FAQs

The Detroit Film Office (DFO) issues a no-fee general permit for all work being completed in the city of Detroit.  To obtain a DFO Permit, the film company must complete a Location Use Form and submit it to the Film Office one month prior to filming. The DFO also requires an insurance certificate showing the proper amount of insurance coverage. The DFO recognizes that each project is unique and that other permits and fees may be required.  Generally, the following are required permits for filming in Detroit.


Municipal Permit Requirements

The following permits are required to begin filming:

1. Detroit Film Office Permit: Required for any film work within municipal boundaries.
2. Detroit Fire Marshall Permit: Required for building safety and when any combustible is used (15–day process & review)
3. Detroit City Engineering Permit: Required for any use of municipal right-of-way.

Municipal Fees (vary by project need):

1. Street closures require both City and State permit if applicable.
2. Police Department Services: Hourly rate applies for required support.
3. Fire Department Services: Hourly rate applies for required support.
4. Typical Department Fees: Vehicle Rental, Building/Facility Access, Traffic Planning, and Refuse/Waste Service.

HOW DO I GET A LOCATION USE FORM?

The best method is use the form available on the DFO Web site. You can also call the Detroit Film Office at (313) 628-0921 and request a Location Use Form.

 

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE DO I STAY WHILE WORKING IN DETROIT?

Please visit the following Web sites for the latest information about places to stay, places to eat and things to do in the metro Detroit area.

Metro Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau:  www.visitdetroit.com

Automobile Club (AAA):  www.autoclubgroup.com/michigan

Hour Magazine:  www.hourdetroit.com

Metro Times:  www.metrotimes.com

 

HOW DO WE GET PERMISSION TO FILM AT BELLE ISLE PARK, DETROIT MUNICIPAL PARKING STRUCTURES OR OTHER PUBLIC PROPERTIES?

Once a Location Use Form is submitted, the DFO will help coordinate your project request with the required City departments. We will put you in contact with the appropriate City department contacts and work with you to obtain access to your requested locations. Please note that there may be a rental fee requirement for use of a City of Detroit facility.


 
HOW CAN I RECEIVE A FILM RESOURCES DIRECTORY AND/OR MICHIGAN PRODUCTION GUIDE?

Contact the Michigan Film Office at (800) 477-3456 or  http://www.film.michigan.org.

 

HOW DO YOU CONTACT US?

The Detroit Film Office is located in the Cadillac Tower, 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 3200, Detroit, Michigan 48226. The phone number is (313) 628-0921, and the fax number is (313) 628-0925. You can also e-mail us at  Fieldsa@detroitmi.gov.