For LeahPar Productions, opening a filmmaking studio in downtown Clarkston makes perfect sense.
‘This is the perfect spot,? said Kelly Buechel, who owns the studio with her husband, Raphael Buechel, in the 64 S. Main Street shopping center.
Clarkston offers a central location for filming in Michigan, close to Detroit, Lansing, and points north, Kelly said.
They considered a move to California, but Michigan’s tax incentives for filmmakers, which took effect this past April, encouraged them to stay.
‘Fifty Hollywood scripts are coming into the Film Office in Lansing,? she said. ‘They’re swamped.?
Movies filming in Michigan include ‘Whip It,? a comedy directed by Drew Barrymore; ‘Gran Torino,? a drama by Clint Eastwood, and ‘Deadhead,? the Pierce Brothers? zombie horror comedy.
Kelly and Raphael hosted their open house, Aug. 1, in their new studio, at Main Street and Waldon Road. The building is owned by Floyd ‘Buck? Kopietz, former owner of Tierra Fine Jewelry,
‘I used to work with Buck in his jewelry store,? Kelly said. ‘I knew there was an empty space back here.?
The growing film industry will help the state, Kopietz said.
‘This will make a big difference for Michigan,? he said. ‘People still go to Mackinac Island because of the movie ‘Somewhere in Time.? This is the right business at the right time, right place and right people. Years from now, we’ll be able to say, we knew them then.?
‘They’re going to put Clarkston on the map,? said Luc Poirier, who hired Leahpar to produce a commercial for his Slick and Bubba’s business, also in the 64 South Main plaza. ‘Its quality is better than any place I’ve seen. They’re awesome.?
The renovation work was impressive, Poirier said.
‘If this doesn’t work out for them, they can go into the office makeover business,? he said.
Kelly was born in Rochester, and met Raphael eight years ago when they were students at Brandon High School. He was an exchange student from Germany.
They married two years ago and started their business in their home last year. They moved to Clarkston two months ago.
‘Raphael has a passion for film ? he works his German magic,? Kelly said. ‘Me, I handle the business end, art and graphics.?
‘I made my first movie five years ago in Germany ? ‘Roadkill, A Love Story,? a thriller,? Raphael said.
So far, LeahPar Productions has made commercials and DVD videos for small and medium businesses and manufacturers, to play in their offices, telling visitors what their company is about, he said.
‘Each project is different,? he said. ‘They’re custom made for each client.?
Plans include high profile, international projects, and they’re working on their first, full-length American feature film.
‘We’re scouting locations in Howard City, (Mich.),? Raphael said.
‘Great movies move us ? emotionally and intellectually,? Kelly said. ‘We hope to produce more and more movies here as well as attract more movie production companies to the state.?
LP Productions plans to rent most of its digital equipment, Kelly said.
‘Digital and computer technology advances so quickly, it makes more sense to rent than to buy,? she said.
They will probably purchase lights, microphones, costumes, and other equipment not expected to become obsolete quickly, and build a small sound stage, she said.
For more information, call 877-LPFILM1, or check www.Leahparproductions.com.