September Film Buzz: What’s Next for San Jose Video Production
San Jose video production is heating up this September, with back-to-back outdoor screenings, a freshly launched studio space, new City Hall guidelines for location work and a pair of high-profile festivals on the horizon. Here’s your 360-degree roundup.
Upcoming Open-Air Screenings
- Encanto under the stars – Sept 17
- Live sets by DJ Too Tall & Conjunto Trujillo kick off San Jose Jazz’s Movies y Música before the family favorite lights up the Circle of Palms.
- West Wind Free Drive-In – Sept 18
These back-to-back nights are perfect scouting grounds for DPs checking low-light audience shots or producers tracking pop-up event logistics.
New Studio Space Downtown
Bright Cyc Studio (196 N 3rd St.) debuted in late August with three stages, pre-lit cyc walls and a partnership with Rebel Sun grip/lighting. Early bookings include corporate spots, music videos and social-content marathons—proof that Silicon Valley crews no longer need to trek to Oakland for full-service facilities.
Why it matters
- Downtown address reduces company moves between Tech Interactive, City Hall rotunda and SoFA street scenes.
- On-site gear rental slashes load-in times for one-day shoots.
Stage Production Season Kick-Off
The San Jose Stage Company premieres Lucas Hnath’s McNeal on Sept 24, launching its 43rd season of five titles through June 2026. Expect increased demand for local camera teams to capture trailers, social clips and archival B-roll for regional press campaigns.
Permit & Location Updates
City Hall has refreshed its Filming Guidelines & Parking for Media, clarifying:
- Public areas are fair game with safety barriers.
- No access to non-public interiors without escort.
- Media-permit parking now centralized on S. 5th Street behind the Rotunda.
Producer tip: submit film-application packets ≥45 days ahead—helpful for October festival bump-ins.
Festivals on the Horizon
- San Jose International Short Film Festival – Oct 16-19, 100+ shorts across 20 blocks; tickets went live Sept 9.
- Silicon Valley African Film Festival – Oct 9-12, spotlighting 30+ countries’ stories (tickets announced Sept 2).
Both fests welcome local vendors for projection, livestream and EPK services—lock in crew now.
Bullet Recap
- Sept 17: Encanto outdoor screening.
- Sept 18: Free Drive-In movie night.
- Sept 24: McNeal opens at The Stage.
- Ongoing: Bright Cyc Studio bookings.
- Permits: New City Hall filming rules active.
- Oct 9-19: Two major film festivals inbound.
