City Guide Filming in Pleasant, MI
Production Permit Fees
- Permit Fee: $250
- Reduced Permit Fee for Students: $50
Minimum Insurance
- Decided on a case-by-case basis
Additional Permits
- Police & Firefighter Monitoring: Organized by the Special Events Office
Discounts
About Pleasant
Let not the name, Mount Pleasant, mislead you about the topography of the region – the nearby area is far from being hilly, it is a flat land mostly. The city sits in Isabella County in Central Michigan and is an hour north of Lansing, the capital, and two and a half hours northwest of Detroit. Mount Pleasant also hosts the main campuses of both Mid-Michigan Community College and Central Michigan University, both reputed institutes, and this also makes the city an ideal college town for most. Moreover, part of Mount Pleasant sits in the Isabella Indian Reservation for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation, which also owns and operates the nearby Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
Despite its seemingly calm and serene atmosphere, the city has seen the Hollywood excitement time and again, as with the rest of the state. Though not the most popular filming destination in the state, the city still does have a lot to offer in terms of venue diversity, atmosphere, scenic beauty, favorable atmosphere, and more. Michigan has long been featured in major Hollywood films and tv shows like The Evil Dead, Transformers, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Barbarian, Riverdale, RoboCop, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Deadpool, Spider-Man 3, Scream 4, Home Improvement, Risky Business, and The Fugitive, and Mount Pleasant appears to be a rising star in the industry.
Your project can be the next iconic cinematic masterpiece associated with the city, and the easy-to-follow filming guidelines in Mount Pleasant can help you put your best work forward. You’ve got the whole package here – amazing venues, lenient filming laws, highly cooperative local officials, and more. But before you head that way, let’s take a look at the basic filming laws you need to know about to avoid spending time going over this stuff later on. And you can count on Giggster to help you pick the best private filming venues in Mount Pleasant and nearby areas!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Pleasant?
Short answer – yes. All commercial filmmakers looking to film on city property need to get general filming permits first. A permit is also required if they need assistance from the local departments. The filming guidelines in Mount Pleasant are rather easy to follow, and you don’t have to deal with lots of hard and fast rules regarding your permit issuance besides the general regulations and insurance requirements. The general filming permit covers most of the production activities, including filming in public, but for additional elements,
Pyrotechnics Permit
to incorporate fireworks, explosions, gunfire, and similar fire-based special effects into your film production efforts, you first need a special permit from the local fire department. You’ll also need to have fire safety officers on board for the safe operation of the special effects.
Animal Control Permit
to feature animals like horses and dogs in your film production, you’ll need to liaise with the local animal control department to ensure that the animals are safely restrained and monitored to avoid any personal or property damage.
Aircraft Usage Permit
to use aircraft or helicopters in your film production efforts, you’ll need to submit additional insurance coverage evidence to the local aviation authority, get a special permit, and conduct a local survey (if you plan to fly the aircraft over a residential area).
Drone Filming Permit
to film with a camera drone or UAS, you’ll need to get a special permit, submit proof of additional liability coverage, ensure that your drone will not violate anyone’s privacy, and follow the FAA guidelines regarding the use of such devices.
Student/Non-Commercial Filming Permit
non-profit filmmakers and students working on a film project can get their general filming permit for comparatively lower prices.
Permit Management in Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Special Events Office
The Mount Pleasant Special Events Office issues filming permits in Mount Pleasant to both commercial and non-commercial productions. You’ll have to reach out to the Special Events Office for your permit, assistance with production efforts, liaising with local police and fire departments, and more. You can get all the information you need for acquiring a permit and regarding the rest of the production process. You'll have to complete the special events permit application manually, attach all the required documentation, and then submit it to the special events team (call 989-779-5145 for an appointment first).
When you submit your special events permit application, and it is accepted, don’t assume that you’ll be given your permit just like that. You need to put in accurate information for final approval, and a submitted (and accepted) application can be turned down if the information provided turns out to be untrue or if any further requirements for the film permit are not met, i.e., if you failed to notify the affected residents. Also, when you submit your application, you’ll be assigned a staff member from the Special Events Office for your application. You’ll manage your application and the rest of the process through that staff member, including liaising with local departments.
What Insurance Do I Need in Pleasant?
he production insurance requirements in Mount Pleasant are the only hard requirements for getting your film permit. Insurance is an important element for all film productions because they offer a much-needed safeguard against accidents and whatnot. Even if your script does not involve activities that can be construed as risky, the threat does not subside all that easily – things can go bad without warning. Thus insurance is needed for all production efforts, not just if you’ve got dangerous stunts or risky elements involved. This way, all affected parties will be able to demand compensation for their losses, and your insurance coverage will cover it all. Do keep in mind that there are no fixed insurance requirements as it is all variable.
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 Pleasant?
You’re probably seeking a break from our discussion about the filming laws in Mount Pleasant, and we can understand why — you probably want to explore some of the many options you have for filming venues in the city and nearby. Well, you’re in luck because the options are limitless not only in the city but throughout Michigan. You’ve got places like the Unique Film Studio and Sound Stage, which leave no room to wonder about the features offered. Then there’s the Contemporary Natural Light Photo Studio and Event Space, which offers picture-perfect contrast with its theme and setting and a bold, prominent look that stands out when lit by the sun. If you're looking for something history-themed and ready to film, then the Mid-Century Modern Creative Photography Studio might be perfect for you.
Although a little far away, the RGB Bike Studio in Chicago, in contrast, offers a highly modern look. Speaking of modernity, the Studio with White Cyclorama Wall is a perfect option for you if you’re looking for a spacious and well-lit filming studio with a themed setup and lots of flexibility in terms of what you want it to look like, and of course, a cyclorama wall. And if you’re all for lights, then the Jungle Neon Studio won’t fail to impress you. But it is understandable if your film shoot is not all about lights and colors, but instead, you wish to capture a sense of gradual decline in the surroundings, as seen in the Urban Decay Atrium, which, as the name suggests, has “decayed” surroundings, or at least they look that way.
The Rain Room is another premium filming venue in the area and is exactly as it sounds. Then you have the Spacious Loft/Studio, which offers an expansive interior and perfect lighting. If you’re planning to introduce an industrial theme into your film, then the Modern Industrial Film Studio will fit right in, and for a floral theme, the Studio with Flower Wall will be perfect. And here, we’ve merely scratched the surface. You can always rely on Giggster to help you find the most exclusive and premium filming locations wherever you go. Whatever your needs may be, we’ll find the perfect solution for you!
Special Requirements in Pleasant
Filming At Mid-Michigan Community College
The protocol for getting permission to film at the Mid-Michigan Community College is pretty much the same as that described earlier. You need to reach out to the college management, discuss the schedule and the filming activities, arrange for the required general liability coverage, and start filming after approval from the college and the city’s special events team.
Filming At Central Michigan University
To get started with filming on the premises of Central Michigan University, you’ll have to seek approval from the university board, provide insurance coverage for general liability, worker’s compensation, and automobile liability (if applicable), and get a permit from the city.
Filming In Soaring Eagle Casino
The Soaring Eagle Casino does not usually host film crews, but it has been featured in Bellator Fighting Championships (Episode: Bellator Fighting Championships 82 – 2012) and Bellator MMA Live (Episode: Bellator MMA 87 – 2013), meaning that filming is allowed there. The casino is owned and operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation, a federally recognized native tribe. All requirements for approval of your filming request will be decided by the casino’s management. You will be required to carry general liability insurance coverage and to comply with all casino rules throughout.
Filming In Deerfield Nature Park
Deerfield Nature Park is a prominent local attraction and a nature preserve with exquisite hiking trails and breathtaking natural scenery. The park is available year-round for reservations but mostly for camping; however, you can request a reservation for film production as well. You can reach out to the park at (989) 772-2879 or email at parks@isabellacounty.org. The park is open from 8:00 am till dusk; if you plan to film beyond this time limit, you’ll have to discuss that as well with the park management. Plus, all park fees and rules will still apply, and you may also have to hire someone as a guide or production monitor to ensure on-site safety for all.
What Does it Cost to Film in Pleasant?
As per the filming regulations in Mount Pleasant, you'll have to pay certain fees and dues to be able to film in public or for the assistance of local departments. These fees are other than site rentals and filming expenses. Firstly, you’ll have to pay the permit issuance fees as per your category (commercial, non-commercial, or student filmmaker) to the special events team, and after that, you’ll also be obliged to pay certain additional fees depending on your production needs.
Additional Fees
Apart from this, the special events team will issue you another invoice with an estimated additional cost for all the city services required in your case. There are no fixed hourly rates for the services rendered or for the security deposits (if applicable). Instead, you’ll get the estimates for your case specifically. These fees/dues include:
Not to worry, though; you'll only be charged for the services you requested, and all your security deposits (wherever applicable) will be refunded once the film production is over in the area. Though the costs may add up quickly, you will get value for your money and will be able to perform your activities safely and in a controlled environment. You can't put a price tag on safety now, can you?
Geographical Jurisdiction of Pleasant?
The extent to which the filming laws in Mount Pleasant apply is demarcated precisely — Mount Pleasant has well-defined boundaries and is surrounded by Union Township but remains politically independent. The city is located in Central Michigan's Isabella County and is cut through by the Chippewa River. Nearby points of interest include the Isabella Reservation, Indian Pines Park, Bucks Run Golf Club, Pleasant Hills Golf Club, Deerfield Nature Park, and Isabella County Youth & Farm. The state capital of Michigan, Lansing, is located some 61 miles down south.
Outreach in Pleasant
When filming in a residential neighborhood or near one, or in a public space that affects the people of the nearest residential area (for instance, if you’re asking for exclusive access to a neighborhood park or a street), you’ll have to notify all affected residents as per the Mount Pleasant filming laws. The notice must be delivered to all affected residents as early in advance as possible but at least two business days before the event. You must mention all the relevant information for the residents, including a heads up about the use of gunfire effects (so that they don’t panic when you’re filming), details of alternative routes in case of street closure, your contact details for any complaints or queries, and any other information that they might find useful. If you plan on using gunfire or similar special effects for your film production, be sure to notify the local police department in advance.
Community Management in Pleasant
The community in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, has a suburban-like feeling. Young professionals form a fraction of the demographic setup, and so do college students. Overall, the people are pleasant and cooperative, but they are not necessarily used to having large film productions in town. However, that is not to say they'll object to your efforts in the area. On the contrary, the city is pushing for more exposure on the big screen, and if you interact positively with the people and enthusiastically share with them what your project means to you and the city, they'll surely welcome you to film in their neighborhood. As long as you stick to the filming regulations in Mount Pleasant, you won’t face any troubles.
Conclusion
hough the city is yet to claim its fair share on the big screen, Mount Pleasant is still part of Michigan, a state that has remained, to this day, inseparable from the motion picture industry. Evil Dead II, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, RoboCop, and Scream 4 are only but a handful of mentions from among a library of titles that feature the state.
Overall, the filming guidelines in Mount Pleasant are not too hard to keep up with, and you’ll find the filming laws generally flexible and filmmaker-oriented. Apart from the hard-and-fast insurance requirements, there isn’t much you’ll have to stress over. The local departments are here when you need them, an assortment of premium indoor and outdoor filming venues are available for you to take your pick from, and an ever-kind and welcoming community is eager to see the next big thing happen in their city – your film could be just that!
You will find the city, despite it failing to compare with the bigger metropolitan centers of the state, an excellent filming destination in its own right. And you can always count on Giggster to list the best filming venues available near you to save the time and effort you would've put into scouting for filming locations. Plus, we also offer complete payment protection for our users.