City out to make it easier to film downtown

December 23, 2008
Muskegon Chronicle
Robert Burns

But that is going to change soon, with forthcoming amendments to a city ordinance governing temporary buildings.

Although the current zoning ordinance permits temporary or seasonal structures for such things as classrooms, real estate offices and Christmas tree sales, it mentions nothing about movie production.

A change in the ordinance to allow for temporary buildings for films -- either as part of a set or to provide shelter for cast members or equipment -- was approved by the city's planning commission Dec. 11 and is headed for final approval by the Muskegon City Commission in January.

"We just wanted to be proactive, even though we haven't yet had any requests," said Zoning Administrator Lonna Anguilm.

It would be incorporated into the city's Film & Music Events policy, which the commission adopted last October. The policy is aimed at making life easier for film crews who wish to take advantage of state tax incentives aimed at luring filmmakers to Michigan, and, hopefully, to Muskegon.

Muskegon's film policy allows for the use of city beaches, parks and other facilities and police assistance during filming. It also lays down other requirements regarding hours of filming, community notification, seasonal restrictions, insurance coverage and the use of special effects.

Applicants seeking permission to erect such temporary buildings would be required to abide by all other provisions of the ordinance.

"Offspring," a creepy horror film, was filmed in and around Muskegon last summer and recently was released in theaters.

And a large movie studio is in the works for part of WaterMark Place on West Western Avenue near the city's downtown lakefront.