Hangar42 Studios opens this month in empty Walker plant

WALKER, Mich. (WZZM)- During her State of the State speech, Governor Jennifer Granholm said, "From here on out, let's make movies in Michigan and let California make the budget dramas." She let the secret out during her State of the State address.

The world's largest sound stage is now open, right here in West Michigan. Hanger42 Studios is ready for business in Walker, in the former Lear plant.

The film tax incentives have brought hundreds of millions of dollars in productions to Michigan. Hanger42 Studios is an example of a permanent structure, to draw more movies to West Michigan.

They made airplanes in the building during World War II. They will make movies here in the 21st century.

Rick Hert of the West Michigan Film Office says, "This levels the playing field. This gives us the opportunity to sell the largest studio in the state, perhaps the Midwest, or the United States."

The former manufacturing plant on Alpine Avenue is now known as Hanger42 Studios. Hanger because of the airplane origins and 42 because it was built in 1942.

The building has already been used to film movies such as "The Gun" starring Val Kilmer and 50 Cent.

Now, Rick Hert of the West Michigan Film Office says Hanger42 is open and ready for business. He says, "Because of the size of this space we have the opportunity to have 3, 4, 5, 6 projects going in here at a time."

Building Owner Jack Buchanan sold the building to a group of West Michigan investors. They are taking advantage of the Michigan film incentive tax credits. Hanger42 spokesperson Tara Powers says, "The film industry continues to grow in the state. We do have the most generous tax rebates of any state in the union right now." Up to 42% in production tax credits. Hanger42 Studios is applying for infrastructure credits to offset the purchase and renovation of the building.

The next act consists of bringing in films. Hert says, "As we get those bigger budget films, the amount of money they spend in the community is tangible."

They will also be hiring workers. Hert says, "This is a major piece. But what this is going to allow us to do is to build our crew base. The opportunity is not just the production companies, but it's the construction, the catering."

About 150 people have been working at Hanger42 around the clock over the past few weeks. They are renovating the building for studio space, offices, kitchens, and more.

Over the next three years, Hanger42 expects to hire more than 50 administrative workers and up to 1,000 workers for specific films.

You can find out about future job possibilities at Hanger42 Studio's website. Operators of Hangar42 Studios announced Thursday that they will be opening a 500,000 square-foot, full-service film production studio in the old structure.