Find Filming locations for rent in Kalamazoo, MI

About Kalamazoo

The southwestern Michigan city of Kalamazoo is best known for its paper industry, and the reason why the city was formerly referred to as "Paper City." However, the city's manufacturing portfolio has since diversified to include metal, plastic, medical, and pharmaceutical products.

Kalamazoo is strategically equidistant to the cities of Detroit and Chicago, each located less than 150 miles away. The Gibson Guitar Corporation had its roots in Kalamazoo, and it's responsible for shaping the local music scene and giving rise to artists like The Verve Pipe. There are plenty of watershed areas around Kalamazoo, and the Kleinstuck Marsh, in particular, is popular with birdwatchers and hikers.

The city offers stunning sceneries and historically rich locations that enhance the production quality of any videography project. Consider renting a filming venue in Kalamazoo for your upcoming production.

Filming Options in Kalamazoo

Regardless of whether you are planning a huge production or a budget filming session; you'll need to outsource certain tasks. From filming equipment, editing suites, down to feeding your crew; the businesses in Kalamazoo can assist.

• Film Equipment Rentals
  The upfront cost of renting filming equipment is much less and it takes the risk out of the production process. Even a big-budget production still finds it economical to rent certain equipment, and there are tons of film equipment companies in Kalamazoo that have precisely what you need.
  
  
• Stunning Venues
  Kalamazoo has selections of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces that can uplift your production quality. Whether you need a film studio in Kalamazoo or a natural, scenic backdrop, the city has plenty of suitable locations that match your specific needs.
  
  
• Catering
  Your filming team will need to refuel at strategic points. Whether you just need snacks or meals for the entire day; a catering company in Kalamazoo can serve personalized and delectable spreads.
  
  
• Transportation
  Most filming projects involve getting both the crew and talent to a specific location on time. It’s even more crucial to stick to schedules because delays literally equate to spending more money when working on video production. The car rental companies in Kalamazoo can assist with both self-driven and chauffeured services.
  
  
• Editor
  Once you have recorded your project, the real magic happens during the editing phase. Perhaps you don't have the necessary skills to cohesively put together the recorded footage or need some technical aspects handled by a professional. You can outsource the work to a skilled editor.

Filming Companies in Kalamazoo

When filming in Kalamazoo, you'll need help from professionals on several aspects. From identifying the best filming locations in Kalamazoo to putting together a filming crew; you'll have a better experience getting help from film professionals.

• Norman Camera & Video
  Since 1957, Norman Camera & Video has been the go-to company for new and used film and photography equipment. Their inventory includes DSLR cameras, bags, binoculars and scopes, hard cases, lenses, and lighting equipment.
  
  
• Absolute Video
  Contact Absolute video for video production, messaging, live streaming, and social media services. Their videography services include design, filming, and editing. Even better, they can convert your old videos into digital formats.
  
  
• Pistachios Catering & Events
  This full-service catering company specializes in serving delectable meals during large events. Pistachios Catering & Events offer chef-executed menus prepared using the freshest ingredients and they also strive to present the tasteful spreads in visually appealing designs.

Pros and Cons of Filming in Kalamazoo

The harmoniously diverse community and vibrant downtown scene are part of the city's allure. However, the city still has advantages and disadvantages that are worth knowing ahead of time when planning a filming project in Kalamazoo.

Advantages

• The downtown area
  Your downtime, in between filming, is best spent exploring Kalamazoo's downtown area. It's the city's entertainment hub with lots of shopping establishments and leisure opportunities.
  
  
• Diversity
  Kalamazoo is an ethnically diverse city and everyone generally feels like an equitable fellow. Combined with the welcoming atmosphere, your filming crew will generally have a pleasant experience interacting with the locals.
  
  
• Low cost of living
  As per Payscale, living in Kalamazoo is significantly more affordable compared to the national average. There are ample housing options and equally vast selections of affordable filming locations around the city.
  
  
• Accessibility
  Kalamazoo rests midway between Detroit and Chicago. It serves as a convenient transportation hub and your filming crew will have an easy time moving around. The selection of transit options including the Amtrak train, Indian Trails Interstate station, and Greyhound.
  
  
• The culture
  The city, and Kalamazoo County in general, has a rich cultural scene that can potentially influence elements in your film production. Live music venues, art galleries, sports arenas, and museums are found in the area.

Disadvantages

• The weather
  Kalamazoo experiences less than four months of warm weather throughout the year. The weather constantly changes and it might set your filming schedule back.
  
  
• Slow-paced city
  Kalamazoo is a small town with a slow-paced lifestyle. It can get frustrating getting things done on time particularly when working with a strict filming schedule.
  
  
• Downtown congestion
  Being one of the most popular areas in the city, the downtown area tends to also attract large crowds. You'll need crowd control measurements and security when filming in this area.
  
  
• Crime
  Kalamazoo registers a higher than average crime rate compared to other urban areas. Much like elsewhere, you want to be cautious when filming in the sketchy parts of town.
  
  
• Homelessness
  The sad fact about Kalamazoo is that the homeless community keeps growing and the majority occupy the downtown area. It's important to be mindful when filming around the downtown area in order to respect everyone’s right to privacy.

Famous Locations in Kalamazoo

• Kalamazoo Nature Center
  The Kalamazoo Nature Center features a barnyard, a restored pioneer homestead, and varieties of live-animal exhibits. The nature center is conveniently located in proximity to the downtown area.
  
  
• Air Zoo
  The Air Zoo is a must-visit attraction for every plane enthusiast. The unique museum features flight simulators, flight-themed rides, and aviation movies. The zoo also recounts stories about brave pilots who flew some of the planes on display.
  
  
• Kalamazoo Mall
  The Kalamazoo Mall is one of the city's highlights. An outdoor pedestrian shopping center, the mall dates back to 1959. The city closed down part of Burdick Street to auto traffic, but two of the four blocks that the mall occupies have since reopened to vehicle access.