Three Reasons Tampa Video Production Heats Up This September
Tampa video production is entering the back-to-school season with a full slate of opportunities on set, on stage and behind the scenes. From an LGBTQ+ film festival that fills multiplex seats this weekend to a major studio relocation and an event-rich calendar at the historic Tampa Theatre, the next two weeks (Sept 10–24) promise a flurry of crew calls, networking chances and fresh creative inspiration.
TIGLFF “Summer Fest” Returns Sept 12–14
The Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) launches its three-day Summer Fest edition at AMC Westshore 14 beginning Friday, Sept 12. Organizers are screening award-winners from Sundance, Outfest and SXSW, plus a shorts block spotlighting Florida storytellers. Tickets start at $15; expect packed Q&As, after-parties and a Saturday pitch-panel hosted by Film Tampa Bay. For production pros, Summer Fest offers a chance to scout emerging directors and gauge audience buzz ahead of the main TIGLFF event in October.
Key takeaways
- Red-carpet arrivals both Friday and Saturday night need freelance camera ops and ENG crews.
- Festival hires PA-level volunteers—ideal entry point for student filmmakers.
- Panels cover inclusive hiring practices and navigating Florida rebate programs.
Company Man Studios Opens Seminole Heights HQ
After 15 years in Westshore, Company Man Studios has purchased and remodeled a 100-year-old storefront at 6600 N. Florida Ave. The doors officially opened on Sept 1, but soft-launch tours continue through mid-month. The 8,500 sq ft footprint includes:
- two sound-isolated insert stages,
- a color-calibrated grading suite,
- five collaborative edit/VFX bays,
- and a producers’ loft wired for live-stream review sessions.
CEO Kurt Barron says the historic neighborhood “mirrors the scrappy, design-driven ethos” of the studio’s brand-work portfolio. For freelancers, the relocation signals fresh crewing needs in grip-electric, art-department fabrication and AV systems.
Tampa Theatre Packs the Calendar
The landmark Tampa Theatre keeps downtown foot-traffic moving with nearly one special film event per day over the next fortnight:
Date | Event | Production Angle |
Sept 10 | Pulp Fiction – Sound-Tracking talk-back | Live-mix audio & event videography |
Sept 14 | Frozen Sing-Along | Family-friendly social-media content |
Sept 17 | Boogie Nights – Sound-Tracking | Archival BTS package for theatre |
Sept 18 | Voices of the Corridor doc night | Environmental filmmakers’ panel |
Sept 19–21 | REWIND Rave-Alongs (“Pitch Perfect”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Mamma Mia!”, “Repo!”) | Themed lighting & cosplay photography |
Beyond ticket sales, each program generates micro-budgets for local crew: projectionists, livestream techs, house photographers, and branded-content editors.
Permit & Road-Closure Outlook
The City of Tampa has not posted any new film-specific road-closure advisories for Sept 10–24. If your production needs city streets, expect the standard three-day turnaround for permits via Film Tampa Bay’s Apply4 portal and factor in football-game traffic at Raymond James Stadium on Sept 13 and 20.
What’s Next?
If you’re planning beyond the two-week window, pencil in:
- Tampa Bay Latin International Film Festival – Sept 27 in Largo (just across the bridge).
- Gasparilla Film Festival call-for-entries closing Oct 3 (event runs March 2026).
Bulleted Quick Hits
- Casting: reality pilot “Easton Prep” begins principal photography in Tampa later this month and is still booking extras.
- Tech: Stage 32 and Film Tampa Bay announced a new certification program for local crew accreditation on Sept 3.
- Education: Florida Museum of Photographic Arts hosts a “Film Photography 101” workshop on Sept 14—ideal for PA-level camera trainees.
Final Word
Whether you’re scouting festival talent, seeking freshly built studio space or grabbing a quick gig at Tampa Theatre, mid-September offers more proof that Tampa video production continues its upward trajectory. Keep your batteries charged and your calendars handy—the bay’s creative tide is rising fast.
