This New Television Documentary is an Artistic Portrait of Michigan
What makes a place special? That’s the underlying theme behind a new television documentary about the state of Michigan.
A unique partnership between Duncan Entertainment Group, Crouse Entertainment Group, Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC), and WGVU Public Media–PBS Grand Rapids, is pleased to announce the premiere broadcast of “MICHIGAN: An American Portrait.” This one-hour film celebrates the history and legacy of Michigan from the period of early interactions between indigenous populations and early European settlers and traverses to the present day.
“This visual narration begins the most extensive public television production ever completed on the history, culture, and natural wonders of this very diverse state,” says Producer David Crouse of Petoskey-based Crouse Entertainment Group.
Crouse and Writer/Director Chip Duncan of Duncan Entertainment Group have worked together for more than thirty years. Their productions have aired in more than 140 countries to a viewership of tens of millions. In addition, Duncan-Crouse productions have won numerous Emmys and more than 100 prestigious national and international awards.
Reflecting on his roots in Michigan, Crouse says, “My family lineage in Michigan goes back to 1895 when my great-grandparents came to Bay View. Like many, they sought relief from the heat and hay fever of Midwest summers to escape to the moderate temperatures and fresh air of Northwest Michigan.”
Years in the making, this ode to Michigan includes not only the television documentary but also educational outreach for statewide schools, a traveling art exhibition, and community outreach.
“‘MICHIGAN: An American Portrait’ showcases footage from more than 80 locations around the state,” says Duncan. “The cinematic nature of Michigan lends itself to breathtaking views from atop the Mackinac Bridge, Copper Harbor’s autumnal expanse, scenic skylines, athletic practices, manufacturing, vineyards, and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in North America. Few states rival Michigan’s cultural diversity, natural beauty, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative approach to business.”
“MICHIGAN: An American Portrait” features a deep dive into historical archives and images, including paintings, still photos, and motion picture footage presenting stories of the Native American and immigrant experience, along with Great Lakes shipping, mining, timber, auto production, development of the Soo Locks; America’s Civil War; World War II, President Gerald Ford’s role in Michigan’s history, the Civil Rights Movement; Motown and construction of the historic Mackinac Bridge.
Accompanying the documentary footage is an emotionally evocative score from celebrated composer David Barrett and his Ann Arbor-based team.
American Public Television (APT) will market and distribute “MICHIGAN: An American Portrait” nationwide. APT is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. They distribute more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S., including prominent documentaries.
Thanks to an American Foundation grant, “MICHIGAN: An American Portrait” will be available to the 7,877 public, charter, and private schools in Michigan, free of charge, through online streaming, for grades 3–12. Grand Valley State University College of Education is creating classroom material to accompany the documentary.
With the guidance of producers Crouse and Duncan, CTAC is working on assembling an exhibition inspired by the production, which will illustrate the documentary’s themes and narrative threads through original works created by Michigan artists of past and present. The exhibit will be completed and ready for viewing in 2023 and will travel the state.
“The opportunity to partner with Crouse Entertainment Group and Duncan Entertainment Group, Inc. to produce the visually stunning film, ‘MICHIGAN: An American Portrait,’ has been both rewarding and exciting for Crooked Tree Arts Center,” said CTAC President Megan DeWindt. “Ultimately, this partnership will result in a multi-faceted visual art exhibit based on the film's themes in our Petoskey galleries during the fall of 2023.”
The national premiere of “MICHIGAN: An American Portrait” is set for Thursday, September 22, at Great Lakes Center for the Arts (GLCFA) in Bay Harbor, Michigan. Tickets may be purchased directly from greatlakescfa.org beginning August 22. The premiere event is underwritten by Petoskey Plastics, allowing proceeds to directly benefit youth programming for Great Lakes Center for the Arts’ Next Gen Program and Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Classroom Docent Tour Program. Additional screenings and premieres in Michigan are to be confirmed.
Underwriters for “MICHIGAN: An American Portrait” include DTE Energy Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Boyne Resorts, The Offield Family Foundation, Enbridge, David & Pamela Johnson & Victor Fund, and Americana Foundation.
Additional underwriting grants include Moran Iron Works, Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, Baiardi Foundation, Michigan Humanities Council, and Todd and Pam Wyett.
For additional information about “MICHIGAN: An American Portrait” and its coinciding events, please contact Producer David Crouse at david@crouseentertainment.com.
