TXMPA ELECTION UPDATE
ONLINE ELECTION:
12:01 AM MON. 6/14 - 11:59 PM THU. 6/17
STATEWIDE MEETING:
1:00 PM SAT. 6/19 at MPS STUDIOS, DALLAS
Our Annual Statewide Meeting is in less than two weeks, and your chance to make your voice heard is mere days away!
By now, you should have received an e-mail announcing the 12 candidates for the three open At-Large seats on TXMPA's Board. (The candidates' bios and photos are on also our website at txmpa.org.) Please take some time to research the candidates thoroughly before voting begins. (If you want to endorse a candidate, e-mail a brief [2-3 sentence] statement to elections@txmpa.org by Friday, June 11.)
Online voting for the At-Large seats opens at 12:01 AM next Monday, June 14th and closes at 11:59 PM Thursday, June 17th. Once again, Ballot Bin will handle the voting process. (To ensure their e-mails go to your inbox and not your spam folder, please “whitelist” Ballot Bin by adding notices@ballotbin.com to your contact list.)
And don't forget: you must be a current/paid member of TXMPA to be eligible to vote. To join, renew, or check your membership status, visit txmpa.org.
Our Annual Statewide Meeting will take place on Saturday, June 19 at MPS Studios in Dallas. Check-in begins at 1:00 PM, and the meeting will take place from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM.
In addition to the introduction of TXMPA's newly elected Board members, Texas Film Commission Director Bob Hudgins will address the current state of our production incentives program. We are also honored that our Keynote Address will feature an esteemed panel of guests from FOX's new series "The Good Guys", including Producer Mitch Engel, Production Manager Joe Dishner, and Co-Producer / Production Designer Craig Siebels, who will share their experience and insight on the benefits of filming in Texas.
Please join us! And if you're looking for a hotel room, the Belmont Hotel is offering discounted rates for TXMPA members. Use rate code TMPA (yes, that's the correct code) when making your reservations. (If you have any questions, please contact the Belmont’s Shana Valdez at 214.393.2300.)
Once again, thank you for your continued support of TXMPA and the moving image production industry in Texas – and special thanks to MPS for hosting us and for their long history of supporting TXMPA. We look forward to seeing you in Dallas on the 19th!
Nikki Young
TXMPA Elections Chair
2010 Candidates
MICHELE AHLSWEDE [South Central Texas]
I am a member of TXMPA and a Master Celebrity Makeup Artist. I have been in the Film Industry for going on 17 years. I started working as a Director / MUA / whatever needed done for a local access cooking show, “Cooking with Lovie”. I worked on lots of indie and TV projects, but while working on a major film as an AD found my passion for the MUA industry. During my crew's down time I was working with Alicia Haley (now of "The L Word") and decided to make the switch. My love for the film industry has never abated and it has been my personal goal to help foster the industry in San Antonio. I own LaCalisto Makeup Artist Academy and work diligently to instill the love of the craft in my students. Teaching set etiquette and proper film and print techniques is paramount to prepare this next generation of makeup artists. I believe the cause of TXMPA is crucial to secure film work in Texas and especially the San Antonio area. I fully understand what would be expected of me, and would do my utmost to be an asset to TXMPA.
RAINE DEVRIES [North Texas]
Raine Devries is a native Dallasite and very passionate about seeing the amazing work of TXMPA continue for the betterment of the Texas film industry. She is actively involved in the North Texas film community in a myriad of ways. She is a producer with IdeaMan Studios where she handles many of the day-to-day logistics on shoots both in-house and on location. She considers herself very fortunate to work daily with creative professionals in a facility that has some of the most cutting edge equipment and technology in the industry as this helps her stay ahead of the curve. As the Dallas producer of the 48 Hour Film Project, she has exceeded all registration goals and enjoys working with so many of the local professional and amateur filmmakers as they compete in that event. She writes a column on the Dallas film industry for Examiner.com where she highlights industry news, casting and crew calls, and other relevant information. Due to her involvement with the media, she was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Women in Film.Dallas.
ADAM DONAGHEY [Southeast Texas]
Adam Donaghey, President and founder of Zero Trans Fat Productions, is an award-winning independent film producer. His work has been seen at festivals and special screenings all over the world. Adam’s latest projects are Independent Spirit nominee Bryan Poyser’s LOVERS OF HATE, recently picked up by IFC Films, and Clay Liford’s MY MOM SMOKES WEED, both of which screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival; Frank V. Ross’ AUDREY THE TRAINWRECK and Clay Liford’s EARTHLING, both premiered at the 2010 South By Southwest Film Festival; and Francisco Diaz’ EL REGRESO WAY, currently on the festival circuit. He is currently in development on Clay Liford’s MINOR IN POSSESSION John Wildman’s STRIPPED, and Michelle Mower’s PREACHER’S DAUGHTER. His first feature film, ST. NICK, premiered at the 2009 South By Southwest Film Festival and subsequently won the Grand Jury Prize for Texas Filmmaking at AFI Dallas. Adam is also a film and food columnist for Houston Bay Area’s SCENE Magazine; and produces the Houston and Austin 24 Hour Film Races.
JEFF EVANS [Southeast Texas]
I currently live in Mesquite, Texas. I am the owner of Roeder & Moon, Inc, a Texas insurance agency specializing in the needs of the production industry. I have been doing this since 1979. I have spoken before the State Board of Insurance and achieved change to insurance regulation in favor of commercial producers. I have served on the board of TXMPA for the last two years and am committed to its future. I will work toward the maturation of the organization and I am in favor of changing the management of TXMPA from the all-volunteer board toward a paid executive manager whose primary responsibility is the running of the organization.
PHIL HARDAGE [North Texas]
Phil Hardage has 20 years of film and TV production experience spanning the state and the globe, with some 40 credits under his belt. After having to leave the state to find work the past few years, Phil is very grateful to be back in Texas thanks to the incentives, working in Dallas as First Assistant Director on "THE GOOD GUYS" (airing Mondays on FOX). Phil got his start as a P.A. in Houston on such films as ROBOCOP 2 and REALITY BITES, and then worked as a 2nd 2nd Assistant Director on films including OFFICE SPACE, NURSE BETTY and GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS. As 2nd Assistant Director, his credits include WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BROKEDOWN PALACE, THE ROOKIE, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE NOTEBOOK. More recently he has been First Assistant Director on such films as THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, THE HITCHER, the pilot for "JACK & BOBBY", and was Second Unit First Assistant Director on THE ALAMO, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END. Phil is eager to bring his first-hand, front-line, in-the-trenches production perspective to the TXMPA Board, representing the entire state with a particular focus on our growing TV industry.
RENEE HILL-SWEET [Southeast Texas]
Renee Hill-Sweet is a resident of Missouri City, just outside of the Houston area. Renee has been a Second Assistant Director member of the Director’s Guild since 2000. Her film experience began in Los Angeles, and includes projects such as "The Practice", YES MAN, and DREAMGIRLS. Upon moving back to Texas, where she grew up, Renee became a member of TXMPA, and participated in 2009's Lobby Day. While Renee still travels to L.A. and other cities to continue working as an A.D., she is truly dedicated to becoming a part of the film community in her city, as well as in the State of Texas. In addition to her work in film, she also works in television news, freelances in corporate production, and has taught sessions of the Texas Film Commission's P.A. Workshop.
CAMILLE SCIOLI McNAMARA [Panhandle]
After serving as the Panhandle Region Board Representative for 3 and a half years, and Secretary for two years, I’m committed to help take TXMPA to the level of a professional association and advocacy organization we all know it needs to and can be. I’ve served on the Legislative committee, the Membership and Fundraising committees and was co-chair of our recent online auction. I’ve attended every Lobby Day and have focused lots of my energy on the Legislators in the Western part of the state, not just the Panhandle. I’m an independent producer, marketing & event coordinator and freelance as a unit production manager, production coordinator, and location scout for commercials, independent films and events. I’m a member of the Austin Film Society, Independent Feature Project, Women in Film and Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals. I co-hosted the weekly local radio show MovieTalk on FOKtalk 950AM and work closely with the Texas Film Commission touting the West Texas and Panhandle areas for filming locations and events and serve as an occasional instructor/panelist in the TFC training workshops.
JUSTIN MULLER [North Texas]
Justin Kurtis Muller is a studio executive, producer, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Muller has become one of the best-known studio executives in the Southwestern United States for his tireless efforts to restore the Texas motion picture industry. Muller is particularly known for setting record production goals by revitalizing The Studios at Las Colinas. After coming under the management of Muller Entertainment, The Studios at Las Colinas became a magnet for Hollywood producers seeking a professional and cost effective alternative to filming in Los Angeles. The result of these collaborations is the successful production of such television series as "Prison Break" and "The Deep End." Muller has also allowed for the creation of the soap operas such as Telemundo's "La Ley del Silencio", documentaries such as "Eric Clapton: Sessions for Robert J", movie of the week "Saving Jessica Lynch" and many more. In 2001 he worked for Panavision International, a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of high precision camera systems and accessories for the motion picture industry.
TOM SOWELL [North Texas]
From an early age, I have been interested in the motion picture industry. From majoring in RTF in college to my experience, which includes being associated with Sabbatical Pictures on two of their films, PATHLIGHT and currently CROWS NEST, a film in development. My education has included from going to Cannes Film Market with EXIT SPEED in 2008 to even attending a P.A. Boot Camp in Los Angeles. I have served on several boards in the worlds of business, education, and homeowners. As a business owner, I understand the financial and business management side of film industry. As a second generation Texan, my interest in promoting this state's future in film is extremely important to me.
DON STOKES [North Texas]
I am a current board member of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, serving as President of the organization, and am President and Owner of Post Asylum, Inc. I have over 40 years of experience in our industry. I am running for re-election to the board because I feel the next legislative session will be a challenging one and I believe I can continue to be an asset in formulating and realizing the goals of the TXMPA.
DARREN VANCLEAVE [Southeast Texas]
True Fiction principal Darren VanCleave and his Hand Picked Films partner Michel Shane have established themselves as two of the motion picture industry’s premier independent producers. Recently Darren and Michel’s team released HOUNDOG starring Dakota Fanning and have two films currently in post production, NOT ANOTHER starring Chevy Chase and Burt Reynolds, and BLOOD starring Aaron Douglas. Darren, a true Texan and native Houstonian who maintains homes in Houston and Beverly Hill, was formerly Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ford Motor Company’s Website Design, CyberCar, Auto Mark Red Carpet, Sales and Management training, and HAC divisions. He possesses over 24 years of success as a business executive. He currently owns and operates eight companies worldwide including being CEO of True Fiction Filmz, Partner/Vice President of Hand Picked Films, CEO of Result Technology Group, CEO of RTG Talent, Partner of Pacific Gold Entertainment, Inc, Partner of Daval Releasing, Inc., CEO of RTG Productions, and CEO of True Fiction Releasing.
PATRICE VILLASTRIGO [South Central Texas]
Patrice Villastrigo began her career in the entertainment business as a teenager modeling, singing, and on stage. Today, you may find her music at CDBaby and Reverbnation. She has worked above and below the line on films for 30 years in North and South America. Beginning with acting roles such as in the series "Knight Rider" starring David Hasselhoff; creative consultant in films including THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF HAPPINESS; directing such as the recent pilots: "Smoke n Love" and "The Shifted"; and in production. Patrice has several current projects due for release in 2010. Between these projects, she is either Executive Producer, Director, and/or D.P. They will all be released through her Production Company, Skinny Llama Productions, LLC. Patrice also writes, edits and publishes books through her company, such as Papacho Remedies, available August 2010. Patrice has been a patron of the acting, music and arts communities for her entire life. To date, she hosts improv, music, and art events at her events center in San Antonio, Texas which you can read about at www.PachamamasGarden.com.
12:01 AM MON. 6/14 - 11:59 PM THU. 6/17
STATEWIDE MEETING:
1:00 PM SAT. 6/19 at MPS STUDIOS, DALLAS
Our Annual Statewide Meeting is in less than two weeks, and your chance to make your voice heard is mere days away!
By now, you should have received an e-mail announcing the 12 candidates for the three open At-Large seats on TXMPA's Board. (The candidates' bios and photos are on also our website at txmpa.org.) Please take some time to research the candidates thoroughly before voting begins. (If you want to endorse a candidate, e-mail a brief [2-3 sentence] statement to elections@txmpa.org by Friday, June 11.)
Online voting for the At-Large seats opens at 12:01 AM next Monday, June 14th and closes at 11:59 PM Thursday, June 17th. Once again, Ballot Bin will handle the voting process. (To ensure their e-mails go to your inbox and not your spam folder, please “whitelist” Ballot Bin by adding notices@ballotbin.com to your contact list.)
And don't forget: you must be a current/paid member of TXMPA to be eligible to vote. To join, renew, or check your membership status, visit txmpa.org.
Our Annual Statewide Meeting will take place on Saturday, June 19 at MPS Studios in Dallas. Check-in begins at 1:00 PM, and the meeting will take place from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM.
In addition to the introduction of TXMPA's newly elected Board members, Texas Film Commission Director Bob Hudgins will address the current state of our production incentives program. We are also honored that our Keynote Address will feature an esteemed panel of guests from FOX's new series "The Good Guys", including Producer Mitch Engel, Production Manager Joe Dishner, and Co-Producer / Production Designer Craig Siebels, who will share their experience and insight on the benefits of filming in Texas.
Please join us! And if you're looking for a hotel room, the Belmont Hotel is offering discounted rates for TXMPA members. Use rate code TMPA (yes, that's the correct code) when making your reservations. (If you have any questions, please contact the Belmont’s Shana Valdez at 214.393.2300.)
Once again, thank you for your continued support of TXMPA and the moving image production industry in Texas – and special thanks to MPS for hosting us and for their long history of supporting TXMPA. We look forward to seeing you in Dallas on the 19th!
Nikki Young
TXMPA Elections Chair
2010 Candidates
MICHELE AHLSWEDE [South Central Texas]
I am a member of TXMPA and a Master Celebrity Makeup Artist. I have been in the Film Industry for going on 17 years. I started working as a Director / MUA / whatever needed done for a local access cooking show, “Cooking with Lovie”. I worked on lots of indie and TV projects, but while working on a major film as an AD found my passion for the MUA industry. During my crew's down time I was working with Alicia Haley (now of "The L Word") and decided to make the switch. My love for the film industry has never abated and it has been my personal goal to help foster the industry in San Antonio. I own LaCalisto Makeup Artist Academy and work diligently to instill the love of the craft in my students. Teaching set etiquette and proper film and print techniques is paramount to prepare this next generation of makeup artists. I believe the cause of TXMPA is crucial to secure film work in Texas and especially the San Antonio area. I fully understand what would be expected of me, and would do my utmost to be an asset to TXMPA.
RAINE DEVRIES [North Texas]
Raine Devries is a native Dallasite and very passionate about seeing the amazing work of TXMPA continue for the betterment of the Texas film industry. She is actively involved in the North Texas film community in a myriad of ways. She is a producer with IdeaMan Studios where she handles many of the day-to-day logistics on shoots both in-house and on location. She considers herself very fortunate to work daily with creative professionals in a facility that has some of the most cutting edge equipment and technology in the industry as this helps her stay ahead of the curve. As the Dallas producer of the 48 Hour Film Project, she has exceeded all registration goals and enjoys working with so many of the local professional and amateur filmmakers as they compete in that event. She writes a column on the Dallas film industry for Examiner.com where she highlights industry news, casting and crew calls, and other relevant information. Due to her involvement with the media, she was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Women in Film.Dallas.
ADAM DONAGHEY [Southeast Texas]
Adam Donaghey, President and founder of Zero Trans Fat Productions, is an award-winning independent film producer. His work has been seen at festivals and special screenings all over the world. Adam’s latest projects are Independent Spirit nominee Bryan Poyser’s LOVERS OF HATE, recently picked up by IFC Films, and Clay Liford’s MY MOM SMOKES WEED, both of which screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival; Frank V. Ross’ AUDREY THE TRAINWRECK and Clay Liford’s EARTHLING, both premiered at the 2010 South By Southwest Film Festival; and Francisco Diaz’ EL REGRESO WAY, currently on the festival circuit. He is currently in development on Clay Liford’s MINOR IN POSSESSION John Wildman’s STRIPPED, and Michelle Mower’s PREACHER’S DAUGHTER. His first feature film, ST. NICK, premiered at the 2009 South By Southwest Film Festival and subsequently won the Grand Jury Prize for Texas Filmmaking at AFI Dallas. Adam is also a film and food columnist for Houston Bay Area’s SCENE Magazine; and produces the Houston and Austin 24 Hour Film Races.
JEFF EVANS [Southeast Texas]
I currently live in Mesquite, Texas. I am the owner of Roeder & Moon, Inc, a Texas insurance agency specializing in the needs of the production industry. I have been doing this since 1979. I have spoken before the State Board of Insurance and achieved change to insurance regulation in favor of commercial producers. I have served on the board of TXMPA for the last two years and am committed to its future. I will work toward the maturation of the organization and I am in favor of changing the management of TXMPA from the all-volunteer board toward a paid executive manager whose primary responsibility is the running of the organization.
PHIL HARDAGE [North Texas]
Phil Hardage has 20 years of film and TV production experience spanning the state and the globe, with some 40 credits under his belt. After having to leave the state to find work the past few years, Phil is very grateful to be back in Texas thanks to the incentives, working in Dallas as First Assistant Director on "THE GOOD GUYS" (airing Mondays on FOX). Phil got his start as a P.A. in Houston on such films as ROBOCOP 2 and REALITY BITES, and then worked as a 2nd 2nd Assistant Director on films including OFFICE SPACE, NURSE BETTY and GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS. As 2nd Assistant Director, his credits include WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BROKEDOWN PALACE, THE ROOKIE, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE NOTEBOOK. More recently he has been First Assistant Director on such films as THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, THE HITCHER, the pilot for "JACK & BOBBY", and was Second Unit First Assistant Director on THE ALAMO, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END. Phil is eager to bring his first-hand, front-line, in-the-trenches production perspective to the TXMPA Board, representing the entire state with a particular focus on our growing TV industry.
RENEE HILL-SWEET [Southeast Texas]
Renee Hill-Sweet is a resident of Missouri City, just outside of the Houston area. Renee has been a Second Assistant Director member of the Director’s Guild since 2000. Her film experience began in Los Angeles, and includes projects such as "The Practice", YES MAN, and DREAMGIRLS. Upon moving back to Texas, where she grew up, Renee became a member of TXMPA, and participated in 2009's Lobby Day. While Renee still travels to L.A. and other cities to continue working as an A.D., she is truly dedicated to becoming a part of the film community in her city, as well as in the State of Texas. In addition to her work in film, she also works in television news, freelances in corporate production, and has taught sessions of the Texas Film Commission's P.A. Workshop.
CAMILLE SCIOLI McNAMARA [Panhandle]
After serving as the Panhandle Region Board Representative for 3 and a half years, and Secretary for two years, I’m committed to help take TXMPA to the level of a professional association and advocacy organization we all know it needs to and can be. I’ve served on the Legislative committee, the Membership and Fundraising committees and was co-chair of our recent online auction. I’ve attended every Lobby Day and have focused lots of my energy on the Legislators in the Western part of the state, not just the Panhandle. I’m an independent producer, marketing & event coordinator and freelance as a unit production manager, production coordinator, and location scout for commercials, independent films and events. I’m a member of the Austin Film Society, Independent Feature Project, Women in Film and Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals. I co-hosted the weekly local radio show MovieTalk on FOKtalk 950AM and work closely with the Texas Film Commission touting the West Texas and Panhandle areas for filming locations and events and serve as an occasional instructor/panelist in the TFC training workshops.
JUSTIN MULLER [North Texas]
Justin Kurtis Muller is a studio executive, producer, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Muller has become one of the best-known studio executives in the Southwestern United States for his tireless efforts to restore the Texas motion picture industry. Muller is particularly known for setting record production goals by revitalizing The Studios at Las Colinas. After coming under the management of Muller Entertainment, The Studios at Las Colinas became a magnet for Hollywood producers seeking a professional and cost effective alternative to filming in Los Angeles. The result of these collaborations is the successful production of such television series as "Prison Break" and "The Deep End." Muller has also allowed for the creation of the soap operas such as Telemundo's "La Ley del Silencio", documentaries such as "Eric Clapton: Sessions for Robert J", movie of the week "Saving Jessica Lynch" and many more. In 2001 he worked for Panavision International, a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of high precision camera systems and accessories for the motion picture industry.
TOM SOWELL [North Texas]
From an early age, I have been interested in the motion picture industry. From majoring in RTF in college to my experience, which includes being associated with Sabbatical Pictures on two of their films, PATHLIGHT and currently CROWS NEST, a film in development. My education has included from going to Cannes Film Market with EXIT SPEED in 2008 to even attending a P.A. Boot Camp in Los Angeles. I have served on several boards in the worlds of business, education, and homeowners. As a business owner, I understand the financial and business management side of film industry. As a second generation Texan, my interest in promoting this state's future in film is extremely important to me.
DON STOKES [North Texas]
I am a current board member of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, serving as President of the organization, and am President and Owner of Post Asylum, Inc. I have over 40 years of experience in our industry. I am running for re-election to the board because I feel the next legislative session will be a challenging one and I believe I can continue to be an asset in formulating and realizing the goals of the TXMPA.
DARREN VANCLEAVE [Southeast Texas]
True Fiction principal Darren VanCleave and his Hand Picked Films partner Michel Shane have established themselves as two of the motion picture industry’s premier independent producers. Recently Darren and Michel’s team released HOUNDOG starring Dakota Fanning and have two films currently in post production, NOT ANOTHER starring Chevy Chase and Burt Reynolds, and BLOOD starring Aaron Douglas. Darren, a true Texan and native Houstonian who maintains homes in Houston and Beverly Hill, was formerly Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ford Motor Company’s Website Design, CyberCar, Auto Mark Red Carpet, Sales and Management training, and HAC divisions. He possesses over 24 years of success as a business executive. He currently owns and operates eight companies worldwide including being CEO of True Fiction Filmz, Partner/Vice President of Hand Picked Films, CEO of Result Technology Group, CEO of RTG Talent, Partner of Pacific Gold Entertainment, Inc, Partner of Daval Releasing, Inc., CEO of RTG Productions, and CEO of True Fiction Releasing.
PATRICE VILLASTRIGO [South Central Texas]
Patrice Villastrigo began her career in the entertainment business as a teenager modeling, singing, and on stage. Today, you may find her music at CDBaby and Reverbnation. She has worked above and below the line on films for 30 years in North and South America. Beginning with acting roles such as in the series "Knight Rider" starring David Hasselhoff; creative consultant in films including THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF HAPPINESS; directing such as the recent pilots: "Smoke n Love" and "The Shifted"; and in production. Patrice has several current projects due for release in 2010. Between these projects, she is either Executive Producer, Director, and/or D.P. They will all be released through her Production Company, Skinny Llama Productions, LLC. Patrice also writes, edits and publishes books through her company, such as Papacho Remedies, available August 2010. Patrice has been a patron of the acting, music and arts communities for her entire life. To date, she hosts improv, music, and art events at her events center in San Antonio, Texas which you can read about at www.PachamamasGarden.com.
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