Director Mauro Borrelli was initially surprised that a producer suggested that he cast Martin Lawrence, a comedian, in this movie. However, when Borrelli met Lawrence, he liked the sound of Lawrence's voice and because of Lawrence's stand-up background and ability to remember two hours worth of comic material, Borrelli believed that Lawrence would be easy to work with.
To prepare for his role as a traumatized, seasoned detective, Martin Lawrence put on weight, worked with an acting coach, and employed the method acting technique.
The police station was actually a redressed courthouse.
The prison cell that holds The Artist had to be built for this film.