Published: December 02, 2009 07:25 am      

Ken Burns helps MSU kick off new film major

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State University gets help from documentary film maker Ken Burns as it marks the first semester of its new film studies major.

Burns lectures Wednesday at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. While on the East Lansing campus, he's meeting with students about documentary film making.

Michigan State says 43 students are enrolled in its film studies program, offered through its English department.

The university also offers a film studies minor in place of a film studies specialization.

Michigan has been drawing more moviemakers since last year, when it introduced tax incentives that are among the nation's most generous.

Program Director Jennifer Fay says there's been a big student demand for the program since the state's incentives began.

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On the Net:
Michigan State University film program: www.english.msu.edu/film
Michigan Film Office: www.michiganfilmoffice.org