely with. I have never had to do that or met a task that I couldn’t do though. I mean sure there has been times where you have to tell filmmakers its not going to work because you do not a certain beach or mountain look they are looking for, but you can not really help that. Any task is doable you just have to find the right person or away around that obstacle. People are always there to help you out. I have never had to tell the governor I cannot do what he asks of me.






4. . Do you have any advice for a media student who is just starting out?

Yes, I have two points to make. The first is that you have to have true passion in this business and if you do not have that you really might as well stop now. If you have the drive and the passion you are set to go. The second is do not have a back up plan, and I know parents would hate for me to say that, but its true. If you have a back up plan you are going to run to it when things go wrong, and in this business things will go wrong. If you are in it, be into it the whole way. I say this because I loved acting and I had a backup plan and look where I am now “laughs” not that I knew I was going to be doing this or that I don’t love my job because I do, but if you are into it don’t have a backup plan go all or nothing.