Plano Video Production: Permits, Festivals & Fresh Opportunities
Plano video production is set for a busy September. From updated City-of-Plano permit guidelines to festival buzz and fresh crew calls, here’s what producers need to know for the next two weeks.
Fast-Track Film Permits
Plano’s revised filming guidelines (updated Jan 2025) simplify applications:
- $25 permit fee
- Two-business-day lead time for commercials/TV; five days for features
- Standard shoot hours 7 a.m.–9 p.m. weekdays; weekend hours trimmed to 8 p.m. wrap
- Explicit drone, right-of-way and insurance rules
For productions needing lane closures or city assets, expect added traffic-control fees ($50 per block/day) and proof of $1 million liability coverage.
Why it matters: The streamlined window and modest fees keep Plano film permits among the most producer-friendly in DFW, giving crews flexibility for late-summer pickups without Dallas-level red tape.
Festival Buzz Nearby
While Plano lacks a dedicated film fest this fortnight, neighboring Garland fills the gap:
It Came From Texas Film Festival – Sept 12-14
- Plaza Theatre, Garland (16 mi. south)
- Theme: “True Texas Tales”
- Screenings of Bonnie & Clyde, The Alamo and The Great Debaters
- All-access passes $55-65
Panel discussions with historian Gordon K. Smith offer context for location filming across Texas, valuable intel for location scouts eyeing period pieces. adchatdfw.com
Casting & Crew Opportunities
- Sept 13 Still-Photo Campaign – Deep Ellum, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; looking for models and BTS shooters. Day rate competitive with commercial standards.
- Ongoing DFW listings on Backstage & StaffMeUp show steady demand for ACs, gaffers and editors, suggesting a healthy shoulder season before the larger union projects arrive in October.
Studios on the Horizon
Plano gains long-term muscle through Tone Films’ $500K studio, slated to open May 2025. The 6,500-sq-ft build will house dedicated soundstages, edit suites and even on-site living quarters—filling a midsize-studio gap between Dallas mega-stages and home-garage setups.
Though outside the next two-week window, early bookings open this fall; indie producers should lock in test shoots now before corporate demand surges.
Key Takeaways for Producers
- Lock permits early: Two-day approval is fast, but popular parks and downtown blocks book quickly.
- Network at Garland fest: A 30-minute Uber gets you red-carpet access and Texas-centric panel intel.
- Fill weekend gaps: The Sept 13 still shoot is a quick paycheck and résumé booster between longform jobs.
- Scout new studio space: Tone Films’ facility could save driving time (and budget) versus Dallas or Fort Worth stages.
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With streamlined paperwork, nearby festival energy and new bricks-and-mortar infrastructure, Plano video production remains a nimble, cost-effective option for North Texas creatives.
The Takeaway
So, how much do book authors receive for film rights? It really depends on the book and the negotiations that are made, as well as on the production budget.
Different rights will come with different expenses and a higher budget could lead to a higher reward for the author.Â
