As a Michigan film producer, I see every day how the arts shape not only stories on screen, but also the communities that make those stories possible. When we talk about the future of our state, we must talk about the arts — because they are both an economic engine and a cultural anchor.

Michigan already is one of the nation’s leading training grounds for future artists. The University of Michigan’s world-class arts programs produce some of the finest talent in the country. Its students leave with advanced training in performance, design and production. But what many don’t see is how these programs also prepare students for behind-the-scenes roles that keep film sets running: gaffers, grips, sound mixers, editors and producers. These are highly skilled, good-paying jobs that fuel our crea

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