Detroit Blight Busters mourns the loss of our dear friend and longtime supporter, Dan Lawton — a filmmaker, storyteller, and champion of Detroit’s creative spirit.

For decades, Dan stood beside Blight Busters, capturing our history through his lens and preserving the stories of our beginnings, our struggles, and our triumphs. He believed deeply in the power of community and in the ability of art to inspire action. Dan wasn’t just behind the camera — he was a part of our family. His humor, kindness, and genuine love for people filled our space with warmth and laughter.

Here at Blight Busters, Dan shared that same passion with the next generation — mentoring young filmmakers, teaching them to see Detroit not as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing story worth telling.

Dan’s creative career reached far beyond Detroit. He produced Chameleon Street, the daring and unforgettable film that won the Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic) at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival, now a beloved cult classic. His acclaimed work at BBDO included projects for Chrysler, General Motors, and Novo Nordisk.

Yet even with such achievements, Dan always made time for the community that inspired him most.