GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Black Pigeon Studios Co-Founder Josh Sikkema announced the permanent closure of the Walker, Michigan studio space to the dismay of West Michigan filmmakers.
The closure less than a year after opening in the expanded space, originally located in downtown Grand Rapids.
"The movement is much bigger than just the brick and mortar," said Sikkema.
Another Co-Founder John McClain reflects on the journey positively, acknowledging the difficulties of maintaining a space in a demanding industry while seeking career successes.
"We had amazing success with the first location, which catapulted the second location. But ultimately, we have to remember that we are creators and our energy and time that we're putting into a business rather than in our careers."
In a four-year stint, Black Pigeon Studios took the West Michigan film scene under its wings. Sikkema and McClain came with vast experience in the Los Angeles film scene and sought to create a space where they could share their education and experience with the next generation of creatives.
"We built this for the creator, by the creator. So there's this large misconception that if you're out in Los Angeles, you're making all kinds of money. And I'll tell you right now, that's not the case, this was built off the pocketbooks of us three founders." said Sikkema.
The studio has been involved with local university film programs, the Grand Rapids Film Festival and its own developmental workshops. McClain recalls being wowed by the workforce they rediscovered upon returning and beginning their movement.
"I got to meet the writers who were inspired by a short film being shot on Grand Rapids, I got to meet the set designers, the crew, there were so many creative people that I just couldn't imagine. It was such a humongous workforce of just these creative minds, that were all here. And there were really no opportunities for them outside of the commercial industry to thrive in. So being able to put so many people on that first short film, and then Segway that into a brick and mortar that gave so many people opportunities to further their craft... It just showed me how much of a necessity it is."
The closure highlights a desperate need for new film incentives across Michigan, after the state's previous program ended fifteen years ago. State Senator Dayna Polehanki (D) earlier this year introduced the Multimedia Jobs Act to the Michigan legislature, reviving a long-awaited discussion over the revival of an important industry.
"People make great livings in places like California, New York, Chicago and now, Georgia, because of film incentives that draw a creative industry to a state. Michigan is one of 14 states that does not have any type of film or television incentive, so we're not on a level playing field with other states," said Polehanki.
The Michigan Film Industry Association, an organization to which Sikkema is a collaborator of, estimates $300 to $500 million dollars would enter the state should the bill pass. Senator Polehanki recognizes and reiterates the need for this bill to pass, seeing the loss of talent and business like Black Pigeon Studios.
"There are lots of film programs at our colleges and universities, and we're graduating all these talented, creative people, and they're having to leave the state to work. And that's a crying shame," she said.
While Black Pigeon Studios' closure marks the end of a physical production space, Sikkema and McClain have no plans to abandon the movement they've worked hard to create in Michigan.
"If we can make a wonderful film that touches the hearts of these people, and maybe they go you know, what, these guys they've done this, they've lost here, they battled, they pivoted, they've done everything possible to make Michigan the love letter that we're ultimately shooting there." said an upbeat McClain.
And pivot they will, as Sikkema said plans are already in place to bring back the workforce they've helped train and reunite. It'll be for a feature film currently planned to shoot in Michigan in summer of 2024.
"To next year provide that value and hire those same people that we grew in our workforce development program, and those same interns and bring them on the project with us... I think that's such a great full circle opportunity for us."
An opportunity that exists far beyond a studio space, and can be proven through art.
"The idea is way bigger than four walls," he said.
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