About the Wayne County Film Initiative
Where can you find settings such as urban, suburban, rural, industrial, waterfront,
bridges, a racetrack, an airport, easy highway access, a multitude of ethnic neighborhoods,
and diverse communities ALL IN ONE PLACE? Wayne County is THE place in Michigan
for all your filming needs. The County has locations suitable for all kinds of scenes.
Beyond the variety of settings, the Wayne County team is diligently working to be
the leader in reliable and capable crews, building a team of "film-friendly" vendors,
and facilitating the creation of Soundstages and studios for post-production. We
also have a close working relationship with all local Universities and Colleges
and a student workforce at your disposal.
The Wayne County Film Initiative was launched in 2008 to assist and attract incoming
production companies. Our hope is to leverage our resources and highlight all that
we, as the largest County in the state of Michigan, have to offer the film industry.
We are a "one-stop shop" for any and all filming needs. Our goal is to diversify
our economy, promote growth, and create jobs in this region.
Wayne County Executive,
Robert A. Ficano
Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano presides over approximately two million
citizens in the most populated county in the state of Michigan and the 11th largest
county in the nation. Overseeing an annual budget of $2.2 billion, Mr. Ficano provides
innovative leadership for the region and state, delivering services that citizens
and stakeholders expect, while aggressively pursuing investment, economic growth
and job-creation opportunities.
Mr. Ficano is a recognized leader in attracting investment and positioning Wayne
County as the place to locate, conduct business, live, work and enjoy leisure-time
activities. Mr. Ficano is leading several major initiatives, including the Detroit
Region Aerotropolis, Cobo Hall expansion, and international investment with China,
the Middle East and other countries.
Wayne County, the most culturally diverse county in the state of Michigan, provides
a competitive advantage to anyone seeking opportunities. Mr. Ficano often states:
"When looking to locate a business or to make investment, Wayne County is the place
because it looks like the rest of the world."
Director of Film Initiatives,
Mike Mosallam
HEY! Mike Mosallam is excited about being back home after several years living in
New York and Los Angeles. He left Detroit to pursue his career in the entertainment
industry after graduating from the University of Michigan in 2001 where he received
a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (Musical Theatre).
Later, he went back to obtain a Teaching Certification and a Masters Degree from
the Boston Conservatory (in Direction) in 2006. In Boston, Mike created his highly
acclaimed one-man show, MUSLIM: the musical! The show, a look at various stereotypes
Arab-American/Muslims face post-9/11, has seen regional success after its debut
and is currently in development for a National Tour.
Over the course of his career, Mosallam has worked in almost every aspect of the
Entertainment Industry. He has worked on major studio and Independent projects in
a range of roles. Recently, the film he helped cast (AMREEKA) is premiering at the
2009 Sundance Film Festival. He was also asked to assist on casting for major motion
pictures such as Clint Eastwood’s recent GRAN TORINO.
Mike Mosallam is now the Director of Film Initiatives for Wayne County.