Winston-Salem Video Production: Festivals, Outdoor Cinema & Hassle-Free Permits
Winston-Salem video production professionals have plenty to circle on the call sheet between 11 and 25 September 2025. Horror fans take the spotlight at Wreak Havoc, music lovers gather under the stars for La Bamba, and a region-wide feature keeps crew calls active. Add clear-cut permitting and talk of a new downtown amphitheater and the Twin City looks primed for both immediate gigs and long-term growth.
Wreak Havoc Film Festival Returns 20-21 Sept
The rebranded Wreak Havoc Film Festival unleashes two nights of genre shorts and features at Marketplace Cinema, celebrating its tenth edition with expanded categories beyond horror. Pass holders gain Q&A access with visiting directors—fertile ground for ENG crews chasing exclusive sound bites. Tickets remain available on FilmFreeway, starting at $15.
Production takeaway: The fest’s dark aesthetic invites specialty gaffers and SFX make-up artists to show reels, often leading to contract work on regional indies.
Innovation & Cinema Lights Up Bailey Park
- Date/Time: 12 Sept, 7-10 p.m.
- Film: La Bamba, broadcast on a 40-ft screen with lawn seating.
- Extras: Food-truck court and Incendiary Brewing kiosk offer product-placement possibilities.
The decade-old partnership between Innovation Quarter and a/perture cinema routinely draws 1 000+ attendees, supplying crowd shots without location fees.
Ongoing Production: Feature Thriller “The Bard”
North Carolina’s film-office roster lists “The Bard” as currently filming in the Piedmont Triad, with crew and background-extra inquiries still open. Although locations are NDA-protected, the commission confirms several interior days inside Winston-Salem’s historic warehouse district next week.
Why it matters: Day-player gigs and gear rentals spike whenever a grant-backed feature rolls through, so local vendors should prep lighting kits and wardrobe racks now.
Permits & Road-Closure Intel
- Private property: No city permit unless pyrotechnics or gunfire appear.
- Public right-of-way: Apply via City of Winston-Salem Events office; fees range $50–$200; $1 M COI required.
- Current closures: The city lists no film events or street blocks for the period ending 25 Sept.
- Drone notes: FAA Class C airspace around Smith Reynolds Airport necessitates LAANC approval for flights above 100 ft.
Infrastructure on the Horizon
A press release on 12 Aug unveiled plans for a 5 000-seat downtown amphitheater near Benton Convention Center, targeting spring 2026 completion pending council approval. Public-radio coverage highlights city hesitancy but notes a feasibility study underway this autumn. Though a music venue, the open-air stage would double as a midsize filming location—future-proofing Winston-Salem’s versatility.
Arthouse Anchor Stays Afloat
Non-profit a/perture cinema confirmed year-end solvency after a fundraising surge, ensuring continued downtown screenings and festival partnerships. Independent producers rely on the two-screen venue for test screenings and cast-crew mixers.
Quick-Hit Opportunities
- Extras casting: Follow Piedmont Triad Film Commission’s Facebook page for “The Bard” background calls.
- Gear demand: Expect LED-panel shortages during Wreak Havoc; reserve rentals by 15 Sept.
- Networking: Innovation & Cinema lawn opens at 5 p.m.—arrive early with business cards.
- Permit primers: Commission FAQ clarifies no mandatory registration, but contacting staff speeds location scouting.
Conclusion
From horror premieres to open-air musicals and an active feature set, Winston-Salem packs diverse content into a 14-day window. Clear permit paths and the absence of road closures keep logistics simple, while talk of a new amphitheater signals the city’s appetite for larger productions. Secure your permits, charge the batteries, and let Winston-Salem video production take center stage this September.
