Bollywood, Hollywood — and Michigan? Through the new Michigan Motion Picture Incentive program, our state is becoming the new, hip destination in filmmaking. This year, an influx of filmmakers has gradually streamed into Michigan, taking advantage of its tax breaks and offering a sorely needed economic boost. With this tide has come the conviction that the future of our state’s economy lies with its ability to attract new industries and a new workforce. And this film incentive program has been a great success story, one from which Michigan can learn.

In what Gov. Jennifer Granholm has called “the most aggressive film incentive program in the nation,” this initiative offers studios a 40 percent tax break on movies shot in Michigan with budgets exceeding $50,000. Through this bipartisan effort, which passed unanimously, the state legislature seeks to attract big-budget films. And just as similar measures did in other states like Connecticut and New Mexico, it’s working. In 2007, the Michigan Film Office screened just three scripts; this year, it has already seen 80.

As such, plans are in place to build a lasting foundation in the state. For instance, V-One Entertainment Group, a Los Angeles-based group that facilitates film production, has plans to build sound stages and production infrastructure in three Michigan cities. Because building a studio involves such intensive construction, capital and technology, it demonstrates a long-term commitment from the industry.

Even a commitment like that does not allay concerns about the state’s priorities, though. Small business owners are upset that the Michigan Business Tax is rising, while lawmakers give special privileges to Hollywood. Some are skeptical that the tax revenue Michigan would lose is too risky for its tight budget.

In fact, Michigan stands to gain: Without these incentives, producers would not be so attracted to the state. While it would seem that only the film industry stands to gain from this incentive, it has the potential to spur the Michigan economy. The prospect of massive crews eating, shopping and sleeping in our towns is a boon to local business. Granholm has said that every dollar spent in film production here will generate up to $3 in economic activity.

On campus, the effects are tangible. Filmmakers save an extra 2 percent in taxes if they shoot their movies in one of 103 “core communities,” like Ann Arbor. So, unsurprisingly, Ann Arbor witnessed a bit of the action this summer in the form of Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It” and Michael Cera’s “Youth in Revolt.” Film crews in town sought talent and found it in University students studying film, technology or the performing arts. Hence, University students stand to directly benefit from this plan, earning a level of attention that is harder to get in Los Angeles and the resulting experience.

The Michigan Motion Picture Incentive sets the pace for the change Michigan needs. Putting Michigan in the spotlight will diversify our economy and provide a much-needed flow of capital into our small businesses. With this plan, the state has the capacity to give its college graduates access to the kind of career experience worth sticking around for. This should only set the precedent for more programs like it.