Lyon Productions originally started as a division of a minor league professional
sports team, the Genesee County Patriots. Its original intent was primarily for
commercial productions and catered to both the Patriots unique marketing
plans as well as occasionally providing a commercial production outlet for local
Mid-Michigan community and business partners of the Patriots.
In 2008, Lyon Productions, still as a division of the Genesee County Patriots,
was sought out by the film All's Faire In Love. Interestingly enough, the name
of All's Faire In Love's production company was Patriot Productions. A roughly
10 million dollar budget film faced a last minute rewrite that included football
scenes. The Genesee County Patriots and Lyon Productions were recruited to
help with that scene's development including casting football players and
cheerleaders, providing wardrobe, props, and even choreographing the
football elements and training the talent. All's Faire In Love starred such
names as Christina Ricci, Mathew Lillard, Ann Margret, Marty Klebba, Owen
Benjamin, Cedric the Entertainer, Bill Engvall and more.
Following that production, film gradually became a full time career for Patriot
Director of Operations Brad Leo Lyon as he was hired by a number of other
productions for related work as well as being cast in a few minor roles.
During this time period, the Michigan Film Tax Incentive (a film tax rebate that
offers up to a 42% return on all production costs incurred in Michigan) lured in
a huge growth to Michigan's Film Industry. Taking advantage of this growth,
Lyon decided to separate Lyon Productions from the Patriots and create its
own stand alone production company. After several in depth on set film study
and shadowing opportunities the company expanded to be able to self finance
and produce its own features. Minor League: A Football Story became the first
full length film produced by Lyon Productions.
The early success of Lyon Productions as a stand alone entity led to further
expansion, including leaving the former Patriot office and expanding to a much
larger Production Headquarters and offering film classes to help train a
Michigan based pool of crew and acting talent.
Currently (as of October, 2009), Lyon Productions is attached to a 9 film
production slate including several films in partnership with Rock On films.
|
|
