Ann Arbor's ex-Pfizer site turns into movie set for filming of 'Trust'
For its first act under University of Michigan ownership, the ex-Pfizer facilities in northern Ann Arbor will play host to a movie.
The 174-acre campus, acquired in June for $108 million by the university, will serve as a filming site for "Trust." The movie, directed by "Friends" star David Schwimmer, stars Clive Owen and begins filming in November.
Officials said "Trust" is expected to hire U-M students as production assistants and extras. Specific hiring projections were not immediately clear.
The film will be shot at the ex-Pfizer site, renamed the North Campus Research Complex, before the university populates the site with its own workers.
The site is in pristine condition, and Pfizer left all of the furniture, desks and chairs when it abandoned the 2-million-square-foot site in 2008. U-M is expected to move workers to the site beginning in early 2010.
Officials from U-M's film office, opened in 2008, approved the filming of "Trust." The movie "is a suspense-drama that sensitively addresses the topics of cyber stalking, rape and a father's rage over his daughter's trauma," according to a news release. AnnArbor.com reported two weeks ago that Schwimmer had approached the university with a script.
“Of all the scripts I've read in reviewing proposals for use of campus space for films, "Trust" is the most meaningful and important,” said Lee Doyle, director of the U-M Film Office, in a statement. “We are delighted to be able to accommodate the project and are eager for the opportunity it presents for our students and to stimulate the economy of our state.”
Filming for the movie is taking place in multiple locations in the area, including Plymouth and Dexter High School - where filming starts Nov. 7 for four days.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.
Comments
leadingapartments
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 6:14 a.m.
Its obvious that those commenting on the Film Industry in Michigan being a total loss is not in any of the businesses that benefit from this industry. Many of the apartment, hotel, restaurant businesses around the area are seeing a benefit. Even the local realtors are seeing "action" from the Film Industry. Its the highlight of our lives. So no matter what source is quoting the film industry is a total "loss"--it isn't for everyone. We welcome them with open arms.
treetowncartel
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 2:50 p.m.
in4mation is right, it is a loss leader. There are some pros and cons to the issue. Any corrolary between the films made here and lets say tourism rising would be interesting to know about. It would take a while to get that kind of info though.
A2K
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 11:09 a.m.
They might want to try film students from Washtenaw Community College as well...lots of talented and EXPERIENCED people in their film programs.
John Galt
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 4:02 p.m.
They should use the empty site as a backdrop in the movie "Atlas Shrugged." Perfect representation of what is happening to private industry in the State.
aaman
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 1:48 p.m.
in4mation - can you cite some data for the "It's a total loss for Michigan" claim?
satkin
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:38 a.m.
The jobs created are a very small part of what this brings to the area. The increased business for hotels, restaurants, caterers, etc... are who really benefit from the movie industry. I think that it is great that Michigan (and particularly Ann Arbor) has become a filming destination.