The West Michigan Film Video Alliance, launched in January 2005, seeks to represent and provide membership benefits to the nearly 5,500 entertainment industry professionals in West Michigan such as producers, directors, choreographers, videographers, composers, computer graphics and animation experts, writers, agents, actors and other film/video support personnel.

"Filmmaking can generate millions of dollars in a community if a major production company uses it as a location. We also want to promote smaller projects that showcase Michigan talent and contribute to local economies through film budgets spent in restaurants, hotels and for other services," said Deb Havens, Chair of the Board of Directors.

WMFVA seeks to enhance the current level of production work by being a support network for West Michigan entertainment professionals.

"Professionals stay in West Michigan rather than heading east or west because they like the combination of small town living and high- tech production facilities," Havens said.

In addition, the Alliance seeks to attract more production work by promoting West Michigan as a destination for production companies located outside the State of Michigan.