13 Places You Recognize From Michigan That Showed Up In Famous Movies
By Serena Maria Daniels|Published July 06, 2015
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Serena Maria Daniels
Author
Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning freelance journalist in Detroit, by way of Chicago, by way of the West Coast. She writes about Michigan for OIYS. Serena enjoys learning about language and culture and taking road trips with her beagle Ralph.
We know that there have been a number of popular films that were set in Michigan, but that does not necessarily mean they were filmed here (think Robo Cop, for instance). Then there are films that when they were shooting, they took over entire Michigan locations, causing a frenzy among locals, eager to catch a glimpse of a Hollywood celebrity sipping on coffee at a local cafe, or saying nice things about the state. Here are a few films in which we can either instantly recognize a Michigan locale on film or that had a huge presence while shooting on-location in the Mitten.
This film, based on a best-selling novel based ona 1952 murder case, was shot in multiple places in the Upper Peninsula, including in the Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay, Marquette and Ishpeming. The movie stayed true to its Michigan roots by having its world premiere at the United Artists Theater in Detroit.
Ben Affleck temporarily moved his family to Metro Detroit during filming of this blockbuster super hero movie, causing local media members to become star-struck with possibility of catching him out and about.
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10) Semi-Pro, Detroit, Flint
This goofball comedy, starring Will Ferrell was filmed in Detroit, Flint and Los Angeles. It didn't make a big splash in the box office, but the mere presence of Ferrell, as well as co-stars Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, and Maura Tierney in the Mitten was cause for Hollywood intrigue among locals.
This classic movie was shot on-location at the magnificant Grand Hotel and the Mission Point Fine Arts building (now the Mission Point Resort), both on Mackinac Island. Filming proved to be a challenge, as special permission had to be granted to temporarily allow cars onto the island, which typically only allows bikes or horse and buggy as modes of transportation.
Directed by Drew Barrymore, this film featured real Michigan derby players from local teams, including the Detroit Derby Girls and the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls.
Even though this 1997 American comedy crime film starring John Cusack was named after the tony suburb of Grosse Pointe, only a small portion of the film was actually shot there. Some scenes took place in Detroit, while the majority of the movie filmed in California.
This 2008 film directed by Clint Eastwood is full of Michigan representation, with scenes shot in Highland Park, Grosse Pointe, Detroit, Royal Oak, and Center Line.
Detroit played a major role in Eminem's break out film, as well as Warren, Southfield, Southgate, Highland Park, and Sterling Heights.
We could go on and on about the films that were shot in Michigan. Tell us, do you remember a time when Hollywood took over your town? Let us know in the comments below!
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