Filming in Detroit, MI
Film office and permits
Start with Film Detroit.
Film commission for the United States: State and city film offices.
Personal: Film Detroit's permit covers productions, including still photography shoots, documentaries and commercials.
Commercial: Apply at least 10 business days ahead; the general permit has no fee. Most shoots need insurance naming the City of Detroit (B-roll-only and interior-only shoots are exempt), a neighborhood notification letter and a site plan. Contact Film Detroit at dfo@detroitmi.gov.
Sources: City of Detroit: Film Detroit · City of Detroit: film permit application
Permit details · Permits and incentives in the United States · Drone rules in the United States
Sun and light, 2026
Local time on the 15th of each month, daylight saving included. Blue hour runs from dawn to sunrise and from sunset to dusk; golden hour runs from sunrise to the morning time shown, and from the evening time shown to sunset. Computed from the city's coordinates.
| Month | Dawn | Sunrise | Golden hour ends | Golden hour starts | Sunset | Dusk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7:27 AM | 7:58 AM | 8:42 AM | 4:41 PM | 5:25 PM | 5:56 PM |
| Feb | 6:59 AM | 7:28 AM | 8:07 AM | 5:25 PM | 6:04 PM | 6:33 PM |
| Mar | 7:16 AM | 7:43 AM | 8:21 AM | 7:01 PM | 7:38 PM | 8:06 PM |
| Apr | 6:21 AM | 6:51 AM | 7:28 AM | 7:36 PM | 8:13 PM | 8:43 PM |
| May | 5:38 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:51 AM | 8:06 PM | 8:46 PM | 9:19 PM |
| Jun | 5:20 AM | 5:54 AM | 6:37 AM | 8:28 PM | 9:10 PM | 9:45 PM |
| Jul | 5:35 AM | 6:08 AM | 6:50 AM | 8:25 PM | 9:07 PM | 9:40 PM |
| Aug | 6:09 AM | 6:39 AM | 7:18 AM | 7:54 PM | 8:33 PM | 9:03 PM |
| Sep | 6:44 AM | 7:12 AM | 7:49 AM | 7:04 PM | 7:41 PM | 8:09 PM |
| Oct | 7:16 AM | 7:45 AM | 8:23 AM | 6:11 PM | 6:50 PM | 7:18 PM |
| Nov | 6:52 AM | 7:22 AM | 8:05 AM | 4:28 PM | 5:10 PM | 5:40 PM |
| Dec | 7:22 AM | 7:54 AM | 8:39 AM | 4:15 PM | 5:00 PM | 5:32 PM |
Studios and services in Detroit, MI
Location library
A starting list for scouts, by the kinds of places scripts call for. Check access, parking, power and sound on a walkthrough, and permits with the film office.
Murals & public art
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A Peaceful City
Mural by Marianne Audrey Burrows in Detroit, MI.
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Abraham Lincoln
Statue by Gutzon Borgium in Detroit, MI.
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Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac Statue
Statue by William Kieffer and Ann Feeley in Detroit, MI.
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Blessed Virgin Mary
Statue in Detroit, MI.
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Boogaloo
Public artwork in Detroit, MI.
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Bowl with Folds
Sculpture by Ursula von Rydingsvard in Detroit, MI.
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Cardoni Detroit
Mural in Detroit, MI.
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Carnival
Sculpture by John Piet in Detroit, MI.
Private locations
Homes, warehouses and venues whose owners rent them for shoots are booked through marketplaces such as Peerspace and Giggster.
Some listings come from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.