Detroit Launches Program to Connect Local Filmmakers With Resources and Cable Broadcast

Detroit started Film Detroit in September. It's a program under the Media Services Department. Actors, directors, screenwriters, and other creatives gather to meet each other and get help from the city. At the first event at AB Ford Community Center, between 300 and 500 people showed up.

Film Detroit helps filmmakers get permits to shoot in spots around the city and gives them chances to show their work on Detroit's cable channels. The program takes different types of work: animation, short films, documentaries, music videos, and podcasts. However, there are rules: no profanity, nudity, drug use, or violence allowed, and everything needs closed captioning because of FCC and ADA requirements.

"Just like the government comes to pick up your trash and provide you Motor City Match dollars…we're providing a service when it comes to creation and filmmaking," said Media Services Director Jasmine Barnes, according to BridgeDetroit. She added, "I'm excited to provide this new type of service to our residents."

So far, the program has received around 50 submissions. Eighteen are ready to air. Filmmakers can send in their work through the city's website, but they won't get paid. The city will share and promote their work at no cost.

Barnes worked as a film producer in Detroit 12 years ago, before streaming platforms existed. She juggled filming schedules, secured hair and makeup artists, and handled all the logistics.

Film Detroit threw a teen Halloween party in October. November brought a harvest event. On Dec. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., the program will host something for college students at the Northwest Activities Center. There will be a panel about making movie and TV trailers and teasers.

The Detroit Film Office received 126 film permit requests this year and issued 105. Belle Isle, the RiverWalk, and Campus Martius Park are the places filmmakers want to shoot most, according to coordinator Chantal Cook, as per Bridge Detroit.

Why create this program? To give filmmakers exposure and help the city's four public access channels move from cable to streaming. Channels 10, 21, 22, and 68 show City Council meetings, neighborhood features, educational shows, and content made by residents. Don't have cable or live outside Detroit? Watch channels on the city's website or through the Detroit Connected app.

Monthly events will keep going in 2026, giving people chances to meet and submit film permits.