Executive Board Spotlight
.
An Interview with Mike Mosallam, 31, Director of Film Initiatives for Wayne County
.
Mike Mossallam, Director of Film Initiatives for Wayne County, took a few moments out of his busy schedule to talk with Amanda Bate, ARZIKA’s PR and Communications Specialist about why he decided to get involved with Michigan Emerging, his move back to Michigan from California and the love he has for this great state.
.
.
BATE: Why is Michigan Emerging Important to you?
MOSSALLAM: Michigan Emerging promotes job and business creation for all of Michigan. It is in line with the goals of Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano. Any entity that supports economic development from the film industry is important to the Wayne County Film Initiative.
.BATE: What is happening in the film industry in Michigan at the moment?
MOSSALLAM: We are currently wrapping up our busiest summer ever with over 20 films produced in Wayne County. The ABC police drama, Detroit 1-8-7, has launched and is now being fully produced and filmed here in Detroit. We currently have seven projects in pre-production. Raleigh Michigan Studios is under construction and is set to open in the spring of 2011 and is creating a steady flow of new jobs. The Wayne County Film Initiative has developed a strong relationship with the Michigan Film Office and is helping to create a sustainable industry in the state.
.BATE: What is your story?
MOSSALLAM: I am a native of Dearborn, MI and a graduate from the University of Michigan. I moved out to New York and L.A. where I was an actor and director working on mostly theatre and some film productions. In December of 2008 I was contacted to head up the Wayne County Film Initiative and jumped on the opportunity. I’m loving what’s happening in Wayne County and the state as a whole, the buzz from the film industry is so positive.
.BATE: What is your favorite thing about Michigan?
MOSSALLAM: After living in New York and L.A., I find it amazing to witness the diversity Michigan has to offer. In Wayne County there are a multitude of ethnicities and cultures in one area. But Michigan has more to offer than just cultural diversity, it also has a diverse landscape from urban to rural to the lakes to the woods.
. Mike Mossallam is a member of the Michigan Emerging Executive Board. If you want to learn more about Mike, you can read his bio here. Don’t forget, you can also meet him at the event!