Film to shoot in Holland: Movie first feature to film in state since passage of tax incentive
Fri, May 16, 2008 
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BY STEVE RALPH
Holland Sentinel Writer
HOLLAND — Film and television stars Sam Huntington and Haylie Duff are coming to Holland.
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The pair of performers is set to appear in "Tug," an independent film from writer-director Abram Makowka being produced by Holland studio and production company TicTock Studios, 479 Columbia Ave.
The movie will be one of the first features to film in Michigan since passage of an incentive package that gives filmmakers a 40-percent tax credit or refund of production costs.
The film will be shot entirely on location in West Michigan, mostly in Holland, said TicTock founder and CEO Hopwood DePree of Holland.
"We're just really excited to be bringing this film to Michigan. We're excited about the money and job opportunities that film production will bring to the state, West Michigan and to the Holland area," he said.
"There will be smaller parts for local talent. There will be room for local crew members. We will be using local businesses. This is a perfect example of new business being created by the recently passed film incentives."
"Tug" is set in small-town Michigan and centers on a character, played by Huntington, who is torn between his current girlfriend and his crazy ex-wife played by Duff.
Makowka said he was happy to arrive back in Holland from Los Angeles Thursday.
"It's nothing less than amazing. I had never been to Michigan before last August, but I came based on the company of TicTock. It's definitely being talked about in L.A., what Hopwood's trying to do and what he's accomplished. I wanted to be a part of it," he said.
The director said his enthusiasm for West Michigan is shared by his stars.
"Everyone's really excited — Sam and Haylie and the other leads, none of them have filmed here before. Michigan is on the tongue of everybody trying to make movies right now. Movie-making in Michigan is all the buzz in Los Angeles. I'm very proud and honored to be working with the guy who helped make it happen," he said of DePree.
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Huntington has appeared in such films as "Superman Returns," "Raising Genius" and "Looking Up Dresses," and on various TV shows, including episodes of "CSI: NY," "CSI: Miami," "Veronica Mars" and "Caveman."
Duff, the older sister of pop star Hillary Duff, has appeared in such films as "Napoleon Dynamite," "Material Girls" and "My Sexiest Year" and TV shows including "Boston Public," "7th Heaven," "Joan of Arcadia," "Lizzie McGuire" and "Chicago Hope."
Production on "Tug" is set to begin in June.
