September 2025 Cleveland Video Production Report: Festivals, Secret Screens & Feature Shoots
Cleveland video production is buzzing this month as silent-era masterpieces, community film festivals, and an in-progress feature shoot converge between Sept 10–24, 2025. Below is everything producers, crew, and cinephiles need to know––with verifiable dates and sources.
Silent Classics Return to the Museum of Art
The Cleveland Silent Film Festival & Colloquium runs Sept 14, 19–20 (plus Sept 27) at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gartner Auditorium. Highlights include live-scored screenings of The Phantom of the Opera, Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, and a René Clair double bill, pairing restored 1920s prints with new musical accompaniment. The festival draws pianists, historians, and out-of-state visitors, reinforcing Cleveland’s reputation for niche film programming and boosting nearby hospitality revenue.
Carousel Keeps Cameras Rolling Through September 15
Angela Boehm Casting’s open call confirms that Carousel, an indie feature, is booking local extras while principal photography continues across Cleveland until Sept 15. Rates start at $104/8 hr, and the production employs regional gaffers, grips, and unit medics—evidence of how mid-budget narrative projects sustain year-round work between blockbuster shoots like last summer’s Superman: Legacy.
Bullets – Why this matters
- Workforce: Dozens of day-player crew slots keep technicians on payroll.
- Vendors: Craft-services, lodging, and gear rentals see a late-summer bump.
- Exposure: Extras gain on-set credits without leaving town.
Midnight Rental’s Secret Movie: VHS Horror Tonight
For one-night-only on Sept 10, the Midnight Rental Secret Movie pop-up at the Grog Shop invites audiences to a retro 35-mm-meets-VHS cult screening. Host Lenora builds a variety-show atmosphere with trivia, prizes, and bad-made-for-TV previews. Such micro-exhibitions expand the pipeline for emerging programmers and give local directors a test-screening alternativa outside traditional art-house venues.
Urban Voices on Deck: GCUFF Starts Sept 18
The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) launches its 14th edition Sept 18-26, splitting four in-person days with a seven-day virtual slate. Programming centers on African-Diaspora storytellers, and organizers are still recruiting volunteers—an entry point for aspiring crew to log festival operations experience. Expect red-carpet energy at Karamu House and workshops on inclusive producing.
Permitting & Practical Tips for Incoming Shoots
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission reminds producers that permit processing times fluctuate by season; early submissions are advised to reserve downtown streets now that autumn festivals increase foot traffic. The Commission’s one-stop online portal streamlines municipal, county, and state approvals, saving productions days of paperwork.
Quick-Hit Opportunities & Resources
- Workshops: GCFC’s FilmSkills certification rolled out new online modules in August; self-paced courses qualify crew for upcoming shoots.
- Volunteer Paths: GCUFF is still signing ushers and venue staff for its Sept 18 opening night. shakersquare.com
- Casting Boards: Project Casting lists multiple Cleveland-area shoots seeking talent for late September dates—ideal for actors building résumés.
Closing Thoughts
From orchestral silent films to late-night VHS mayhem—and a feature set that needs hometown faces—September proves why the Cleveland film industry punches above its weight. Whether you’re scouting crew, chasing a casting call, or simply eager for a cinematic night out, the next two weeks offer a cross-section of opportunities that keep Cleveland video production thriving.
