Bayou City Film News

Terence Daniels latest animation video. See more of his work  @  http://www.wholebitmedia.com

Recent Art Institute Graduate Glenn Challenger submitted the spot which if picked could air during next years Superbowl. Glenn's spot is called "Cut" and his team is Good Banana. The winners of the contest also take home a million dollar prize and get the chance to work with The Lonely Island Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer. Houston's Art Institute has turned out some great, imaginative filmmakers and Glenn is proof positive of that trend. Good luck to Glenn and the Good Banana team. Check out his submission here. http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery/?video=14583

The city of Houston celebrated cinema earlier this month. The 3rd annual Cinema Arts festival unspooled November 9th thru 13th, 2011 with 35+ events all over town. As usual with festivals you can't see everything since there are multiple screening at the same time and I still haven't figured out how to clone myself. So, the following is a wrap up of what I did get a chance to see. First up was the annual Texas Filmmakers Showcase. The Houston Film Commission seeks out the best short films made in Texas and the winners are first screened in Los Angeles. Notables from this years competition were Soham Mehta's, (in photo) "Fatakra," Bradley Jackson's "The Man Who Never Cried," which you can see below in a previous post and "LCD Soundsystem - Home" filmed by Houstonians Mark Armes and Rick Darge. Next up was "Echotone." Directed by Nathan Christ, the film takes it's viewer through what happens when Austin's music community...

Ralph Winston has never cried; not when he was a baby, not when his heart was crushed by his high school sweetheart, not even when he first saw Steven Spielberg's E.T. So when his father dies, Ralph - age 32 - decides to embark upon a true emotional journey with hopes to shed his first tear before the funeral - and before it's not too late. Winner of the 2010 Doorpost Film Project $100,000 grand prize and Audience Choice Award.

HOUSTON – Austin native, Ethan Hawke, whose career has spanned theater and film acting and directing as well as novel writing, will present his latest film, The Woman in the Fifth, for the first time in Houston at the 2011 Cinema Arts Festival Houston. Hawke will receive the Levantine Cinema Arts Award from the festival, honoring his multifaceted career in the arts, which started at age 14.The screening at the Museum of Fine Arts Brown Auditorium on Saturday, November 12 at 7 PM will be followed by a conversation on his multifaceted career, moderated by film teacher and critic Joe Leydon. If that is not enough, Hawke’s good friend, famed director of Slacker and Dazed and Confused, Richard Linklater will join Hawke the following day for a tenth anniversary screening of their 2001 collaboration, Tape, on November 13 at 1 PM at Edwards Greenway Grand Palace. Also premiering in Texas at the 2011 Cinema Arts Festival Houston are three major upcoming releases: the award-winning and criticall...

It is with great sadness that I have to report on the passing of Austin actress Maricela Ochoa Henderson. Ochoa lost her battle with breast cancer earlier today. Starting with a ABC After School Special in 1993 she has a pretty steady career in Los Angeles working on show like "Joan of Arcadia," "Missing Persons," "New York Undercover" and "ER." She also had worked in theater as well as several film before having to suspend her career in 2007. Ochoa leaves behind her husband, family and hundreds of friends.  Below is a facebook post from her husband Mark A letter from Maricela Ochoa's husband, Mark Henderson "Dear Friends, It is with great sadness that I deliver the news of my wife Maricela Ochoa- Henderson's passing. She died peacefully early Monday morning in Austin, Texas surrounded by her loving family. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Our love and gratitude goes out to all of you who loved an...

Homer Garcon is an unpublished and frustrated science fiction writer living off the success of his wife, Trude Garcon-Moore, a busy Hollywood producer. As a result, he finds himself “trapped” in lavish surroundings – his luxury jail – and with publisher rejection letters piling high, Homer has convinced himself of his wife's infidelity. Phillips’ darkly-comic script follows Homer as he dives into the prickly territories of self-awareness and self pity, in his quest to find the truth about his possibly cheating wife--and himself--all at a Valentine's Day dinner decidedly set for three. A largely dialogue-driven film, A Swingin’ Trio is about four things: love, music, betrayal, and one really good dinner. http://www.aswingintrio.com/

http://www.dreamerfilm.com/

http://www.borderbreakmovie.com/

This Thursday 9/1, join us for a Q&A screening of 2009 Student Academy Award...-Winner and 2010 Academy Award Nominated live action short film KAVI by Gregg Helvey which was screened in IFFH 2010. This powerful and touching short, filmed as a USC thesis film, has screened at over 100 film festivals and has brought awareness of modern day slavery to the attention of many thousands. Kavi screens this Thursday at the Fairview for Houston Film Commission's First Thursday short film screeing. Also screening that night is short film titled "Noir" by Houston filmmaker Mike James.

Orly is committed to helping artistically and intellectually rigorous and important films reach their respective audiences via a financial model that is sustainable for filmmakers. At TFC, Orly works primarily on distribution, sales/licensing and contract/negotiation services with a focus on new media digital distribution. She also handles theatrical releases. A "big picture" thinker, Orly created TFC in response to a dominant and overarching structure that favors middlemen, not filmmakers. Her intense diligence in protecting filmmakers' rights and revenues is equally matched by her passion for art film and socio/political issue-focused documentaries. She is also a programming consultant at Palm Springs International and a Programming Associate for documentaries at Sundance. Her past affiliations include Senator Entertainment (VP Acquisitions and Distribution); Wolfe Releasing (Director: Acquisitions, Theatrical, Non-Theatrical, Business Affairs and Digital Distribut...

Come meet and mingle with SXSW Programmers as they gear up for the 2012 Festival. Whether you have questions about submitting a film, want to learn more about the event or just want a free drink. We look forward to seeing you! Complimentary Cocktails hosted by Republic Tequila (http://www.republictequila.com/) and Republic Spirit Blends (http://www.republicspiritblends.com/cocktails/). Food trucks, including Cupcakes a GoGo, will also be on-site selling gourmet treats. Special thanks to the Houston Film Commision, SWAMP, MFAH Films and Cinema Arts Festival Houston for partnering with us on the event. Where: Aurora Picture Show / 1524 Sul Ross Rd / Houston, TX 77006 When: Wednesday, August 31 / 6pm - 8:30pm How: RSVP here - http://sxswhtown.eventbrite.com/

We are delighted to announce our 45th Annual WorldFest Call for Entries! The EarlyBird Discount Deadline is November 15th, 2011, the Main Entry Deadline is December 15th, 2011. Complete Entry Info awaits you at TEAM WORLDFEST The 45th Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film & Video Festival - April 13-22, 2012 http://www.worldfest.org/

The 2012 SXSW film, video, interactive and music festival has launched. SXSW will take place from March 9 - 18, 2012. I know this is last years logo, but hopefully you get the meaning. For more information on SXSW 2012, click the link below. http://www.sxsw.com/

"Plushicity" is The 4thCollective's entry into the 2011 48 Hour Film Project in Houston, TX. Produced by Shabango Productions in assation with SBJ Films (both Houston companies), this film will be sure to entertain as much as it disturbs as it takes you into the dark underbelly of a chilren's show hosted by puppets.

BRUCE CAMPBELL? Star of BURN NOTICE, ARMY OF DARKNESS and EVIL DEAD! Now is your chance? Bruce will appear at the 2011 SplatterFest Film Festival and Convention October 1st at the Alamo Drafthouse Westoaks in Houston, TX! Bruce will be singing autographs (for a fee) so bring your own memorabilia, or purchase a pic for Bruce to sign at the festival. This is a rare opportunity, so don’t miss out! A limited number of VIP tickets are available. These are sure to sell out quickly, so order your’s today! http://splatterfest.com/Home.html

Star Wars Channel Tags: Atom.com | Funny Videos | Tournament | Upload

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/undocumented/dreamer-a-true-american-story?ref=card

From start to finish, Paul Bright takes you through each step of making your feature film and will have you well into pre-production before the afternoon is over. Learn how to make your feature film, your vision for $15,000. About to begin filming his sixth feature, and working for the second time with both Screen Actors Guild and the American Humane Organization, Paul has fantastic ideas to make your shoot simple, manageable, and a success. The seminar includes handouts that makes the entire pre-production process straightforward, and topics covered include fundraising, marketing and distribution. Bright Filmmaking Seminars give you the tools to make your screenplay shootable, teaches the details of planning your film shoot, offers insights into how to run your film set calmly and efficiently, and helps you position your movie so the world will want to see it. For more info contact http://www.swamp.org/

I recently had the opportunity to chat with filmmaker Dallas Box and see some of his work. Dallas is a graduate of The Art Institute Houston in digital filmmaking. He has worked alot with Houston musicians on their music videos as well as his short film work with GoBo Productions. This talented filmmakers work can be seen on YouTube or you can visit his website, www.dallasboxfilms.com Check out the trailer from his film "The Sellaway Special" which he wrote, directed and produced.

Every year we have the privilege of presenting a collection of the Best of Texas-made short films, and 2011 is no exception. There is something for everyone in the 90 minute Showcase comprised of projects selected by the jury panel that represent the creative, bold filmmaking that comes from Texas. The Showcase is designed for Los Angeles-based producers, agents, and studios to screen the work first hand of talented Texas cinematic storytellers.   "When my first short film was selected for the Texas Filmmakers Showcase years ago, the Houston Film Commission flew me to Los Angeles for an elegant screening at the Directors Guild of America Theater. The interesting people I met and the incredible experience opened my eyes to the possibility of making a career out of movies." - Chris Eska, AUGUST EVENING - 2008 Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award; SEPTEMBER MORNING - Coming Soon. And this years winner are: "8"- Julie Gould and Daniel Laabs "Fatakra...

 Lyndonne Payne's feature film "Desire, Hostility, Delusion screens this month at TBH Theatre later this month. There will be two shows on Sunday, June 26th @ 4:00 PM and 6:30PM with a cast meet and greet in between. For ticket info visit http://www.desirehostilitydelusion.com/ or info@inkmediaproductions.com 832-477-0143 

SWAMP's Film and Video workshops are designed as tools for the emerging and developing filmmaker who are ready to take their productions to the next level. These affordable classes are packed full of practical information to help you make the most of your film, video and multi-media projects.   A pioneer in independent filmmaking since 1977, SWAMP has fostered hundreds of talented filmmakers through our TexasPBS series THE TERRITORY, workshops, conferences, after-school classes, Media Literacy Institute and by offering fiscal sponsorship and grant opportunities to worthy projects. SWAMP's workshops are a vital part of our income as an organization. By attending our classes, you not only gain valuable knowledge and insight into the filmmaking process, but you also help SWAMP continue our mission - to promote the creation and appreciation of film, video, and new media as art forms of a multicultural community. For more information about SWAMP, please visit our website at ht...

"One Foot In The Gutter," directed by Justin Koleszar tells the story or Marshall Grey, who after recently being arrested spends one last night with his friends before going away. This feature will be on tour in Houston in early June, possibly at the Alamo Drafthouse. More details to come as I get them. Monday June 6th there will be a show at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at West Oaks Mall. 7:30PM and it's a free screening. http://www.onefootinthegutter.com/ 

Had a change to check out this feature film earlier this week at Houston's Studio Movie Grill. "Earthling screened at SXSW for 2010. It's from the same crew that created "Wuss" which screened at SXSW for 2011. "Earthling" is one of those films that kinda makes you think. Check out the trailer and then watch this movie in it's entirety.

http://www.wellingfilms.com/

Click on this link to see him talk about it Check out this great MSN video: North Texas Director Goes To Cannes You should also check out Ya'ke's web site. He's currently raising funds for his feature film titled "Wolf" Visit www.exodusfilmworks.com or click here to go directly to his indiegogo page http://www.indiegogo.com/Wolf

I had a chance to stop by Houston city hall recently. I have to admit I hadn't been down there in quite a few years. It was my first ever visit to the city of Houston's visitors center. I went for a test screening for a local filmmakers work and had no idea the in the visitors center is a small 48 seat screening room. While I can't talk about the film here, the screening room itself was a nice surprise. More Houston filmmakers should utilize this space to screen their projects in order to get feedback during the post production faze. Click on the Houston Film Commission link below for more info.

WorldFest-Houston, the third longest-running International Film Festival in North America, and oldest Indie Film Festival in the World, celebrated the conclusion of its 10-day run of films, fun and fanfare in its 44th annual independent film showcase with an increase in overall audience attendance of 15 percent over 2010 attendance, despite the economic turndown. Kicking off WorldFest's Opening Night festivities on Friday, April 8, was the Texas premiere of Chad Waterhouse and Ankush Kholi's poignant road film EXODUS FALL (Jesse James, Rosanna Arquette) with producer, Michael Baumgarten and both directors on hand to present their film. WorldFest also this year celebrated its Sixth annual Panorama Italia in collaboration with Albert di Mauro, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, CA. (IIC), featuring Laura Luchetti's FEBBRE DA FIENO and three other independently produced Italian films. Closing weekend festivities April 16 & April 17 included a G...

The Southwest Alternate Media Project presents a salon the last Tuesday of each month featuring a topic of interest to local filmmakers. The April salon will feature the Houston 48HFP. There will be a brief presenation about the project and see Highlights of the Houston 48HFP 2010 - Part 2. The 48 Hour Film Project is a wild and sleepless weekend in which you and a team make a movie—write, shoot, edit and score it—in just 48 hour...s. On Friday night, you get a character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a genre, all to include in your movie. 48 hours later, the movie must be complete. Then it will screen at a local theater. Show your support of the local arts community and see what your fellow filmmakers can accomplish in a single weekend. This is also the perfect time to get answers to any 48 hour film questions you have as well as meet potential teammates for the 2011 tour. Films to Screen (listed alphabetically) "10/40 Investigators" by Dead Horses (Mockumentary)...

For more information on filming in Houston, click on the Houston Film Commission link below.

www.kerrybeyer.com

St. Nick is the story of a brother and sister on the run. He's eleven, she's eight. They've left their home for some unknown reason, and are living in the woods, hiding in barns and sheds, doing what they can to survive. As the bitter Texas winter sets in, they strike up residence in an abandoned country house and, for a brief, happy period, manage to escape the harsh realities of their circumstances. Written, directed & edited by David Lowery (in attendance) Starring Tucker Sears, Savanna Sears, Barlow Jacobs, E. Andrew Sensenig, Laura Stone, and Mara Lee Miller Produced by James M. Johnston Executive Produced by Adam Donaghey (in attendance Southwest Alternate Media Project Friday, May 6th @ 7PM Rice University Media Center Tickets: $7 - General Public $6 - SWAMP Members, Seniors and Students 

We hope some of you if not all who see this post can particpate at the following: TEST SCREENING: Test audience needed for independent feature film. If you enjoy movies like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and the films of Stan Brakhage (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0104132), then you arewanted to give your opinion. Attendees must complete an anonymous questionnaire. The FREE screening is at the Visitors Information Center Theater (901 Bagby, http://goo.gl/Z8EK), on Wednesday, April 27th from 8:00PM - 10:00PM. Limited seating. To RSVP: texastestscreening@gmail.com

Here is the promo trailer for Tom Huckabee's feaature film "Carried Away." This funny, yet touching film follows a family as they deal with an elderly loved one who is battling the onset of dementia. For more info you can visit http://www.carriedawaythemovie.com/

Houston native Mirelle Enos stars in the AMC television series "The Killing." Enos, a graduate of HSPVA and Brigham Young University spent 10 years in New York and during that time was nominated for a Tony Awards portraying the role of Honey in Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe." Before working on her current project she co-starred in "Big Love" and has worked on numberous show some of which were CSI: Miami, Law And Order: Criminal Intent, Medium, Numb3rs, Crossing Jordan, Without A Trace and many, many more. Below is a trailer for the series.

Kerry Beyer is an award winning filmmaker and photographer. His work has been published in Vogue, Lucky, Allure, the New York Times and more... visit the studio at http://kerrybeyer.com/

www.wellingfilms.com

"An Acrid Yarn" is a controversial, independent film that addresses the human conflicts of judgment, belief, and passion. It explores the deep complexities of human nature, both good and evil, and reveals them to be found in unexpected places. It's a startling tale of wolves in sheep clothing, one that introduces the notion that evil can be lying in your own backyard. The film will have it's first screening during  4 Day  Weekend in Fort Worth, Texas on April 17th 2011.

This month the Texas Independent Film Network presents the first feature film by Eagle Pennell (1952-2002). Considered a classic of American independent cinema, it follows the tragicomic struggles of two small-time schemers (Lou Perryman and Sonny Carl Davis), desperate to land their big break. This no-budget film's rough-hewn charm and skillful storytelling have made it an inspiration for many, including Robert Redford, who has been quoted as saying that The Whole Shootin' Match was among the films that inspired him to found the Sundance Institute. *The screening will be introduced by Sonny Carl Davis (pictured above right) and filmmaker Brian Huberman, chair of Rice University's Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts. The Whole Shootin' Match Co-sponsored by the Texas Independent Film Network & MFAH Friday, April 1, 2011 @ 7PM Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Brown Auditorium 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX www.swamp.org Or click the link below for more information

http://www.aswingintrio.com/

My first time going to SXSW was definately a good time. With so much to choose from it was hard to pick which films to see. Of course I had to check out the opening film. So I made my way to Austin's historic Paramount Theater and saw "Source Code" starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Opening to the general public on April 1st. I won't reveal to much about the film, so check out the trailer, and then go see the film. "Blacktino" is a dark teen comedy about an overweight half-black, half-hispanic nerd named Stefan Daily. He was raised by his black grandmother in a medium sized suburb of Austin, TX. Struggling to find his place in a mostly white high school, Stefan finds sanctuary among the eclectic mix of social outcasts in the school's Theatre Department. Wuss is the story of a high school teacher who faces constant ridicule after he's repeatedly beaten up by several of his own students. Having nowhere else to turn, he eventually teams up with another of...

Austin’s resident movie-mockers Master Pancake Theater come to Houston with one of their most popular riffs: the teen-vampire movie sensation of the century, TWILIGHT (2008). Entertainment Weekly recently hailed Master Pancake as "a glorious pairing of movies and live comedy" and the readers of the Austin Chronicle have voted them Best Comedy Troupe in Austin for the last 3 years. The comedians of Master Pancake talk live over the movie and bring you skits and drinking games as well. Their comedic touch is perfect for TWILIGHT, featuring Kristen Stewart as the new kid in town and Robert Pattinson as the centuries-old kid in town. Kidding aside, the acting is surprisingly good. Stewart is masterful at her one acting chop -- biting her lower lip to convey emotion -- and Pattinson has perfected the pale dead-guy mystique that he honed as Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter series. On Saturday, March 19th, come on out and let the bloodletting begin as we suck the life out of this ...

This session’s budget crisis has encouraged us to develop a more personalized approach to the legislative outreach in support of our Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Because of the tough economic choices Legislators are facing, it is vitally important to be sensitive in our outreach to any perception that funding for the Incentive Program would detract from other worthy programs.   One of our greatest strengths is that we are an industry made up of unique individuals with our own personal stories of how the Incentive Program has created opportunities for us here in Texas. Given the budget environment, we have decided that this year we can most effectively share our message through ongoing, personalized initiatives rather than the large-scale public rally on the Capitol steps.   For this reason, we have rescheduled the rally to be part of our information session on Tuesday night at Austin Studios, and are encouraging members to use Wednesday as an opportunity ...

The Texas Filmmakers Showcase is a special screening event consisting of the best of Texas short films and videos under 40 minutes in length, presented to studio executives, agents and producers in the Hollywood film community.   The filmmakers whose projects are selected to participate will be flown from Texas to Los Angeles and provided with one evenings accommodation and transportation to and from the screening. The screening is accompanied by a reception where filmmakers and industry professionals can visit with each other to discuss filmmaking , financing, distribution and other aspects of the movie business. The submitted projects must have been produced in Texas or by a current Texas resident; The project must be under 40 minutes in length; the project must have been completed within three years before the entry deadline of April 1; the project cannot have been submitted in a previous year; three projects per filmmaker, per year can be submitted; No Entry Fee!   ...

 This is the sneak preview trailer for the motion picture: "RENFIELD: THE UN-DEAD" coming soon from Poison Apple Films and Champion Entertainment. Directed by Bob Willems, Written and Produced by Phil Nichols, starring Keli Wolfe, Paul Damon, Roxy Cook, Tyler Tackett, Calvin Lafiton and Shelley Boozer. Renfield has it's Houston screening in April during Worldfest Houston, Houston Interneational Film Festival on April 15th, 2011.

Check out the teaser trailer for Ya'ke Smiths feature film "Wolf"...Also congrats to him for being eligible for the 2012 Academy Award for his live action short film "Katrina's Son" http://www.exodusfilmworks.com/

Many people regard 1974's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as Tobe Hooper's feature debut. Not so. In 1969, native Texan Hooper gathered a ramshackle crew and a young cast to make Eggshells, a surreal, psychedelic drama about undergraduates sharing a house in Austin. The previously thought 'lost' cult masterpiece has been restored and is getting its first public screenings in forty years. Co-sponsored by TIFN, MFAH & SWAMP Eggshells A Film By Tobe Hooper Friday, March 4th @ 7PM Museum of Fine Arts - Houston, Brown Auditorium Tickets $7 - General Public $6 - MFAH Members, SWAMP Members & Students

Bradley Jackson joins Reggie, Andrew, Janet, Michael, Tito, Peter, Bo, Jesse, Randy, Mahalia and Shoeless Joe as a Jackson to watch for big things in the future. He and his film posse are devoted to making films that make you laugh and make you feel. They will put your money where their mouth is when it comes to making a movie. Bank'em and thank'em for being associated with a success story.

Award winning filmmaker/photography Kerry Beyer release new information on his upcoming feature "Code of Evil". Beyer, the man behind "Spirit Camp" will soon be casting for the new film. Here is the pre-production trailer for the film. For more information visit the website http://www.codeofevil.com/

Meet IndieGoGo.com Founder Danae Ringelmann Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Rice University Media Center University Blvd. @ Stockton St. Rice Entrance #8 Houston, TX 6:30pm - Presentation with Danae Ringelmann 8:30pm - Mix & Mingle @ The Fairview   Cost: $5 - General Public Free - SWAMP Members & Students (MUST present member id or valid student id)

SXSW Film can finally reveal both screening and panel dates and times; click below to see the full schedule now! We're also pleased to announce significant additions to our film conference program: Come and enjoy "A Conversation With Paul Reubens", best known around the world as the iconic Pee-Wee Herman, soon to hit TV again in HBO's special broadcast of “The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway.” Reubens will discuss his unusual career, life and unique approach to humor. Elvis Mitchell (KCRW) will conduct "A Conversation With Todd Phillips", the creative mind behind films that explore and eviscerate the absurdity of maleness like Old School, Starsky and Hutch and the hilarious (and soon to receive a sequel) The Hangover. Duncan Jones and his principal cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal, will reveal secrets "Straight From the Source (Code)", about our opening night world premiere, while "SUPER-Talented: A Conversation with James Gunn, Ellen ...

The Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival is now accepting early bird entries! We are currently running half off entry fee for all works of DVD and Script/Screenplays from February 1st to February 28th. Please get your entry in early to beat the rush. This year's Film Festival will be held September 23rd through 25th. Check our website for more details: http://www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com/

Just had the opportunity to screen Houston photograper/filmmaker Kerry Beyer feature "Spirit Camp". The film, billed as "Friday The 13th meets Bring It On" follows a cheerleading squad as they head of to camp supposedly to train for competition but unfortunately none of them make it. From the very beginning they are quickly disposed of by a mysterious serial killer. Spirit Camp is currently available for purchase thru it's website @ http://www.spiritcampmovie.com/ . I find out from Beyer recently that he is currently in negotiations with cable, itunes, netflix as well as hulu. Beyer is also gearing up for Splatterfest, The Ulitimate Horror Film Festival, which will be hosting this years Comicpalooza, May 27th thru 29th at Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center. For more informationn on that you can visit http://splatterfest.com/Home.html  Below is the Splatterfest trailer from October of 2010

TXMPA is pleased to announce that this year's Lobby Day is set for Wednesday, March 9 at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Please mark your calendars and join us in representing our industries. We'll announce more details soon, as your TXMPA Board members are hard at work with our advocacy firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Lawrence Collins to navigate this especially challenging, high-stakes legislative session under the cloud of a $27 billion state budget deficit. As you may have heard, HB1 (the House version of the state budget bill) was filed this week, and includes a drastic proposed reduction to our industries' crucial and successful incentives program. Our incentives may be cut from $60 million to just $10 million for the coming biennium (2012-2013), which would be a devastating blow to film, tv, commercial and video game production and professionals in Texas. Yet in the face of that, we have a great story to tell - our incentive program has generated over $610 million d...

Here is the trailer for Dave Cebrero's "Captives of Hope" I hope you enjoy it

This was one of the short films screened at Houston Film Commissions First Thursday's. Once a month on the first Thursday of every month the Houston Film Commission screens short films made by Texas filmmakers. "Delmer Builds a Machine" was one of two films screened this month along with "Hijo de mi Madre" by Luis Mireles. Jorge Diaz, the star of the film was in the audience. Alfred Cervantes talked with both filmmakers via Skype and also let members of the audience ask questions of the filmmakers. The crowd was a little smaller due to the weather, but they seemed to enjoy the films screened.

I guess you can say I'm a serious Jimmy Kimmel fan. Last night he interviewed "Fairly Legal" actress Sarah Shahi. Shahi a native of Euless, Texas and also a former Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleader. She talks about her work on the show as well as what is was like working as a professional cheerleader.

Spring Texas actor Matt Bomer talks to Jimmy Kimmel on Monday night. The Texas native started his career here in Texas at the Alley Theatre and then worked on a couple of soaps before landing of his current show "White Collar" on the USA Network.