City Guide Filming in Lansing, MI
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: N/A
- Film Permit Application Fee: N/A
Minimum Insurance
- Insurance Requirements: N/A
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Lansing
Lansing is a prime location for shooting films. It has a rich history and diverse culture that can provide a unique backdrop for a film. The city has a strong sense of community and a variety of neighborhoods with distinct characters, including Old Town, REO Town, and the Michigan State University campus. These neighborhoods offer a range of architecture and landscapes that can add depth and texture to a film.
Additionally, Lansing has a thriving arts scene with a number of galleries, theaters, and performance spaces. This means that there is a pool of talented actors, musicians, and artists who can bring their skills and expertise to your film. The city also has several film festivals and events, such as the Capital City Film Festival and the Lansing Film Festival, which can provide opportunities for networking and promoting the film.
Like Detroit, the city has a number of film-friendly locations and facilities that can support film production. The Michigan Film & Digital Media Office, for example, offers resources and support to filmmakers, including location scouting, crew and equipment rentals, and tax incentives. The city also has a number of production companies and post-production facilities that can help bring the film to life.
The Burning Bed, Planet of the Humans, Exile, Debt, Captain Mike Across America, New Money, and Resident Evil: Red Falls are a few films shot in Lansing. Lansing is an ideal location for shooting a film because of its rich history, diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and film-friendly resources and facilities. But before you can shoot a film in the city, you will need to obtain the necessary filming permits and permission. It is important also to follow the filming restrictions in Lansing to avoid any issues with the authorities.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Lansing?
In Lansing, you may need a permit to film a movie, television show, commercial, music video, or other types of video production. The specific requirements for obtaining a filming permit depend on the location where you plan to shoot, the scope of your project, and the potential impact on the community.
To determine whether you need a permit to film in Lansing, you should contact Michigan Film and Digital Media Office. The agency can provide information about the permitting process, fees, and any other requirements for filming in the city. In addition to obtaining a filming permit, you may also need to obtain permission from property owners and obtain any necessary insurance coverage.
Street closure permit
This permit is required to close a street or portion of a street for filming. It is usually obtained from the local government agency responsible for managing the street.
Special effects permit
This permit is required for filming that involves the use of pyrotechnics, explosives, or other special effects. It is typically obtained from the local fire department or other agency responsible for regulating the use of special effects.
Animal handling permit
This permit is required for filming that involves the use of animals. It is typically obtained from the local humane society or other agencies responsible for animal welfare.
Drone permit
This permit is required for filming with drones, which are also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is typically obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the equivalent agency in other countries.
Permit Management in Lansing
Michigan Film and Digital Media Office
The Michigan Film and Digital Media Office are responsible for issuing filming permits in Lansing. The agency work to make Michigan a popular location for film and digital media production. They offer various resources and services, including information on filming, production, and permitting, to help make the process of creating media in Michigan smooth and successful.
To obtain a filming permit in Lansing, you will need to submit an application to the Lansing Film Office. The application process typically involves providing information about your project, including the dates and locations where you will be filming, as well as any special equipment or resources you will need. You may also need to provide proof of insurance and other documentation, depending on the specifics of your project.
Once you have submitted your application, the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office will review it and determine whether to grant you a permit. If your permit is approved, you will be required to pay a fee, which will vary depending on the size and scope of your project.
What Insurance Do I Need in Lansing?
If you are planning on filming a movie, TV show, commercial, or other types of film production in Lansing, you will need to obtain appropriate insurance coverage to protect yourself and your production company from potential risks and liabilities. Some of the types of insurance that you may need to consider for your film production in Lansing include the following:
General liability insurance: This type of insurance covers claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury that may arise during the course of your production.
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Lansing?
Lansing offers a wide range of filming locations for productions of all kinds. From historic buildings and modern office spaces to outdoor locations, Lansing has something to offer for any type of film or television project.
One popular location for filming in Lansing is the Michigan State Capitol Building. This grand neoclassical building, completed in 1878, is a popular filming location for its impressive architecture and grand public spaces. The building's rotunda and grand staircases are particularly well-suited for dramatic scenes, and the interior spaces, including the chambers of the state legislature, offer a variety of locations for filming.
Another popular filming location in Lansing is Old Town, a historic neighborhood located just north of downtown. This area is home to a variety of 19th and early 20th-century buildings, including Victorian houses, brick storefronts, and industrial warehouses. Old Town is a popular location for period pieces and indie films, and the variety of buildings in the area allows for a wide range of settings.
Michigan State University, located in Lansing, is also an excellent location for filming. The campus offers a wide range of locations, including modern academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic facilities. The campus's diverse architecture and wide-open spaces make it a great location for a variety of film and television productions.
The Lansing City Market is a popular location for food-related productions. Located in the heart of downtown, the market is a busy public market with a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other products. The market's vibrant atmosphere and diverse mix of vendors make it a perfect location for productions that want to capture the energy and excitement of a busy public market.
Special Requirements in Lansing
Michigan State University
MSU's University Communications department is in charge of facilitating production companies that want to film on campus.
After your project has been preapproved, University Communications will designate a liaison to work with you on all elements of your project. Your liaison is your primary point of contact at MSU and will help you gain access to facilities, connect with university offices and officials, obtain necessary approvals, and accompany you during your stay.
You must send a complete copy of your project's script (film) or storyboard(s) (commercial) to University Communications 30 days before the proposed filming date. Highlight sections of the screenplay that relate to the scenes to be filmed on the MSU campus.
For the day(s) you will be on the MSU campus for preproduction, production, and cleanup, you must provide general liability insurance with at least $1,000,000 per occurrence limit naming Michigan State University, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and university employees and agents as additional insured parties.
Michigan State Capitol Building
Requests for the Capitol's public spaces, which are under the jurisdiction of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, must be directed to the Capitol Facilities Director, Michigan State Capitol.
Film production companies must plan an event with the Capitol Facilities Office before filming in the Capitol. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, the Michigan State Capitol Commission may require approval, and a Capitol Facilities staff member may be assigned to accompany the photographer or film crew at all times.
A damage deposit and an insurance rider may be asked from individuals or groups for the use of the rotunda and principal hallways in order to cover the repair or restoration of any damage to the Capitol resulting from an event or exhibit. The damage deposit will be reimbursed if the Capitol Facilities Director certifies that no damage has occurred.
Ingham County Parks
o film in Ingham County Parks, a Special Event Application and Certificate of Insurance are necessary.
Fees must be paid at least 60 days before the event. These charges are not refundable.
The usual rental cost applies to activities held inside the bounds of a picnic shelter and is due two weeks from the reservation date. If the event makes a shelter unavailable for general public use, the standard rental price will apply and be due two weeks from the reservation date, regardless of whether your film production uses the shelter.
What Does it Cost to Film in Lansing?
The cost of obtaining a filming permit in Lansing will depend on a number of factors, including the type and scope of the project, the location(s) where filming will take place, and the length of time that the filming will take. To obtain a filming permit in Lansing, you will need to contact the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office and provide information about your project, including a detailed description of the filming activities, the dates and times when filming will take place, and any special requests or requirements that you may have. The Film Office will review your request and provide you with a quote for the cost of the permit, which will include any applicable fees. It is important to note that the cost of a filming permit in Lansing may vary depending on the specific requirements of your project and the resources that will be needed to support it. It is recommended that you contact the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office as early as possible to discuss your project and to get an estimate of the cost of the permit.
Additional Fees
There may be fees associated with the use of any city facilities or services, such as police or traffic control, that are required for the filming. It typically takes time to get a film permit or to allow the permitting committee to review your application. Starting early and collaborating with a knowledgeable coordinator can make the process a breeze.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Lansing?
ansing is the capital city of the U.S. state of Michigan, located in the central part of the Lower Peninsula. It is situated along the Grand River, which flows through the city and into Lake Michigan. The city has a total area of approximately 36 square miles, with an elevation ranging from 761 to 815 feet above sea level.
Lansing is located in Ingham County, which is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Clinton County borders the county to the north, Gratiot County to the east, Eaton County to the south, and Jackson County to the west. Ingham County is home to several other cities and townships, including East Lansing, Mason, and Williamston.
Lansing is part of the Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area. The metropolitan area is home to more than 464,000 people and covers a total area of approximately 2,380 square miles. It is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Michigan and includes the counties of Ingham, Clinton, Shiawassee, and Eaton.
In addition to its geographical jurisdiction within the state of Michigan, Lansing is also part of the Great Lakes region of the United States. The Great Lakes region includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and is known for its abundant natural resources, including the Great Lakes themselves, which are the biggest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area. The Great Lakes region is home to a diverse array of industries and is an important economic hub for the United States.
Outreach in Lansing
If you are planning a film project in Lansing, it is important to engage in filming outreach in order to establish relationships and build support within the community. This can involve reaching out to local businesses, community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders to inform them about your project and to address any concerns or issues they may have.
One way to begin your filming outreach in Lansing is to contact the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office. The Film Office can provide you with information about the permitting process and any requirements or guidelines that must be followed in order to film in the city. They can also connect you with local resources and organizations that may be able to assist with your project.
In addition to working with the Film Office, you may also want to consider reaching out to other organizations in the community, such as the Lansing Chamber of Commerce or the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). These organizations can provide valuable information about the local business climate and may be able to help you connect with local businesses or resources that could be useful for your project.
Community Management in Lansing
Managing a community during film production can be a challenging but rewarding task. It involves coordinating and communicating with a diverse group of people, including cast and crew members, local residents, and business owners. Here are some tips for effectively managing a community during film production:
Develop a clear communication plan: It is important to establish channels of communication and establish clear guidelines for how and when the information will be shared with the community. This can include setting up regular meetings or updates, creating a dedicated website or social media page for the production, and providing contact information for key members of the production team.
Engage with the community: It is vital to listen to and address the concerns and needs of the community. This can involve holding town hall meetings, gathering feedback through surveys or focus groups, and working with local organizations or leaders to address any issues that may arise.
Establish a community liaison: It can be helpful to appoint a dedicated community liaison who is responsible for managing relationships with the community and serving as a point of contact for any questions or concerns. This person should be knowledgeable about film production and able to communicate effectively with the community.
Foster a positive working environment: It is important to create a positive and respectful working environment for all members of the community, including cast and crew members and local residents. This can involve providing amenities and services, such as catering or transportation, and ensuring that all parties are treated with respect and professionalism.
Plan for any potential disruptions: Film production can sometimes cause disruptions to the community, such as increased traffic or noise. It is important to plan ahead and minimize any negative impacts as much as possible. This can involve coordinating with local authorities, establishing detours or traffic control measures, and providing advance notice to the community about any potential disruptions.
Conclusion
Shooting a film in Lansing can be a rewarding and exciting experience. However, it is important to obtain all necessary permits and follow local regulations to ensure a smooth and successful production. This may involve coordinating with local authorities, obtaining permission from property owners, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits.
Working with the community is also essential for a successful film shoot in Lansing. This can involve engaging with local residents and business owners, addressing any concerns or needs, and establishing clear channels of communication. By fostering a positive and respectful working environment and minimizing any disruptions, you can help ensure a successful and enjoyable film shoot for all parties involved.
Obtaining the necessary permits and following local regulations may require some effort, but it is a crucial step in the film production process. By taking the time to plan and coordinate properly, you can help ensure a smooth and successful shoot in Lansing.
Shooting a film in Lansing can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city and its unique qualities on the big screen. By working closely with the community and obtaining the necessary permits from the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office, you can help make this experience a positive and rewarding one for everyone involved.
As a final note, it is always important to respect the laws and regulations in place in any location where you are filming. By following the rules and being considerate of the community, you can help ensure a smooth and successful film shoot in Lansing.