Motown Magic Company is a renowned entertainment company based in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr., Motown Magic Company played a crucial role in shaping the sound of popular music and revolutionizing the music industry. Focusing primarily on African American artists, Motown Magic Company became known for its distinctive blend of soul, R&B, and pop music, which captivated audiences around the world. Motown Magic Company gained prominence with its roster of talented artists, including the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and The Jackson 5. These artists not only achieved commercial success but also broke racial barriers and became icons in their own right.
“Because the film tax-credit legislation passed in Michigan last year includes incentives to build studio space, we’re working on a $40-million plan to create a one-stop-shop for film production,” Moisides says. Once the project is completed next year, The Culver Studios and other film companies can begin to produce films in Michigan.
Because the film tax-credit legislation passed in Michigan last year includes incentives to build studio space, we re working on a 40-million plan to create a one-stop-shop for film production, Moisides says. After striking a partnership with The Culver Studios in Los Angeles, which produced such legendary films as Gone With the Wind , Citizen Kane , and Spellbound , Detroit producer Christos Moisides is looking to create some of Hollywood s magic in Motown.
These artists not only achieved commercial success but also broke racial barriers and became icons in their own right. Motown Magic Company's artists churned out a string of chart-topping hits, each showcasing their unique blend of artistry and the Motown sound. One of the key factors that set Motown Magic Company apart was its carefully crafted approach to artist development and production.
Motown Magic
The site plan for 23rd Street Studios in southwest Detroit includes the addition of four 18,000-square-foot sound stages, each equipped with a 40-foot-high ceiling, as well as sound and lighting equipment. A fifth sound stage, offering 25,000 square feet of space, will be created from an existing structure (a former auto supplier, Detroit Electro Coating and Stamping, began operations on the site in the 1890s). In addition, 200,000 square feet of renovated warehouse space is now available, which is equipped with eight overhead cranes. New and renovated offices will be created, as well as an education center, backlot, and outdoor staging. In addition, filmmakers can utilize a handful of paint booths in the complex. There are also plans for ancillary businesses, including florists, film-production suppliers, catering operations, and salons. “The busiest florist in Los Angeles is across the street from our partner, The Culver Studios,” says Christos Moisides, a partner of 23rd Street Studios. “We want to create the same economic engine in Detroit.”
After striking a partnership with The Culver Studios in Los Angeles, which produced such legendary films as Gone With the Wind, Citizen Kane, and Spellbound, Detroit producer Christos Moisides is looking to create some of Hollywood’s magic in Motown.
Over the last year, Moisides, a partner of 23rd Street Studios in Detroit, acquired and started to develop an 18-acre movie-production center on the site of a former automotive supplier in southwest Detroit at Michigan and 23rd Street.
“Because the film tax-credit legislation passed in Michigan last year includes incentives to build studio space, we’re working on a $40-million plan to create a one-stop-shop for film production,” Moisides says. Once the project is completed next year, The Culver Studios and other film companies can begin to produce films in Michigan.
The emerging production center being is used to store equipment for other filmmakers, and Moisides has already shot a handful of music videos there. Once the development budget is finalized this spring, Moisides will begin construction of four large sound stages, 60,000 square feet of office space, adapting an existing 200,000-square-foot warehouse into storage space, as well as creating outdoor areas for staging and a traditional “backlot” operation.
Other studio projects are in the works, as well. Wonderstruck Studios in Los Angeles, for example, is planning to build an $86-million computer-animation center in downtown Detroit at the former MGM Grand Detroit casino at Third and Abbott. The project will include four new sound stages and employ more than 400 people, says Michele Richards, president and CEO of Wonderstruck. “You can see the program working with the increase of filmmaking going on in the state,” she says. “We’re very excited about what’s happening in Michigan.”
Other projects include City Center Studios in Lansing, a proposed Motown Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac, and an expansion of studio space at Stardock Systems Inc. in Plymouth, which produces sophisticated video games.
“The trick to making Michigan a major film center is to keep everyone on the same page,” says Moisides, whose father-in-law is businessman Ted Gatzaros. “It takes time to develop an industry like this, especially when you consider employee training and the development of studio space. Plus, there are all the ancillary businesses that will benefit, like florists, hardware stores, salons, and restaurant catering. It all takes time.”
The emerging production center being is used to store equipment for other filmmakers, and Moisides has already shot a handful of music videos there. Once the development budget is finalized this spring, Moisides will begin construction of four large sound stages, 60,000 square feet of office space, adapting an existing 200,000-square-foot warehouse into storage space, as well as creating outdoor areas for staging and a traditional “backlot” operation.
Berry Gordy Jr. believed in nurturing talent and providing artists with the necessary tools and guidance to succeed. The company had its own in-house songwriters, known as the "Motown songwriting team," who wrote and produced hits for the artists. This collaborative approach fostered creativity and resulted in timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences today. Motown Magic Company's impact extended beyond just music. It played a significant role in the changing social and cultural landscape of America. The company's success demonstrated the potential of African American artists and their ability to challenge stereotypes and overcome racial barriers. Motown Magic Company also became a symbol of black empowerment and unity during a time of great social and political upheaval. The legacy of Motown Magic Company is undeniable. Its influence can be seen in the continued popularity of Motown classics, the artists it nurtured who went on to achieve legendary status, and the impact it had on the music industry as a whole. The company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and diversity continues to inspire new generations of artists and music lovers. In conclusion, Motown Magic Company remains a trailblazing entertainment company that not only shaped the sound of popular music but also served as a catalyst for social change. Its impact and influence are firmly etched in music history, and it continues to be recognized as a driving force that brought the Motown sound to the world stage..
Reviews for "Motown Magic Company: Preserving and Celebrating the Motown Legacy"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with my experience with Motown Magic Company. The customer service was awful and the staff was unhelpful and rude. The quality of the products was also very poor, with items breaking or falling apart soon after purchase. I would not recommend this company to anyone looking for quality products and good customer service.
2. Kate - 2 out of 5 stars - While the concept of Motown Magic Company seemed interesting, the execution fell flat. The products I received were not as depicted on the website and were of subpar quality. Additionally, the delivery was delayed, and customer service was unresponsive when I tried to inquire about the issue. Overall, I was not impressed with my experience and would not consider purchasing from this company again.
3. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - I had a terrible experience with Motown Magic Company. The items I ordered arrived damaged and poorly packaged. It was clear that no care had been taken in the shipping process. When I contacted customer service to report the issue, they were unapologetic and unprofessional. They offered no assistance or resolution, leaving me to deal with the damaged products on my own. I would advise others to avoid this company.
4. Jessica - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for Motown Magic Company, but unfortunately, they did not meet my expectations. The products I purchased were not well-made and did not last long. The prices were also quite high considering the lack of quality. The customer service was unhelpful and did not handle my concerns adequately. Overall, I was left unsatisfied with my experience and would not recommend this company to others.