Monster Fest & 48HFP: Your Chesapeake Video Production Playbook
Chesapeake video production professionals have a genre-rich fortnight ahead, anchored by Monster Fest at the Central Library and the Hampton Roads 48 Hour Film Horror Project kickoff—plus a reminder that local film permits remain fee-free when filed early. Below is your 600-plus-word rundown, complete with key dates, permit intel, and studio news.
Fortnight Highlights at a Glance
- Monster Fest — Oct 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Chesapeake Central Library. Free convention with horror hosts, author signings, and 60+ vendor tables.
- 48 Hour Film Horror Project Kickoff — Oct 3, 6 p.m., FR8 House Coffee Co., Norfolk. Teams draw genres Friday and sprint through Sunday to deliver a finished film.
- 48HFP World Premiere Screenings — Oct 5 evening, venue TBD. Completed shorts debut to the public; expect dense networking.
- Weekly Movie Time — Oct 2 & Oct 9, Indian River Library. Free G/PG matinees that double as quiet sound-mix tests for student crews.
Permit and Location Intel
- No-Fee Application: Chesapeake’s “Professional Commercial Filming/Photography” permit still carries zero application cost but must be filed 14 days before shooting.
- Event Guidebook: The city’s Outdoor Event Permit Guide walks you through police, fire, and parks contacts in one PDF.
- Regional Back-Drops: The Virginia Film Office will help crews confirm whether a scene on state-managed land needs additional paperwork.
Why Monster Fest Matters for Local Crews
Monster Fest’s free-to-enter vendor floor lets indie producers source practical props, hand-made costuming, and genre-specific VFX makeup without blowing the art-department budget. Panel Q&As with regional horror hosts give DPs insight into low-light lighting setups that play well on library floors and retro-fitted meeting rooms. The one-day format means you can scout in the morning, book talent at lunch, and still prep call sheets for Sunday’s 48HFP shoot.
48 Hour Film Horror Project: Rapid-Fire Storytelling
The Hampton Roads horror edition of 48 Hour Film Project challenges crews to craft a scary short between Friday night and Sunday drop-off. Registration stays open until the Oct 3 kickoff, and returning summer teams get $25 off at checkout—a small but welcome budget cushion. Finished films screen Oct 5, giving instant audience feedback before the Halloween rush and a fast-track to Filmapalooza 2026 for the winning team.
Studio & Submission Opportunities
Chesapeake-based New Dominion Pictures continues to accept completed true-crime and factual series for global distribution review via its online portal—handy for 48HFP alumni looking to expand a short into long-form. Even if you miss this fortnight’s events, the studio’s presence underscores why Hampton Roads remains a viable post-production hub.
Next Steps for Producers
Use the permit window: submit applications by Oct 15 for any late-October shoots to stay within the 14-day rule and avoid premium weekend rates on city services. Lock props and talent at Monster Fest, then stress-test your crew chemistry during the 48HFP sprint; the compressed schedule will reveal gaps in workflow before bigger commercial gigs land. Finally, pitch strong horror concepts to New Dominion while the genre buzz is high—cross-promotion between a regional studio and a library-hosted convention can amplify your marketing reach.
Call to Action
With back-to-back horror showcases, generous permit terms, and a home-grown studio scouting fresh content, the next two weeks give film permits, Hampton Roads filmmakers, and every branch of the local industry a perfect storm of opportunity. Plug these dates into your calendar now and turn Chesapeake’s October lineup into a launchpad for your next Chesapeake video production success.
