Bayou City Film News

You are invited to a free informational meeting about the American Film Institute's 2009 Directing Workshop for Women. Join AFI DWW alum Casey Kelly and visiting AFI staff member Li Lu as they discuss this unique educational program for aspiring female directors, show clips from films produced through the workshop and give insights into how to apply. Casey attended the AFI DWW in 1999 and produced her award-winning short film "The Other Woman" through the program. The training she received from AFI lead to Casey directing the feature film "Bracelet of Bordeaux," which recently gained distribution for Spring 2009 release. Casey also serves on the teaching staff of the Jack Valenti School of Communications at the University of Houston. AFI's Directing Workshop for Women (DWW) has been a major force in training women in narrative filmmaking since 1974. Over 200 women have been given the opportunity to participate in this innovative and unique training program f...

The Houston Film Critics Society will announce their Best of 2008 Film Awards in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Brown Auditorium Theater at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 20. Fifteen categories include Best Picture and Performance awards, Ensemble Acting, Cinematography and Score awards, an Honorary Texan award, and an Achievement for Local Cinema award. The event is free and open to the public, followed by a reception in the museum galleries. Interviews are available with MFAH film and video curator Marian Luntz, Houston Film Critics Society president Nick Nicholson, and Houston Film Critics Society vice-president Michael Bergeron. Please RSVP for the event by calling 713-639-7554 or emailing MFAHPR@mfah.org .

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"Everything or Nothing" Directed by Gary Chason Original Screenplay by Sue Rock Lynny is a drug addict. Living from fix to fix with her abusive boyfriend and turning tricks to support their heroin habit, one day Lynny realizes that she's on the fast track to an early grave. With the help of her friend Sadie, she is able to give up on drugs, dump her boyfriend and leave the world of prostitution. Plagued by haunting memories of the past and her own struggle to overcome her addiction, Lynny manages to find work and eventually gets accepted to the local community college. She even finds love with a man who adores her despite her former lifestyle. But can her newfound happiness last? Especially when, on her wedding day, she gets a visit from her heroin dealer. http://www.southaustinpictures.com/ RT: 1hr. 34 min. Friday, December 5, 2008 @ 7:00PM Rice University Media Center Directed By: Gary Chason (In Attendance) Cost: FREE and open to the public

Every first Thursday of the month we will have a FREE screening of award-winning Texas-made short film entries from the Houston Film Commissions Texas Filmmakers Showcase or from other film festivals. The one hour-ish screenings will begin at 8:30PM at Dean's Credit Clothing, 316 Main Street (between Preston & Congress). Come see some great films that you may never get to see again or to just talk film in the comfort of the hippest venue downtown. If you can't make it, do the right thing and tell a film making friend. Films subject to change. For more information call 713-437-5249. A preview of the film is below. Alfred CervantesDeputy Director Houston Film Commission 901 Bagby, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77002 713-437-5249 Direct 713-301-1848 Mobile 800-365-7575 Toll Free 713-223-3816 Fax AIM/iChat: houstonfilmcomm houstonfilmcommission.com myspace.com/houstonfilmcommission

Special Guest Barry Coffing Finding the right music to score a film can be one of the most daunting tasks for an independent filmmaker.The songs you want are often too expensive to license. Many filmmakers are forced to buy royalty free music that sounds generic and does little to enhance the film. Hollywood music supervisor Barry Coffing has created a website to help filmmakers find quality music for their productions. www.musicsupervisor.com is your online resource for finding all genres of music for film and television. Come to this salon to meet Barry and found out about this new, easy to use resource for filmmakers. ABOUT BARRY COFFING:Barry Coffing, founder of Uprising Entertainment & Music Supervisor.com, is a versatile producer, songwriter, composer, singer and film/TV music professional. His songs have charted around the world, and include the #1 hit "How Do You Talk to an Angel." Artists recording his songs include: Randy Travis, Michael McDonald, Cyndi Lauper,...

TXMPA Wrap Party ‘08 December 6, 2008 Pasadena Convention Center, Campbell Hall 7902 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, Texas 77507 6pm to 12am Let’s Wrap Up Incentives in 2009! www.txmpa.org This will be the Best Holiday Mixer for Film, Television and Gamers in the State! Over 3000 statewide invites have gone out to Producers, Writers, Directors, Actors, Game Producers, Graphic Artists, Sound and Post Companies, and Working Crew (ADs/Grip/Electric/Wardrobe/Hair/Make-up/Transpo/Travel/Production Assistants). Not to mention all our Vendors, Suppliers, Supporters and Film Festival Folks, too! The bottom line, if you work for, with, near or want to be a part of the Film, Television or Gaming Industry in Texas…or if you’ve already been working hard, all year, writing, developing, pitching, producing, crewing, printing, posting or selling anything related to our industry…this is your wrap party! Come have fun with us and celebrate the efforts and successes of the work done in 2008. Click here to b...

Tickets and Sponsorships Purchase online, by phone, or mail your check to: Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc. P.O. Box 70286 - Houston, TX 77270 Please make checks payable to "SNAP, Inc." http://www.snapus.org/gala

The Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) will present a "preview" Cinema and Media Arts Festival November 20 thru 23, 2008. The featured guests, whose acclaimed and influential productions cross over boundaries of feature filmmaking, video art, and interactive new media, are emblematic of the kind of media artists HCAS will celebrate at the annual Festival. In 2009 the Cinema And Media Arts Festival will grow to be a week long festival with concurrent events throughout Houston. Expect a wide array of live events integrating cinema, music, and performance, outdoor projections, interactive installations in galleries, and Internet designed and generated movies, as well as theatrical presentations of international films and videos. Films to be screened: Thursday, November 20 at 2:30 p.m.Screening and Conversation with Alex RiveraRice Media Center, Rice University Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m.Screening of "Sleep Dealer" and Conversation with Filmmaker Alex Rivera Rive...

WorldFest began in August 1961, as Cinema Arts, an International Film Society. It began screening Independent, foreign & art films. It became an officially competitive International Film Festival Seven years later, in April 1968, and has been in continuous operation since. It is one of the original three film festivals in North America, with San Francisco and New York as the first two events. Following WorldFest was Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, and Seattle. Then Sundance and SXSW, Toronto and Tribeca. Now there are more than 1,000 USA film festivals of various types, levels and quality, most being simply non-competitive screening events! WorldFest is international, competitive and invites filmmakers worldwide. The 42nd Annual WorldFest offers International Competition in; Features, Shorts, TV production, TV commercials, unproduced Screenplays & Teleplays, Experimental, Student, Documentary, Business & Industry, New Media, and Music Videos. WorldFest is the largest film &...

The show is a high energy and heartwarming musical about friendship, love, generosity and faith. Encompassing a multitude of music genres, costumes, and choreography. The show dates are November 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 pm and Sunday's at 3:00 pm. Admission is $10 and children five and under $5. For tickets or more information, please call (713)316-9800. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone or at the door prior to each performance. When & Where 11525 Todd Street Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77055

Hi Friends & Filmmakers, This is the big one! The 2008 Texas Filmmakers Showcase screening atthe Museum of Fine Arts Houston this Saturday 11/1 at 7PM. As afilmmaker/cineast, I hope you can join us for this diverse collectionof the best of Texas-made short films of the year. There is somethingfor everyone in this lineup that has been screened in Los Angeles andrecently as an Official Selection of the Austin Film Festival: http://www.houstonfilmcommission.com/showcase.htm Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions and I hope to seeyou there... Alfred Cervantes Houston Film Commission 713-437-5249 Directmyspace.com/houstonfilmcommission

In this work shop Kelley Baker will walk you through the ins and outs of everything you need to do before you get to the set. From staged readings and actor rehearsals, to script break downs and securing lots of free stuff Kelley has seen and done it all. How do you know if you've hired the right crew? What kind of insurance should you have, and how much? What happens if one of your locations falls through at the last minute? Do you have location releases, actor releases? Who gets a certificate of insurance? How long should Pre-production even last? I believe that your movie is made before you ever step on the set. If you get Pre-production right then the rest of your schedule should go smooth, and when it doesn't you need to know what to do to get it back on track. "Angry Filmmaker" Kelley Baker has written and directed three full-length features, including KICKING BIRD (2005), THE GAS CAFE (2001) and BIRDDOG (1999). The first two were shot digitally and co...

Houston, TX – On October 25, 2008, Film Expo Texas will host its sixth annual all day expo at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel situated at 2929 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098. The nonprofit event, Getting into the Movies: Making the Industry Work for You, will offer: workshops, panel discussions, mentoring sessions and a movie screening in a small format atmosphere ideal for super-networking with the panelists. Open to the public, the expo welcomes filmmakers, actors and those interested in working in front of the camera, or behind the scenes in film or television, as well as potential vendors, service providers and the inquisitive. The all day expo opens at eight o’clock a.m. and is priced at an affordable $35 which includes: admission to the panel discussions, exhibits, movie screening and a promotional bag stuffed with valuable resource materials. The special guest for the expo is Houston based DP/Cinematographer Mark Sullivan, who will introduce the RED ONE Digital Cinema Camer...

www.astrodomestudios.net

To Industry Friends and Colleagues: Your interest and support in strengthening Houston's and Texas' production industry is needed as we actively pursue converting the Astrodome into a major production facility. Not only can this project put people to work, bring more business to the state, and increase your sales and rentals, it can put Houston back on the production map where it used to be. Hope you can join us at the SWAMP salon Tuesday at Rice Media Center. As always... Onward and Upward, Cynthia Neely SWAMP Salon: Astrodome Studios Tuesday, October 7, 2008 6:30 PM - Mix, Mingle, and Munch 7:30 PM - Presentation Location: Rice Media Center, Rice University Campus, Entrance #8 on University Blvd (at Stockton) Cost: FREE Astrodome Studios, the new name tied to the future of Houston's and Texas' film and entertainment industry, is a concept aimed at transforming the former stadium into a major sound stage and production facility. This will become one grand production i...

Join TXMPA members and supporters on Friday, November 7 for SPAGHETTI WESTERN, a night of fun and fundraising. Reservations are being accepted now for this signature event for the Central Texas Region of Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Join us for a seated, family style italian dinner under the stars, liquid refreshments, celebrity speakers, silent auction, and music by Gary Clark, Jr & Band. Six-time Grammy winner Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel will emcee. Your support is critical to our campaign to bring more business to Texas. Funds from the party will directly support TXMPA's mission to lobby the legislature, increase the incentive program, and enhance work opportunities for our industry. ONLY 500 SEATS AVAILABLE RESERVE EARLY FOR A GUARANTEED GOOD TIME! info at www.centraltxmpa.org

Saturday, October 25, 2008 Sheraton Four Points Hotel 2929 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77098 Workshops & Panel Discussions Exhibit Hall Animation Corner Mentoring Breakout Sessions Directing Screenwriting Acting for the Camera Guerilla Filmmaking Legal Aspects of Filmmaking Cinematography Take the Filmmakers Test - Win Prizes! Free Expo Promo Bag For more Info visit: www.FilmExpoTexas.com

I have had a business relationship with Actor’s Etc., Inc. and Denise Coburn since January of 1985. She was my talent agent. During that time I spent time working in the office to help out and get a better sense of how talent agency’s worked as well as how talent was chosen for the thousands of jobs that came through. Since 1985 there have been many who came through those doors as assistants and sub agents like Diane Craig, Pat Langewis, Kari Skain, Dolores Jackson and so many more I honestly can’t remember them all. AEI represented approximately 600 actors from around the country. Denise’ strength was representing voiceover talent which she enjoyed. She worked tirelessly on getting her voice talent work and was very good at it. I’ve sat in the office while she fought for her talent to get them hired, to get them paid in a reasonable amount of time and to guide her talent as best as she knew how to make them better. Coburn would always suggest voice over and acting classes in an attemp...

Hi Friends & Filmmakers, Texas filmmaker Chris Ohlson is having a busy 2008 with three films he worked on premiering this year at the Sundance Film Festival (American Teen, Baghead, and Goliath) in addition to Directing his debut feature film. Chris will be in attendance for a Q&A on Thursday September 4th as we showcase his body of eccentric and eclectic short films that can only come from the mind of Chris Ohlson. Please Join us on Thursday September 4th at 8:30pm (NEW TIME!) at Deans Credit Clothing, 316 Main St, Downtown (at Preston, next to Mia Bella), for this special short film presentation. This FREE evening is not to be missed because you won't get to see these film anywhere else! Please arrive early, screening begins promptly at 8:30PMish. More Information/Video: http://filmhouston.texaswebhost.com/firstthursdays.htm Best, Alfred-- Alfred Cervantes Deputy Director Houston Film Commission 901 Bagby, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77002 713-437-5249 Direct 713-301-1848 Mo...

For years the Houston Film Commission has sponsored the Texas Filmmakers Showcase, which is a special screening of short films and videos under 45 minutes in length. The screening is presented in Los Angeles annually to studio executives, agents and producers in the Hollywood film community. The winners are flown to the event and provided with an evenings accomodation and transportation to and from the screening. This years winners are: "The Aviatrix" - Todd Burton, Austin, TX. "Death Of An Ally" - Julio and Marla Quintana, Austin, TX. "Goobees" - Patrick O'Brien, Washington, TX. "jean=truth" - SunHee Cho, Austin,TX "The Last Turn" - Robert Castaldo, Dallas, TX. "Midway" - Darius Monroe, Houston, TX. "Separate Vacations" - Anne Lewis, Austin, TX. "When the Light's Red" - Keith Wilson, Austin, TX. While the initial screening was held this past June in Los Angeles film-goers can see these films for th...

To purchase tickets for this event visit: http://www.txtalent.net

Congratulations to Pastorini-Bosby actor SAM RICHARDSON has been cast in the Lifetime tv movie "Living Proof." Shot in New Orleans, the movie stars Harry Connick Jr. as Dr. Dennis Slamon who devoted his life's work to finding a cure for breast cancer. Produced by Academy Award winning actress Renee Zellweger and Sony Pictures Television, the film will premiere on Lifetime Television in October 2008 as part of the Network's Stop Breast Cancer for Life campaign during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If your actor has been cast in a feature film, television series, commercial or music video let Bayou City Film News know about it and I'll be more than happy to help spread the word.

I want to take a brief moment to thank all of you that have become members of TXMPA and all of you that support our efforts. Hopefully you have all been receiving the numerous updates on our many meetings across the state. It is important that you join us at these gatherings as often as possible so we can keep you up to date on where we are headed and to be involved in the efforts of getting our message out to fellow industry members, legislators, and the public at large. While some of these messages may seem redundant to those that signed up early on, it is important for all of us to hear them in order to keep our focus. Use each e-blast that you receive as a reminder of the challenge ahead and as an opportunity to reach out to spread the word. Embrace our pleas for members and funds as a chance to find a home for that last little bit of cash left over from your stimulus checks that you’ve been wondering how to spend. Seriously, everyone gets tired of being asked for money and I wish...

When it opened in 1965, it was called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Houston Astrodome still remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. But new developments threaten this architectural icon. Now a group of movie professionals and business leaders seek to turn this former home of the Houston Astros into a movie studio. Learn more about this campaign and what you can do to help make it a reality. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 6:30pm - Mix, Mingle and Munch 7:30pm - Presentation by Cynthia Neely Location: SWAMP (1519 West Main, Houston, TX 77006) www.swamp.org

Folks, the legislative season is upon us. Long before the session begins in January, much work has already been done -- and there's a great deal yet to be done -- toward making Texas' incentive program more competitive, and regaining some of the ground that Texas has lost. The only way to revise the system is through legislative action, and if it doesn't happen this session, it will be two years before we have another chance. If you work in any capacity on films of any stripe; television; commercials; corporate videos; music videos; animation; or video games, you need to help us make these changes happen. You may wonder what these different production types have in common. First, they all create visual content. Secondly, they're portable industries, with no need for factories or big infrastructure to create their products, and that's why this industry can be so severely impacted by incentives offered in other states. If you offer a competitive incentive, they will c...

DOMINION FILMS announces the schedule of its trademarked Getting Into The Movies Workshops in Houston. Production Assistant Workshop-Saturday, August 9th is designed for those wanting to work behind the scenes on film, video and broadcast projects beginning at the ground up. Movie Extras Workshop-Sunday, August 10th is for those wanting to work, or get more work, in front of the camera, starting out as a movie extra and moving up to more featured roles. Production Coordinator Workshop-Saturday and Sunday, September 20th-21st, an intensive nuts and bolts, hands-on workshop training in setting up and running a seamless and top notch motion picture production office and coordinating the all important aspects of any production. Production Makeup Workshop-Sunday and Monday, August 17th-18th, an intensive, hands-on workshop for current and aspiring makeup artist wanting to transition what they are doing now to the highly technical field of makeup for the motion picture industry. Hairs...

PALO ALTO July 17, 2008 Metacafe® , whose nearly 30 million unique viewers each month make it one of the world's largest video entertainment sites, and Microcinema International , a leading international rights manager, exhibitor and specialty markets distributor of the "moving image arts," are teaming to create and curate MetaFest 2008. MetaFest is a juried online and offline film festival presenting the best in international creative and contemporary short-form video entertainment. The MetaFest call for entries, which opens today, invites short video, film and digital media submissions of 10 minutes or less that are narrative, humorous, artistic, dramatic, animated, documentary, mockumentary, music, experimental, alternative or avant-garde in any genre, format or style. Films that demonstrate engaging storytelling, innovative presentation, creative expression, and bridge the worlds of online and offline entertainment in a unique and compelling way are preferred. Add...

I thought you might be interested in a movie called "August Evening" that will be screening Saturday August 9th at the Museum Of Fine Arts at 7PM. It is a touching Spanish language film that has won numerous awards and will open in limited theaters this fall. It is a film worth getting behind not only because it was made in Texas(!), but it's an emotional story that I hope you can also tell your friends and family about. For more information contact: Alfred Cervantes Deputy Director Houston Film Commission 901 Bagby, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77002 713-437-5249 Direct 713-301-1848 Mobile

Coming soon!! Everything you need to know about Houston's growing film industry as well as the industry around the state of Texas....Stay tuned!!! Edwin Johnson