The Michigan Film Office Advisory Council (MFOAC) and a slew of Michigan’s top filmmakers enjoyed a networking luncheon hosted by CFA and the West Michigan Film Office (WMFO) in late November. The meal followed the MFOAC’s quarterly meeting held at the Crowne Plaza in Grand Rapids.

While the luncheon primarily allowed filmmakers and small businesses opportunities to connect and pitch, the event also allowed West Michigan artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their success.

Harold Cronk of 10 West Studios in Manistee thanked the Michigan Film Office and the Advisory Council for their work. Together with Pure Flix Entertainment, 10 West has produced three films. The third film, Jerusalem Countdown, is currently in production with Cronk directing. Several Compass alumni have been involved with all three productions.

Hopwood DePree, CEO of TicTock Studios and co-founder of the Waterfron Film Festival, spoke briefly about What’s Wrong with Virginia, the feature film written and directed by Oscar-winner Dustin Lance Black. The film shot entirely in Holland, MI and is currently in post production.

Rich Brauer, voted Michigan’s Film Maker of the Year at the 2009 Traverse City Film Festival, shared news of his recently wrapped feature film, Fitful. A sneak preview of the film was held at the Traverse City State Theatre on Wednesday, December 16.  One of the stars of the film, actor Larry Joe Campbell (Weeds, According Jim), was scheduled to be in attendance.

Compass Film Academy also represented well at the luncheon. Since July 2009, Compass has been involved in with over 30 productions looking to secure more than 80 production positions. Field inquiries for everything from PAs to camera operators, interns to line producers, Compass was at the forefront of providing qualified crew throughout the state.

Said Rick Hert, film commissioner of the WMFO, “By working together and networking, we have an opportunity to build and grow here in Grand Rapids. It was a great way to gain momentum.”

Other notable guests at the luncheon included filmmaker Michael Moore, MFO Commissioner Janet Lockwood, Marcia Fishman Michigan Executive Director of SAG, and Stacia Savage and Tim Magee of IATSE. Because of the luncheon’s success,  plans are in the works for additional networking luncheons, said Hert.