Above, Piru residents enjoy a special viewing of episodes 1 and 2 of the new series “Lanterns,” produced by Warner Bros. The series was filmed in Piru for four months in 2025. Photo courtesy of the Piru Neighborhood Council.

By Ken Wiseman, President, Piru Neighborhood Council
PIRU — Residents gathered downtown Aug. 29 for a community viewing event celebrating Warner Bros.’ Lanterns, the new series that filmed in Piru for four months in 2025 and transformed much of the town’s downtown area through three major set changes.
The event, sponsored by the Piru Neighborhood Council, followed an earlier announcement at Piru Community Park, where residents were first told that the series would launch Aug. 16. After noting the economic support, the production brought to the community, the council encouraged residents to wait before watching the first two episodes so Piru could experience them together at a special downtown screening.
The Aug. 29 screening brought residents to Center Street, which was closed for the occasion, for what organizers described as a one-of-a-kind superhero celebration.
Although the temporary Rushville sets—including the two-story sheriff’s station, diner façades, storefronts, and cemetery memorial—had been removed, attendees watched Episodes 1 and 2 of Lanterns Season 1 on a 10-by-8-foot LED screen set up in the middle of Center Street. For many viewers, the experience was especially memorable because several scenes appeared to unfold near the same downtown locations where they were seated.
The evening included free popcorn, water bottles, raffle prizes and coupons for local businesses. Raffle winners received Warner Bros. Lanterns posters and two pairs of tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tours. Attendees also received $2-coupons redeemable at nearby restaurants, the local market, and a shaved ice truck.
A two-hour pre-screening party featured music from local DJ Chris & Tristen Rodriguez, who played vinyl records leading up to the 8 p.m. showing. A 15-minute intermission was held between episodes. After the screening, attendees continued the celebration at Corazon de Piru, where the event coupons could be used for food and drinks.
Organizers credited the event’s success to support from numerous volunteers. CERT team representatives Irene and Roy Ruiz, Paul Alverdi and Michael Chinery assisted throughout the evening. Betty-Lou Wiseman and Annie Ruiz helped with popcorn and ice cream, while volunteers from the San Salvadore Youth Group, Myla Puebla and Marrissa Calderon staffed the registration table.
The Piru Neighborhood Council also thanked the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department for sending four deputies, who helped provide public safety support and community policing during the event.
Technology support was coordinated by James Lantiegne, Donald Pierce, and Kat Jauch, who oversaw sound and streaming for both the outdoor Center Street viewing area and the indoor viewing at Corazon de Piru. Additional volunteers included Julie Lantiegne and Rick McDaniel. Artwork was created for our 2-different announcement flyers by Lisa Crockatt and Kevin Brock, and Juana Aguilar was a big help with marketing.
Organizers said the first two episodes were well received and announced plans to continue screening the remaining six episodes at Corazon de Piru on upcoming Saturday nights.
The council said the community remains grateful to Warner Bros. for choosing Piru as part of the Lanterns production and for supporting the downtown viewing event. Organizers said the filming experience brought pride, excitement, and economic support to the community.