Feature film 'How to Catch a Monster' approved for film incentive

'How to Catch a Monster' marks Ryan Gosling's first time writing, directing feature film

DETROIT – The Michigan Film Office announced Monday the feature film How to Catch a Monster has been approved for a film incentive from the state.  The project, a modern-fantasy drama, is scheduled to film in metro Detroit late this spring.

How to Catch a Monster marks Ryan Gosling's first time writing and directing a feature film.  Gosling is an Oscar® nominated actor having starred in films including The Ides of March, The Place Beyond the Pines, Drive, Lars and the Real Girl and Half Nelson for which he received an Academy Award® nomination.

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The film will star Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Saoirse Ronan (Atonement), Eva Mendes (The Place Beyond the Pines), Matt Smith (Doctor Who on BBC One) and Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises).

"This project is a great fit for Michigan and what we have to offer – from incredible locations to a talented workforce," said Margaret O'Riley, director of the Michigan Film Office. "It's a strong vote of confidence when individuals who have filmed previously in Michigan bring new projects back to the state."

How to Catch a Monsterwas awarded an incentive of $1,750,909 on $6,238,922 of projected in-state expenditures. The project is expected to hire 104 Michigan workers with a full time equivalent of 30 jobs.

Matt Platt and Adam Siegel are producing the film on behalf of Marc Platt Productions, along with Gosling via his Phantasma Films banner.  Michel Litvak and David Lancaster are producing and financing via the Bold Films banner.  Sierra/Affinity is overseeing international sales for the film.

How to Catch a Monsterweaves elements of fantasy noir and suspense into a modern day fairytale.  Set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city, Billy, a single mother of two, is swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town.  Both Billy and Bones must dive deep into the mystery if their family is to survive.

In Fiscal Year 2013, 14 projects have been awarded a total of $32,713,715 on $126,410,988 of approved production expenditures for the year. These projects are expected to create 1,294 Michigan hires with a full time equivalent of 589 jobs.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Film Review Committee, comprised of senior MEDC staff including the Michigan Film Commissioner, reviews all completed applications using the statute to guide approval decisions.

The Michigan Film Office was created in 1979 to assist and attract incoming production companies and promote the growth of Michigan's own film industry. The Film Office also administers the incentive program for film, television and other digital media production in Michigan. For more on the Michigan Film Office, visit: MichiganFilmOffice.org.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation markets the state with a focus on business, talent, jobs and helping to grow the economy. For more on MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.

About the movie:

The modern-fantasy drama weaves elements of fantasy noir and suspense into a modern day fairytale. Set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city, Billy, a single mother of two, is swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town. Both Billy and Bones must dive deep into the mystery if their family is to survive.

The film will star Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Saoirse Ronan (Atonement), Eva Mendes (The Place Beyond the Pines), Matt Smith (Doctor Who on BBC One) and Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises).

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