Zach Braff Talks Filming 'Oz' In Metro Detroit During Reddit 'AMA'

Zach Braff Shares Feelings For Detroit

Actor Zach Braff had some kind words for Detroit during a Thursday AMA with fans on Reddit. But he also had criticism for Michigan's film industry in his "Ask Me Anything" discussion.

The actor, best known for his roles in "Garden State" and "Scrubs," got a chance to check out the Detroit area while filming "Oz," which was released Friday. Directed by Michigan native Sam Raimi, it functions as a prequel of sorts to "The Wizard of Oz" and stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz. In the film, Braff plays a flying monkey.

Here's what Braff had to say about Detroit during his AMA:

Loved Detroit. Felt really bad that the government ditched the tax credit. These investors built this incredible state of the art studios in Pontiac, I think we were the only ones to ever film there. Now there lying dormant, I believe as Michigan decides if they want to lure film production with a competitive tax incentive.

"Oz" received $40 million in tax credits from Michigan, according to The New York Times. The beleaguered Pontiac studio, founded after former governor Jennifer Granholm started the state's tax incentive program, defaulted on a bond payment last year and could be shut down entirely.

Granholm instated the program to bring movie money to Michigan, giving out $115 million in incentives in 2010. In 2011, however, Gov. Rick Snyder drastically scaled the program back by instating a $25 million cap for the next year. The cap was then raised to $50 million for 2013, but Snyder has said he intends for it to return to $25 million in 2014.

At least Braff liked Detroit. We hope he has reason to return to the city again soon, incentives or no. Check out the rest of Braff's thoughts about "Scrubs" coworkers, future directing plans and more on Reddit.

Before You Go

Premiere Of Walt Disney Pictures' "Oz The Great And Powerful" - Red Carpet

'Oz The Great And Powerful' Photos

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot