Royal Oak Native Using State Film Incentive for Sci-Fi Thriller

A father-and-son team are securing leases on houses around Oakland Township for a science fiction movie they plan to film using state film incentives.

Tom Zellen of Oxford and his father, Larry Zellen of Oakland Township, are producers of the sci-fi thriller being produced by Eeenie Ienie Over Productions.

“It’s nice to do something in my hometown that’s my baby,” Tom Zellen told The Oakland Press. “That’s my project.”

The film will showcase several Michigan locations and use technology that Larry Zellen first encountered while working for the automotive industry, Michigan Film Office director Margaret O’Riley said in a news release.

The film was awarded an incentive of $110,357 on $392,971 of projected in-state expenditures, and is expected to hire 49 Michigan workers with a full-time equivalent of four jobs. Without the incentives, the film wouldn’t be possible, Tom Zellen, a native of Royal Oak, said.

“A movie my size by a local guy would be virtually impossible to do without that help,” he said. “As a result, I would probably shoot it somewhere else.”

The film follows scientist Abe Anderson after he volunteers for a high profile mission aboard the ISRA-88 to reach the end of the universe. After leaving behind his family and his responsibilities to pursue fame and glory, Abe’s journey becomes seemingly endless, taking a toll on his belief in the mission itself. When the ship crashes through the end of the universe, Abe is forced to perpetually relive his 13 year mission. Carrying only a subconscious memory of his past travels, Abe must find a way to stop the cycle and return home.

The feature will be filmed in Oxford and Romeo. Some scenes will be shot in downtown Romeo, and others will be shot in a studio in Oakland County.

Casting will begin in July. About 10 actors will be hired, and the Zellens want to use all local talent in the acting, production, web design and commercials.

“We have the talent,” Tom Zellen said. “We have the facilities. We have the people here.”