Industry Events & Announcements
 May. 13, 2008 - Austin Film Festival's 2008 Summer Film Camp - June 8 to August 9 |
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presented by the Austin Film Festival's Young Filmmakers Program The summer film camp returns this June for its sixth annual program of special film and writing courses for young aspiring filmmakers ages 9-17. It will offer unparalleled access to screenwriting, filmmaking and animation production courses, and in-depth, personal instruction from industry professionals. All workshops are conducted at McCallum High School (5600 Sunshine Dr., Austin, TX 78756). AGES 9-12 AGES 13-17 TUITION TO REGISTER |
May. 13, 2008 - Game Education Summit in Dallas - June 10-11 |
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Game industry leaders and educators from across North America will gather in Dallas at Southern Methodist University June 10 and 11 to develop future programs to solve what many experts say is the video game industry's number one problem ... a critical shortage of skilled professionals. The Game Education Summit will address the critical issues affecting the evolution of game development programs at colleges and universities and provide a forum for academia and industry to address the challenge of increasing skill shortages impacting the future growth of the industry both for the entertainment and serious games sectors. With keynotes by Disney's Warren Spector and Mark Meyers as well as Electronic Arts' Colleen McCreary, attendees will hear about the latest needs of the game industry as well as solutions to creating and enhancing game development degree programs. Other items on the program include a "perfect candidate" series of talks, where industry hiring managers will discuss their needs and the skills which new graduates will need to succeed in game development, as well as a Town Hall meeting where attendees can get experts in academia as well as developers to answer the questions that they are affecting them. In addition, Sony Computer Entertainment will be launching their anticipated PlayStation-Edu program, which will allow schools to obtain console development kits to use in their education of future game developers. Early Registration ends on May 15th, so save $105 and sign up now before the price goes up! For more information, visit our website at www.gameeducationsummit.com. |
May. 02, 2008 - Mosaic Arts Group Spring Networking Event - May 20 |
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"If you are a Christian artist in theatre, film or music, then you will not want to miss the Mosaic Arts Group Spring Networking Event. Tuesday, May 20th |
May. 02, 2008 - Austin Film Festival Presents: "Conversations in Film" with Johnathon Schaech - May 18 |
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The Austin Film Festival introduces the next installment of Conversations in Film, a year-round series of film seminars open to writers, filmmakers, and anyone interested in film. Johnathon Schaech (That Thing You Do!, The Doom Generation, Prom Night) will host for an intimate discussion about screenwriting from a multi-hyphenate in the industry who made a name for himself starring in highly-acclaimed independent films and has since written, directed, and produced. For many ambitious creatives today, it's often not enough to have one role in a film project. Wearing many hats on a project lends itself to greater creative control, but how do you keep the roles in balance? Learn about balancing roles as well as how actors, writers, producers and directors pick their scripts from someone who examines scripts from all these perspectives.
WHEN: Sunday, May 18th WHERE: Hyde Park Theatre with reception to follow at
a New World Deli COST: $20/AFF Members; $25/non-AFF members Space is limited. About Johnathon Schaech It was after a starring in That Thing You Do!, directed by another well known actor-turned-filmmaker, Tom Hanks, that Schaech's creative interests led him to explore writing, directing, and producing his own material. Schaech and Richard Chizmar formed Chesapeake Films, which has found success in adapting novels into screenplays for major studios. Projects have included: include Stephen King's From a Buick 8, Douglas Clegg's The Hour Before Dark, Stephen King's Black House, Quitters, Showtime's Master of Horrors series, NBC's Fear Itself and Road House 2: Last Call. The Poker Club, currently in post production, teamed Schaech with 2005's AFF award winning narrative film Runaway director Tim McCann. Schaech served as writer, producer, and actor on the film. Schaech has attended the Austin Film Festival with several films including two of his directorial turns, Miserable Comforters (AFF 2001) and Heroes (AFF 2002); as well as Little Chenier (AFF 2006) which features a critically acclaimed performance by the actor. About Austin Film Festival Conversations in Film is sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®. |
May. 02, 2008 - ACC Video Game Seminar in Austin - May 7 |
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Highland Business Center Wednesday, May 7 - "Introduction to Mac Game Development" with Michael Agustin & Daniel Treiman, Gendai Games. The Mac platform is undoubtedly getting much attention these days because of new products such as the MacBook Air and the iPhone. In this lecture, Michael & Daniel will give a jump start overview of the development tools and API on the Macintosh platform, as well as the Objective-C language. They will also cover the Mac and iPhone game markets, and how they are a compelling for both startups and established companies. |
May. 02, 2008 - Industry Giants 2008: Drawing On Ideas! - June 6 & 7 |
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The seventh annual Industry Giants Computer Graphics, Animation and Gaming
Seminar presents On June 6th, attendees can choose from a variety of classes covering technical skills, creative problem-solving and production techniques. A one-day seminar on June 7th features guest speakers from leading studios who will discuss the tools and techniques of creating cutting edge media. June 6 - Industry Giants Master Classes
June 7 - Industry Giants 2008 Seminar and Panel
For more information, visit www.industrygiants.org. |
May. 02, 2008 - Texas Film Commission's P.A. Workshops |
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The Texas Film Commission's P.A. Workshop is a two-day introductory course that teaches the job skills needed to be a Production Assistant. Taught by working professionals, the Workshop includes paperwork, terminology and set etiquette; opportunities to meet crew members in many areas of production; simulations of on-set work flow; and tips for a successful job search. Upon completing the Workshop, participants receive a P.A. Workshop Training Certification from the Texas Film Commission, and a listing in the Texas Production Directory. Fort Worth Workshop Registration:FT. WORTH - Tarrant County College (TCC) San Antonio Workshop Registration:SAN ANTONIO - San Antonio College, Radio-Television-Film Dept. Visit the TFC's P.A. Workshop page for more information on other upcoming workshops in your area. |
Apr. 17, 2008 - Marfa Film Festival - May 1-5 |
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Make your travel plans now! Marfa's been awash in Oscar buzz this year and now Marfa Film Festival launches May 1-5, 2008 with more than 40 world-class feature, short and experimental works screened in the surreal beauty of remote Far West Texas. Join intrepid connoisseurs of art and nature for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind festival experience. Not unlike the Coen Bros and Paul Thomas Anderson shaking up Hollywood this year with their career defining films, Marfa Film Festival is sending shock waves through the arts community coast to coast. The inaugural festival will open with an outdoor screening of THERE WILL BE BLOOD on the set where it was made. And this follows a closing night announcement of Dennis Hopper returning to Marfa for the first time since making GIANT there over fifty years ago. Hopper will present his legendary and rarely-seen western THE LAST MOVIE, winner of the 1971 Venice Film Festival. Program info, passes, VIP packages and festival updates at www.marfafilmfestival.org. Sign up online for breaking festival news or call 432-729-1948. Hurry - hotel space is limited & going fast! Book now at Hotel Limpia: 432.426.3241 or www.hotellimpia.com. |
Apr. 08, 2008 - Texas Filmmakers Announce the 2008 Texas Film & Video Grants |
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DENTON, TX - Texas Filmmakers, a 501(c)(3) arts organization, is pleased to announce the return of the Texas Film & Video Grants (TFVG). Last year, Texas Filmmakers awarded cash and equipment grants to local and regional filmmakers. This year we hope to double the total awards and to facilitate an even broader spectrum of talent throughout the state. Texas Film & Video Grants is a program designed to provide financial assistance to independent and emerging media makers who live in the State of Texas. Assistance is provided to artists whose work shows potential, skill, and creativity. Awards are distributed on a per-project basis; up to a maximum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per project. To apply, simply visit www.texasfilmmakers.org and download this year's grant application. Complete the application and submit to Texas Filmmakers by May 31st, 2008 to be considered. Winners will be notified by phone no later than June 28, 2008. Texas Film & Video Grants is one of many services provided by Texas Filmmakers to emerging media makers. For more information, contact: |
Apr. 04, 2008 - Digital Media Entrepreneurship Workshop in Austin - April 24-June 12 |
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Have an itch to start your own digital media company? Need to learn how to write a business plan? Curious what investors are thinking when you come knocking? This eight-week course answers those questions as it teaches you the basics of starting and growing your own digital media company. Sponsored by IGDA Austin, the Austin Rice Alliance, Austin Technology Incubator, and Austin Angel Network, this class is a rare opportunity to learn what it takes to launch your company from folks who've done it: CEOs, investors, attorneys, and studio heads. Seating is limited to the first 40 participants. More info and registration online at www.alliance.rice.edu/alliance/Austin.asp. |
Mar. 31, 2008 - Summer Filmmaking Workshops in Austin |
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From Script to Screen Teen Filmmaking Learn from Austin indie filmmaker, Kat Candler (cicadas, Roberta Wells, jumping off bridges) how to make a short film from writing the characters to submitting it to festivals. This hands-on course will take you through the process of making a short film from script to screen. Learn everything you need to know from screenwriting, shooting, scheduling, marketing, sound, directing, festivals. The class will be broken into small filmmaking teams. Each team will produce a short film using digital video technology. The course will feature guest speakers from the Austin Film Community on cameras, lighting and other elements of filmmaking. Students need to have access to a digital video camera. You will need to provide your own tapes and cover any expenses incurred by the short film. To learn more about Kat Candler and Storie Productions, visit www.storieproductions.com and www.jumpingoffbridges.com. For more information, contact: |
Mar. 20, 2008 - Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund 2008 Informational Workshop in McAllen - May 15 |
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AUSTIN - On Thursday, May 15, the Austin Film Society (AFS) will present a free informational workshop for the 2008 Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund (TFPF) at the the McAllen Chamber of Commerce: Thursday, May 15, 2008 Co-presented with the Rio Grande Valley Film Commission AFS Director of Artist Services Bryan Poyser will provide information about applying to the Fund and screen work samples from previously funded work. Filmmakers across the state of Texas are eligible to apply to TFPF, which has given out $830,000 in cash, goods and services to 243 film and video projects since 1996. TFPF recipients have shown their films at festivals like Sundance, Cannes and Toronto and have won Independent Spirit Awards. Applications are due June 2, 2008. In September, a panel of nationally-recognized film professionals will award at least $100,000 in grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 in cash, to the selected filmmakers. Application forms are available for download from www.austinfilm.org or by request from: Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund |
Mar. 06, 2008 - Austin Business Journal Article: City Ordinance Seeks To Lure Film Production |
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The Austin City Council approved an ordinance waiving facility use and rental fees for qualifying film, television and video productions in the greater Austin area. The ordinance also says the city will provide up to two peace officers for 15 days for film crews spending at least $1 million on local goods and services. Commercial, music video or video game crews need to spend at least $100,000. Peace officers will be responsible for traffic control, crowd control and other public safety issues. Any film or television production receiving benefits under the ordinance will be required to place a credit on each film or television episode that reads: "Thank you to the city of Austin for its generous support of this production. Filmed on location in Austin, Texas." According to the city, the film and visual media production industry contributes over $35 million annually in local economic activity. Last year MovieMaker Magazine in its annual survey ranked Austin as the
number one city in which to live, work and make movies. The article can be found on Austin Business Journal Web site. |
Feb. 25, 2008 - Awards Season Brings Accolades to the Texas Film Industry |
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Texas movies are making a big name for themselves this awards season! The Texas Film Commission is proud of the number of wins and nominations movies such as There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, and The Great Debaters have achieved. The following is a sampling of the many accolades Texas-made movies have garnered. Congratulations to all! THERE WILL BE BLOOD
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
THE GREAT DEBATERS
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Feb. 21, 2008 - Variety Article: 'Lights' May Shine on Other Networks |
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NBC may share drama to ensure third season "Friday Night Lights" may shine on for another season -- and on more than one network. NBC Universal execs have decided they want to go the extra yard to ensure the drama returns for a third season. To make sure that happens, conglom is having serious conversations with several networks about a plan to carve out multiple broadcast windows for the show, which has received critical worship and has a cult-like following. Peacock has had talks with the CW, Comcast Entertainment Networks (E!/G4) and TNT about sharing "Friday Night Lights" with NBC. DirecTV, which last year picked up the rights to NBC sudser "Passions," has also been brought into the mix. Just how the shared window plan would work is unclear, but one model may be the plan NBC worked out for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Starting this season, episodes of "CI" premiered on USA Network and aired a few months later on NBC. Skein has generated solid numbers in both windows. Whether NBC U can work out a similar deal with a network it doesn't own remains to be seen. Already, some people familiar with the talks have complained that Peacock's asking price for "Friday Night Lights" is too high. Still, the show's loyal core audience and attractive demos -- it's among the most popular shows on TV with upscale viewers -- could help close the sale. Reps for the Peacock and producer Imagine Television declined comment. The article can be found on Variety.com. |
Feb. 18, 2008 - The Dallas Morning News Article: Welcome to 'Oscar,' Texas |
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Two top nominees were filmed in the wide-open stretches of Marfa 08:24 AM CST on Monday, February 18, 2008 Associated Press MARFA, Texas – A thousand feet above a wind-swept, drought-browned valley, a man steps out of a late-70s Ford Granada on a deserted two-lane road. Chip Love – or "Man in Ford," as the Oscar-nominated No Country For Old Men would come to credit him – collapses to his knees on the blacktop. He gets up. He's shot again. And again. And again. Eight times altogether he rises and falls. "It's not as easy as it looks," said Mr. Love, 50, a local rancher and bank manager. He laughs about his role as an early victim of a psychopathic killer. On another day, just a few miles to the west of Mr. Love's "death," a crew of oilfield workers bounds down the stairs of a dusty depot, emptying a train pulled by an early 20th century steam locomotive. This is a scene from There Will Be Blood, another film up for multiple Academy Awards. This is no mere coincidence. When Hollywood needs Western desolation, it comes to Marfa, a town about three hours southeast of El Paso. More than 50 years ago, famed filmmaker George Stevens also settled on this area for his epic Texas oil tale Giant. The stark, gorgeous landscape outside the town shows up in the films, and it isn't just the wide-open desert horizon that directors take advantage of. They also hire the locals. In the depot scene from Blood, filmed at the 59,000-acre MacGuire Ranch, it was lifelong rancher David Williams who led the group off the train. Not that he was scene-stealing. "I wasn't trying to get in the movie or be a movie star," said Mr. Williams, 38. When Mr. Williams first escorted location scouts here four years ago, the only structures were the long, unused railroad tracks that lead to Mexico and an old water tank that supplied steam engines of the past. Houses, a block-long town, an oil well site and a church atop a hill were built later to represent Bakersfield, Calif., in 1910. For his work making arrangements and shepherding the six months of filming, Mr. Williams also earned on-screen credit as an executive producer – heady stuff. "They wanted the openness, they wanted clear view for miles, they wanted nothing obstructing the view," Mr. Williams recalled. "And that's what they found out here." Marfa, population 2,100, was founded as a railroad stop in 1883. Now, the town with no movie theater is a big part of 16 nominations at this year's Academy Awards on Sunday – eight each for No Country and Blood. "This is a really little hidden secret," said Ree Willaford,
who together with her artist-husband, Jason, bought an old Marfa building
three years ago and renovated it to become their home, studio and gallery
they call Galleri Urbane. "It is kind of the last frontier," Mr. Willaford said. Maybe not for long. Marfa is becoming a micro version of art mecca Santa Fe, N.M. Blocks of the tiny downtown have been taken over by foundations established by artists. The foundations have spurred other artists, like the Willafords, to work and establish galleries, taking advantage of the azure sky that glows pink and purple and golden at dawn and sunset and where the horizon is interrupted with the jagged Chinati Mountains. "I can wake up one day and feel like I live in the coolest place in the world," said David Lanman, a carpenter who was mayor when the two movies were being filmed two years ago. Mateo Quintana Jr., 70, born and raised in Marfa, looks through the window of his tiny barber shop and sees a city block taken over by one of the foundations. "It's been good," he said. "They fixed up all the buildings." "I think the town didn't mind us," said Daniel Lupi, one of the Blood producers. "We certainly spent a lot of money." Adela Dominguez, 55, who works behind the counter at the El Cheapo Liquor Store, said she's never seen any movie people come in, but the booze that flowed regularly at the Paisano Hotel, which back in 1955 served as headquarters for the Giant cast, came from El Cheapo. "It worked out good for everybody," Mr. Williams said. The article can be found on The Dallas Morning News Web site. |
Jan. 29, 2008 - Austin Named #1 City to Make Movies by MovieMaker Magazine |
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Top 10 Movie Cities 2008 MM’s eighth annual countdown of the best places to live, work and
make movies When working on a project as research-intensive as this one, the word you never want to encounter is “unpredictable.” But as entertainment professionals and consumers alike have lately discovered, that’s an appropriate description for the current state of the film industry. From the writers’ strike, still ongoing at press time, to possible actors’ and directors’ strikes in June, it’s definitely not business as usual. But we didn’t let those uncertainties get in the way of our reporting for the eighth annual countdown of the best U.S. cities to live, work and make movies. Because the good news is that, historically, some of cinema’s greatest moments have been born in uncertain times and today is still the best day to start thinking seriously about turning the idea rattling around in your left brain into a cinematic landmark. The better news, as this list has come to demonstrate, is that you don’t have to be in Hollywood to make it happen. (In fact, due to a rapid decline in feature film production—down more than 20 percent in the third quarter of 2007 alone—Los Angeles didn’t crack our list for the second year in a row.) But plenty of other cities put up a fight—from areas as far-flung as Stamford, CT to Kauai, HI. So what criteria determined the final rankings? Well, quality and quantity both carried a lot of weight in terms of the local talent pool, production facilities, educational opportunities, networking events, film festivals and other screening venues. Enthusiasm—on the part of the local moviemaking community, film office and cineastes—meant something, too. Keeping in mind that this is a story about independent moviemaking specifically, the importance of a city’s financial incentives also could not be understated. Cities that give indies a bigger bang for their buck by offering a variety of different looks or access to low-cost studio facilities are always great for the indie crowd. Innovation was another factor. At a time when energy prices are at an all-time high, areas that make special considerations for the environment scored some additional points with us, too. In the end, it was the sum of all these parts that determined the final 10—and this year was one of the closest races ever. Newcomers Albuquerque and Shreveport shot up the list with a vengeance while New York was ousted from the top spot it has held for several years. Which once again goes to show that, when it comes to moviemaking, there are no guarantees. Of course, that is one of the beauties of the art—it consistently proves to us that anything is possible. Now, onto the rankings… View the entire article at MovieMaker.com |
Nov. 02, 2007 - Texas Has New Skill Standards for the Video Game Industry |
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The Texas Film Commission is happy to announce that the Texas video game industry now has Skill Standards! On October 23, 2007, The Texas Skill Standards Board elected to Conditionally Recognize Electronic Game Content Development skill standards. What are Skill Standards and why are they important? Skill standards are a valuable tool for college-level educators in determining what their students will need to know in order to be an effective and useful part of the workforce. The industry will benefit from this skilled labor, but also from the simple recognition itself. In recognizing these standards, the State is making clear that the game industry is an important part of the future Texas economy. Background on the Electronic Game Content Development skill standards. Texas game industry professionals were asked to independently review the standards and to determine their worth to the local industry, a needed step for the Texas Skill Standards Board to agree to state-wide recognition. The Texas Film Commission would like to thank those individuals for donating their time to this valuable project. Note: The Board has previously recognized Programming / Software Engineering skill standards and Digital Media skill standards that can be used in conjunction with the Game Content Development standards (which mostly cover art assets) in creating a more comprehensive education. Conclusion ---Texas Film Commission Staff |
Oct. 12, 2007 - Austin Film Commission Announces "Austin Now Playing" Film Industry Discount Card |
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The Austin Film Commission, a department of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, has developed the "Austin Now Playing" Film Industry Discount Card in cooperation with the City of Austin. It is a way for cast and crew members to experience the local businesses of Austin, while also enjoying great discounts and special offers. Free of charge to vendors in the City of Austin, it allows the opportunity for local businesses to encourage working film crews and cast to frequent their locations. The card offers discounts at local places like Hog Island Deli or Enterprise Rent-A-Car, just to name a few. New Participating Vendors are being added to the list daily. How Do I get a Now Playing card? Visit the Austin Film Commission Web site for more information. |
Jun. 07, 2007 - Gov. Perry Signs $22 Million Film Incentive Bill |
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AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry, joined by State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, Texas Motion Picture Alliance President Hector Garcia and actor Dennis Quaid, today signed House Bill 1634 which provides $22 million to help Texas attract jobs in television and film production. “Today I am proud to sign a $22 million film incentive bill that will help reverse the export of Texas filmmaking talent, that will bring jobs and economic activity to our cities, and that will make the diverse and beautiful images of Texas more prominent in motion pictures,” Perry said. House Bill 1634 provides filmmakers with grants equal to 5 percent of what they spend in Texas. To qualify, they must spend at least $1 million in Texas, shoot at least 80 percent of the project within state borders, and hire at least 70 percent of actors, crew and extras in Texas. Since implementing a film incentive program in 2003, Louisiana has seen film production spending increase 30 times. Likewise, New Mexico has experienced a fifty-fold increase in economic activity related to film production following the creation of film incentives. “The motion picture industry does much more than fill movie theatres with millions of people who love to hear a good story,” Perry said. “It creates jobs, builds the economy and serves as an incubator for the development of the creative arts industry, as does the production of television programs, television commercials and video games.” For many years Texas has been a net exporter of creative talent, as industry professionals move not only to Hollywood, but other states and countries that provide an environment more conducive to film production. The Texas Film Commission is aware of 32 film projects in the last four years that researched Texas for their production location but instead chose other states that offer film incentives. Twelve of those projects had storylines set in Texas, but chose other locations such as New Mexico, Louisiana and Canada. The loss of those projects cost Texas an estimated $327 million in project spending and forty-six hundred jobs. In recent years, Texas lost 20 percent of its film workforce, including firms that provide specialized filmmaking equipment. |