Minneapolis Video Production Outlook: Festivals, Feature Shoots & Fresh Studio Skills
Minneapolis video production is sprinting into fall with an unusually packed calendar of shoots, screenings and skills labs that land between September 10 and 24, 2025. From a provocative shorts festival to an on-location sci-fi feature, here’s what producers, crew and clients should know right now.
HUMP! Film Festival Heats Up Sept 13
Dan Savage’s raucous HUMP! Film Festival returns for two one-night-only screenings at the Parkway Theater on Saturday, Sept 13. The 22-short program’s sold-out track record means a full house of filmmakers, sex-positive advocates and potential collaborators. For vendors, it’s a chance to network before the after-party; for crew, it’s a reminder that niche festivals can generate year-round post-production gigs in the Twin Cities.
Arab Voices Take Center Stage Sept 24-28
Less than two weeks later, the 19th Twin Cities Arab Film Festival unspools at The Main Cinema and the Walker. Programmers emphasize Southwest Asian and North African stories, and this year’s industry day includes panels on equity financing in smaller markets. Expect visiting directors to scout Minneapolis for future shoots—good news for location managers and gear-rental houses.
Feature Film ‘Progeny’ Rolls Cameras City-wide
Local writer-director Justin Daering has Minneapolis standing in for a near-future Midwest dystopia in Progeny, filming Aug 25-Sept 26 under a SAG Low-Budget Agreement. Night exteriors have been spotted in the Warehouse District, while practical VFX days are set for studio interiors in Northeast. Principal-day rates climb to $810/day, affirming that the state’s 25% tax credit continues to lure union productions north.
Commercial Shoots & Crew Calls
- Camera-operator gig posted Sept 3 seeks Minneapolis-based DP for a corporate piece the week of Sept 15—proof that brand content hasn’t slowed even as features dominate headlines.
- Background-casting notices for Progeny still list $200/12-hour rates for adults through mid-September; interested extras should apply before wardrobe fittings close Sept 18.
Studio Training & Community Access
SPEAK MPLS’ “Live on Set” workshop (Sept 24) lets creatives run a three-camera 4K setup, green-screen lighting and live switch-broadcast in a single evening—ideal for crew looking to upskill before winter commercials kick in. Speak MPLS
Quick Takeaways (Bullets)
- Sept 13: HUMP! Festival brings a sold-out adult-shorts showcase—network early.
- Week of Sept 15: Corporate commercial shoot hiring local camera crew.
- Sept 24-28: Twin Cities Arab Film Festival draws distributors downtown.
- Through Sept 26: Progeny feature continues metro-wide filming; extras still needed.
- Sept 24: SPEAK MPLS offers multi-cam studio bootcamp for emerging producers.
Conclusion
The convergence of festival excitement and active set days means Minneapolis video production professionals should polish reels, prep permits and lock gear rentals now. Whether you’re chasing festival premieres or day-playing on Progeny, the next fortnight is primed for both creative inspiration and paid opportunities in the City of Lakes.
