Metro Times - Screens: Backlot

7/15/2009

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Film > Backlot

Backlot
Rob Reiner directs a coming-of-age story in Ann Arbor

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By Jeff Meyers

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Who stars: Aidan Quinn (Michael Collins, Practical Magic), Penelope Ann Miller (Carlito's Way), John Mahoney (Frasier), ER's Anthony Edwards, Rebecca De Mornay (Risky Business), Kevin Weisman (Alias). The kids are played by Madeline Carroll (Swing Vote) and Callan McAuliffe. Directed by Rob Reiner.

What it is: An adaptation of Wendelin Van Draanen's youth novel about the evolving romance of two kids who start off hating each other. The story takes place between 1957 and 1963, following them as they grow up. Reiner could use a box-office hit so it makes sense to tap into to his Stand By Me vibe. Of course, Stephen King didn't pen this one and there's nary a dead body in sight.

Where: It's being mostly shot in Ann Arbor. Eve restaurant has once again become the Ray's Diner of the Midwest, attracting star diners, including "Meathead" and his clan. Coincidentally, owner-chef Eve Aronoff will be competing on an upcoming Bravo's Top Chef. Oh, the kismet. ...

The buzz: True to A2's self-righteous nature, locals raised a ruckus over a bit of tree pruning (necessary for filming) at a neighborhood park — one persnickety woman went so far as to stand in front of the city's cherry picker! Oh, please. Art first, we say. It all worked out in the end, though, but not without scrutiny from suspicious A2'ers. Hollywood is the "man," right? Funnily enough, the story centers around Carroll's efforts to save her town's lone sycamore tree.

Release date: 2010.

Comments

On 7/15/2009 10:24:38 AM, rollinstax said:

to jeff meyer. i read your article on backlot with humor. you forgot the most important part of the story. the state of michigan and the tax payers inclduing you are paying 42% to 48% of the cost of the movie. while the state is going bankrupt and does not have money for education and roads it has money for movie players. another big rip off of for the state.

On 7/16/2009 10:44:35 AM, Jeff Meyers said:

actually, the top amount is 42%, and only after some rigorous spending in select communities in the state. last year MI spent $32M to attract $163M in Hollywood business. i'd not only say that was a pretty decent investment but also the first business we've attracted to the state that actually enticed people under 35 to stay. how often does that happen? overall, i'm a fan of the incentive. if something michigan does makes california nervous you know we're on the right path. infrastructure is coming in, the industry is investing in the state and new mexico which passed a similar incentive (25-30%) has reaped substantial rewards. i'm meeting with a studio that's intending to bring $45M to MI in the next 5 years. what other industry can you create an incentive for (and we do it for many... esp the car industry...) and have them set up shop 2 weeks later?