Chesapeake Video Production: Remembrance Footage, Free Screenings & Permit Wins
Chesapeake video production teams won’t find a marquee festival this fortnight, yet the city and its neighbors still deliver film-worthy moments, practical training grounds and streamlined paperwork. Below is your verified guide for September 11–25 2025.
9/11 Ceremony Tonight
- Sept 11, 6 p.m., Chesapeake City Park. The remembrance event features color guards, candlelight and a moment of silence—crews may film from designated media rows without a permit.
- Why it matters: Patriotic visuals license easily for news b-roll, PSA backplates and documentary cutaways.
Library Movie Time: Indoors & Equipment-Friendly
- Weekly Movie Time – Sept 18, 10 a.m., Indian River Library. Family-rated feature with shades-drawn auditorium lighting lets new ops test low-noise ISO.
- Production tip: Staff will sign appearance releases at the info desk—bring hard copies.
Regional Screens Worth the Short Drive
- “Mamma Mia” Lawn Night – Sept 13, 7:30 p.m., New Realm Brewing, Va Beach. Open lawn, string lights and Abba sing-alongs give crowd energy 15 miles east.
- Virginia Queer Film Festival – Sept 12-14, Norfolk. Only LGBTQ film fest in the state; Q&As follow every block at University Theatre.
- Naro Expanded Cinema rolls an encore of climate-doc “Been Here Stay Here,” Sept 10, with filmmaker Q&A, plus cult thriller “Night of the Juggler” Sept 11.
Casting & Crew Calls Nearby
- Historical Feature Extras – Sept 14-16, Richmond region. Civil-War aged male extras, $125/day, lodging credit offered for Hampton Roads talent.
- Video Content Creator – ongoing Hampton Roads commercial ad. Remote or landmark shoots; paid, quick-turn-around.
Permits: Simple, Fast & Free
Requirement | Detail | Source |
Application window | 60 days standard; rush review case-by-case | |
Base fee | $0 for most still/photo/hand-held shoots | |
Insurance | $1 M general liability naming city | |
Coordinator | Parks, Rec & Tourism Event Office centralizes approvals |
Public-right-of-way shoots under 10 crew generally route through the same portal; no police escrow unless traffic control is requested.
Nearby Screening & Networking Add-Ons
- Best-of Hampton Roads 48-Hour Films screen at Naro later this month—dates TBA but historically within last week of September.
- Classic Movie Night, Chartway Arena, Norfolk, Sept 21—vintage titles under arena lights can double as gear-test grounds.
Quick Tips for Chesapeake Video Production
- Scout Tonight: Arrive by 5 p.m. for the 9/11 ceremony; Bagley Stage lights up early.
- Pack Quiet Gensets: City events permit warns loud generators may be shut off.
- Use Regional Festivals: Norfolk screenings fall under the same Virginia Film Office incentive paperwork—group your mileage claims.
- Watch Airspace: Chesapeake lies within Norfolk Class C shelf; LAANC waiver needed above 100 ft.
Conclusion
Even without a headline festival, Chesapeake offers free-to-shoot civic ceremonies, library matinees, and easy side trips to Hampton Roads film events—all under a no-fee permit umbrella. Line up extras gigs in Richmond, capture patriotic or musical crowds locally, and your Chesapeake video production reel will cover everything from documentary poignancy to sing-along exuberance before September ends.
