October 31, 2011
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed Christopher Baum, Timothy Pietryga and Amy Weber to the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council.
The 14-member council advises the office, governor and Legislature on how to best facilitate successful film, digital media, television, and related production in Michigan.
"Each individual has strong backgrounds in their respective fields and will be instrumental in helping make sure we use our resources most efficiently to ensure a thriving industry in Michigan," Snyder said.
Baum, of Rochester Hills, is senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. He previously served as director of travel advertising for The New Yorker Magazine and as vice president of new business development for National Amusements, Inc. Baum earned a bachelor's degree in hotel administration from Cornell University in New York. Baum will represent local film offices. He will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2012, and replaces Xenia Castillo-Hunter.
Pietryga, of Grand Rapids, is senior public information director for Consumer's Energy, where he is responsible for all public relations and media activities for the utility's 1.8 million electric consumers in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. He previously served as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University and worked for several media and broadcasting companies. Pietryga earned an associate's degree in media/communication from The College of DuPage in Illinois and a bachelor's degree in communications from Southern Illinois University. He will represent the general public. Pietryga will serve a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2015, and replaces William O'Reilly.
Weber, of Birmingham, is president of Radish Creative Group, an award-winning film and video production company. Her feature film, Annabelle & Bear, an all Michigan-made production, has won numerous awards and recognition. She previously served as a producer for BBDO Worldwide, producer for DDB Needham Worldwide and news photo journalist for WKBD UPN50. She earned both a bachelor's degree in telecommunications and film, and a master's degree in communications arts from Eastern Michigan University. Weber will represent broad areas of film and motion picture making, production of television programs and commercials and related industries in Michigan. She will serve a four-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2015, and replaces James Burnstein.
Appointees are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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