Filmmaker Resources
For Filmmakers
Texas Film Commissions
Professional Trade Organizations
State Media Arts Organizations
Austin-Area Resources
Dallas-Area Resources
Corpus Christi-Area Resources
El Paso-Area Resources
Houston-Area Resources
San Antonio Resources
Other Regional Resources
TEXAS FILM COMMISSION
P.O. Box 13246, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 463-9200
24-Hour Production Hotline: (512) 463-7799
Fax: (512) 463-4114
www.governor.state.tx.us/film
E-mail: film@governor.state.tx.us
Since 1971, the Texas Film Commission has provided preproduction assistance to film and video projects of all sizes and all budgets. The Texas Film Commission’s free services include location research, providing access to an extensive photo library of statewide locations; referrals to crew, talent, equipment, and support services; information on Texas’ sales tax exemptions for film production; guidance on state laws and legislative issues affecting filmmakers; contact information for state agencies, law enforcement, and public and private entities; access to archives on Texas’ film industry and its economic impact; and a production hotline and online bulletin board providing employment information on film projects throughout Texas.
The indispensable Texas Production Manual—an annual sourcebook for the motion picture, television and video industries—lists over a thousand film and video professionals from all over Texas; location photos; government contracts; weather information; and a Texas filmography. Listings are compiled each fall. The Manual costs $20.00, but most of its information is available at no charge through the Film Commission’s web site.
TEXAS MOTION PICTURE ALLIANCE (TXMPA)
P.O. Box 40339, Austin, Texas 78704
www.txmpa.org
E-mail: info@txmpa.org
The Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6 organization founded in Austin on June 16, 2006 to become the advocate for the film, video, interactive, and digital media production industries in the Lone Star State. The Alliance is committed to building a strong community of industry professionals. It is charged towards creating competitive economic incentives to present to the state legislature in the upcoming session. TXMPA also is committed to educating the general public about our businesses and how we impact their lives through the hundreds of millions of dollars our productions pump into the economy.
An elected board of directors governs TXMPA and that board includes a representative for each of seven regions throughout the state: Amarillo/Panhandle, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso/West Texas, Houston, Rio Grande Valley/Brownsville and San Antonio.
AMARILLO FILM OFFICE
1000 South Polk, Amarillo, TX 79101
Phone: (806) 374-1497 Toll-free: (800) 692-1338
Fax: (806) 373-3909
www.amarillofilm.org
E-mail: jutta@amarillo-cvb.org
The Amarillo Film Office, a service of the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council, provides assistance to production companies that have chosen, or are considering, the city for a project. Past projects include national and regional commercials, documentaries and feature show, talk shows and feature films.
AUSTIN FILM COMISSION
301 Congress Avenue, Ste. 200, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 583-7229
Toll-free: (800) 926-2282 Fax: (512) 583-7282
www.austinfilmcommission.com
E-mail: gbond@austintexas.org
The Austin Film Office assists filmmakers in scouting, securing locations for filming and acts as a liaison for city services such as road closures, permits, use of public property and code compliance issues. Working closely with city administrators, the local film community, the Texas Film Commission, residents and business interests, the film office has helped smooth the way for hundreds of projects including feature films, documentaries, commercials, television films and series, music videos and reality television.
BROWNSVILLE BORDER FILM COMMISSION
P.O. Box 911, City Hall, Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: (956) 548-6176
Fax: (956) 542-7803
www.filmbrownsville.com
E-mail: peter@cob.us , Peter Goodman, Film Commissioner
The Brownsville Border Film Commission was established for the sole purpose of supporting the film, television and commercial productions industries. The commission strives to provide on call problem solving solutions to filmmaking challenges and offers productions with location scouting services and full service facilitation from catering and lodging all the way through assisting with “cross-border” relations. Even the make-up of the commission's board represents the alliance between Brownsville and their neighbor to the south, Matamoros—making things happen on both sides of the border.
DALLAS FILM COMMISSION
325 North St. Paul, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75201
Phone: (214) 571-1050
Fax: (214) 665-2907
www.filmdfw.com/
E-mail: info@filmdfw.com
The Dallas Film Commission is responsible for the promotion of the Greater Dallas Fort Worth Region to film, television and media professionals as a destination/location, serving as a liaison between filmmakers scouting sites for feature films, television, documentaries, commercials, videos and all forms of media seeking suitable venues in the North Texas area. It also provides information regarding local resources such as crew, equipment and services. Its mission also includes educating, promoting and advocating for growth of the local industry.
EL PASO FILM COMMISSION
#1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 534-0698
Toll-free: (800) 351-6024
Fax: (915) 534-0687
www.elpasocvb.com/film/
E-mail: sgaines@elpasocvb.com
The El Paso Film Commission’s services include Location Consulting—assistance in locations research and in obtaining permission to film, and initial scouting assistance of the area. The El Paso Film Commission has compiled a collection of stock photographs of the El Paso area, which are available to production companies. They also act as a liaison--assistance in making contacts and obtaining cooperation from state, local and federal government agencies, as well as from private citizens and institutions. This also includes city/county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including all permits. And they provide Preproduction Coordination--providing access to information on film services and facilities available in El Paso, on the laws of the State of Texas pertaining to film production, on weather, accommodations, transportation, etc..
HOUSTON FILM COMMISSION
901 Bagby, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 437-5251
Toll-free: (800) 365-7575
Fax: (713) 223-3816
24-Hour Production Hotline: (713) 227-1407
filmhouston.texaswebhost.com
The Houston Film Commission, a division of the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, works with producers, directors and location managers looking to choose the right locations for their projects. In addition to distributing the Houston Production Guide, their annually printed and online resource directory for the film/video industry in Houston, they do free location scouting of the greater Houston area and can post photos online for individual projects. They provide information on weather, hotels, crew, equipment or any other information necessary in making your shoot in Houston a success. They also created and screen their Texas-made short film series, the Texas Filmmakers Showcase, annually in Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas and Houston. It is FREE for any filmmaker in Texas to enter their project that is under 45 minutes in length, for a chance to screen it in Hollywood.
SAN ANTONIO FILM COMMISSION
203 South St. Mary's St., 2nd Floor, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 207-6730
Toll free: (800) 447-3372 (x76730)
Fax (210) 207-6768
www.filmsanantonio.com
E-mail: filmsa@filmsanantonio.com
The San Antonio Film Commission is the central resource for filming in San Antonio and surrounding areas. It provides the information and assistance producers need to get projects done on time and on budget, contacts with members of the film industry in the area, a production manual, and photos of various locations that are as rich and diverse as the history of the city.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FILM COMMISSION
7355 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597
Phone: (956) 761-3005
Toll-free: (800) 657-2373
Fax: (956) 761-3024
www.southpadrebeachmemories.com/film.asp
E-mail: maryk@sopadre.com, Mary K. Hancock, Film Commissioner
The South Padre Island Film Commission was established to help facilitate filming on location on the beautiful beaches and community of South Padre Island. The attractive locale, known for its breathtaking scenery, is the ideal location for music videos, still photography shoots, television commercials, motion pictures, television shows, and independent features. The commission assists productions with their location needs and helps arrange the following: site visits, location scouting, craft services, housing, permitting, local transportation, temporary labor needs, extra(s) casting, on-site production assistance, and liaison between producer and state and local agencies.
TEXAS PANHANDLE FILM COMMISSION
P.O. Box 3293, Amarillo, TX 79116
Phone: (806) 679-1116
Toll-free: (806) 676-8711
Fax: (806) 351-0042
www.txpanhandlefilm.com
E-mail: info@txpanhandlefilm.com
The vision of the Texas Panhandle Film Commission is to make the panhandle of Texas a household word in the vocabulary of the world's film industry. Its two-part strategy in accomplishing that vision is to aggressively attract and facilitate outside and locally originated film, video and television productions in the Texas Panhandle and, through education and representation, help local talent realize their goals in filmmaking.
TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS (TCA)
P.O. Box 13406, Austin, TX 78711-3406
Phone: (512) 463-5535
TTY Phone: (512) 475-3327,
Toll-free Message Line: (800) 252-9415
Fax: (512) 475-2699
www.arts.state.tx.us
E-mail: Front.desk@arts.state.tx.us
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is the state agency charged with the development of a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. The Texas Commission on the Arts serves constituents in each of the six artistic disciplines (visual arts, theatre, dance, music, media and literature) as well as local arts agencies. For more than 30 years, the Texas Commission on the Arts has accomplished its mission by providing grants, information, and technical assistance to artists, arts organizations, and the general public.
HUMANITIES TEXAS
1410 Rio Grande Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 440-1991
Fax: (512) 440-0115
www.humanitiestexas.org
Since 1974 Humanities Texas, formerly the Texas Council for the Humanities (TCH), has been providing grant monies to non-profit organizations in Texas to produce humanities-based public programs. The TCH, working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities, seeks to engage the people of Texas in critical reflection of their individual and collective lives by providing opportunities for lifelong learning in the humanities. Media grants fund film/video/radio or interactive internet programming. Funds may be requested for any phase, or combination of phases, including scripting/development, production, post-production, and, in some cases, distribution and free public screenings. Grant awards typically range from $7,500-$12,500. However, TCH will not discourage proposals for exceptional projects that require a higher rate of funding. There are two deadlines for grant applications: March 15 and September 15. A draft application is due 45 days in advance of the grant deadline.
TEXAS CULTURAL TRUST
823 Congress Avenue, Suite 650 Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 478-5289
Toll-free: (877) 651-8282
Fax: (512) 478-5292
www.txculturaltrust.org
E-mail: info@txculturaltrust.org
The Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 1995 to create a stable funding source for the arts in Texas and to raise public awareness and private funds in support of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) and art education initiatives. Through their efforts to provide art education for all students and elevate the intrinsic value of art, the Trust hopes to inspire awareness, nurture creativity, and foster imagination.
Biennially the Texas Cultural Trust presents the Texas Medal of Arts Awards honoring those who have displayed artistic excellence either through their talents or philanthropic endeavors. The Young Masters Program is a successful Trust-initiated project providing scholarships and mentoring relationships for students in 8th through 12th grades for continued study in their chosen art discipline. Other programs include Adventures in the ARTS children’s chapter book and interactive CD-ROM, Texas Women for the Arts, and Founders for the Arts.
PROFESSIONAL TRADE ORGANIZATIONS
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION-INTERNATIONAL (MCA-I)
2810 Crossroads Drive, Ste. 3800, Madison, WI 53718
Phone: (608) 443-2464
Fax: (608) 443-2474 or (680) 443-2478
www.mca-i.org
E-mail: info@mca-i.org
The Media Communications Association-International (formerly known as ITVA) is the organization devoted to promoting the communications profession and its valuable professionals. MCA-I provides opportunities for networking, forums for education and resources for information.
MCA-I is an international association with over 3,000 members and 100 local chapters including Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. They are professionals involved in all forms of media communication, including: e-learning, streaming media, Web and Web casting, interactive multimedia, DVD, film, audio, video conferencing and video.
MCA-I offers a variety of resources to its membership, including online and printed membership directories, monthly meetings with professional development opportunities, low-cost health care plans, discounts on products and services, listserves for communication and sharing information, leadership development, recognition through the Awards in Media Excellence, and of course...countless networking opportunities.
TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF FILM/TAPE PROFESSIONALS (TAF/TP)
504 Business Parkway, Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (927) 231-1608
Toll-free: (888) 630-7373
www.taftp.com
E-mail: Jan@Taftp.com
TAF/TP is a professional trade organization of freelance film and video production personnel, production companies, suppliers and support service companies. Established in 1976, TAF/TP has members in Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley. The association publishes the annual Texas Association of Film/Tape Professional Directory of Members which has become the production bible for film/video professionals and support services distributed at no charge to production companies, advertising agencies, corporate production departments, producers, directors, production managers, and other decision makers involved in the film/video industry.
TAF/TP membership offers quarterly meetings, seminars, newsletters, and discounts on benefits and events planned throughout the year. A listing in the annual directory is free with membership. Individual (freelance) members must be self-employed film/tape professionals who are Texas residents. Associate memberships are open to companies or support services in the industry in Texas.
STATE MEDIA ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
WRITERS' LEAGUE OF TEXAS
1501 W. 5th Street, Suite E-2, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 499-8914
Fax (512) 499-0441
www.writersleague.org
E-mail: awl@writersleague.org
The Writers' League of Texas is a nonprofit professional organization whose primary purpose is to provide a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers, to help members improve and market their writing skills, and to promote the interests of writers and the writing community. Founded by three writers in 1981, the League is the largest regional writing organization in the state and the second largest in the nation. Its 1,200+ member spans all ages. Some are beginners, others are hobbyists; a few have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Many earn their living by the written word. AWL publishes a monthly newsletter and also distributes workshops on tape. For the scriptwriter, the resource center offers script books, copyright information, workshops, and Writer’s Guild information (including a list of agents), and actual screen and teleplays. The Writers’ League also distributes annual state funds for literature.
SOUTHWEST ALTERNATE MEDIA PROJECT (SWAMP)
1519 West Main, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 522-8592
Fax: (713) 522-0953
www.swamp.org
E-mail: swamp@swamp.org
Since its inception in 1977, SWAMP has participated in the development and production of over 500 hours of television programming. At the core of SWAMP's programming is the public television series THE TERRITORY, a showcase of the best independent short film and video by local, regional and internationally recognized media artists. THE TERRITORY, a co-production of SWAMP, The Austin Museum of Art, and HUHT-TV, is broadcast on nine PBS stations in Texas. SWAMP's exhibition activities include the co-sponsorship of the Rice Film Series at the Rice University Media Center and the development of other exhibition programs created for venues statewide.
In addition to the exhibition programs, SWAMP's mission, the development of media arts as an art form, is accomplished through public education. Arts-in-education, media literacy, and storytelling are on-going programs organized in collaboration with media arts organizations, community centers, schools, and educational institutions. SWAMP conducts continuing seminars and workshops in film and video production. In addition to its numerous services, SWAMP acts as a statewide service organization for the Texas Commission on the Arts to the media arts field.
TEXAS ACCOUNTANTS AND LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS (TALA)
1540 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 526-4876
Toll-free: (800) 526-8252
Fax: (713) 526-1299
www.talarts.org
E-mail: info@talarts.org
Since 1979 Texas Accountants & Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) has provided free accounting and legal services to non-profit arts organizations and artists from all creative disciplines, including visual artists, musicians, actors, dancers, filmmakers and writers. Over 750 attorneys and accountants donate their time to artists and arts organizations who are unable to afford professional services. Without TALA, their problems might remain unresolved and their interests unrepresented. Services include lawyer and accountant pro bono services, dispute resolution services, educational programs for the artistic and business community, publication, a speaker's bureau and a resource library. Programs are designed to help artists apply legal and accounting concepts for their benefit.
LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: AUSTIN
AUSTINACTORS.NET
www.austinactors.net
E-mail: actors@austinactors.net
AustinActors.net is a no-dues, no-fee cooperative organization of local film and theatre actors, filmmakers, acting coaches, casting directors and agents. Real-time audition notices for independent film, UT student films and shorts are updated in real-time through public submission by filmmakers and local producers. The AustinActors.net group meets monthly for an open happy hour with guest speaker.
AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
1604 Nueces St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 478-4795
Toll Free: 1-800-310-FEST
Fax: (512) 478-6205
www.austinfilmfestival.com
The Austin Film Festival is dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television and new media. The AFF holds a Screenplay and Teleplay Competition, as well as a Narrative and Documentary Film Competition. Each October, the AFF hosts a four-day screenwriter's conference as well as an eight-day film festival.
AUSTIN ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL (CinemaAsia)
www.cinemaasiaaustin.org
E-mail: info@cinemaasiaaustin.org
As the need for cross-cultural understanding and global awareness increases, CinemaAsia aims to cultivate a better understanding and appreciation of Asian cinema as art and culture. Each year CinemaAsia organizes the Austin Asian Film Festival, a cutting edge festival that reflects the talents of established and emerging filmmakers while exploring the social/cultural issues of the diverse regions of Asia. Through its humanistic, independent and thought-provoking films, the festival celebrate the strength, humanity and spirit of Asians and Asian Americans.
AUSTIN JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX, 78731
Phone: (512) 735-8426
www.austinjff.org
E-mail: howard@austinjff.org
The Austin Jewish Film Festival uses the power of film and video to entertain and educate and challenge conventional perspectives on complex and dynamic issues facing the Jewish people and the world community. The Austin Jewish Film Festival provides a forum for the Austin community to dialogue with filmmakers, actors, creators and expert panelists, providing a cinematic examination of Jewish life and culture as well as universal themes including human rights, global peace, religious freedom, and tolerance. It also serves to be an open and inviting opportunity for student and independent filmmakers to present their work.
AUSTIN POLISH FLIM FESTIVAL
www.austinpff.org
The Austin Polish Film Festival is a volunteer-driven event that is part of a larger goal: to cement a long-term business and cultural relationship in film and other areas between the cities of Austin and Lodz (the National Film School of Poland), Poland (Poland's second largest city, where the National Film School is located) - Austin and Lodz are currently working on a sister city relationship. The theme of the 2006 film festival was "50 Years of Polish Film from the Lodz School," screening a selection of films from well-known graduates of the Lodge School as well as works by recent graduates and students at the UT School of Communications.
AUSTIN FILMWORKS
701 Tillery St. Studio A-7
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4480, Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 467-9088
www.austinfilmworks.com
E-mail: stevemims@earthlink.net
Since fall of 1993, Austin FilmWorks has offered college level filmmaking courses with the aim of providing solid information and experience that students may use to create their own film and video projects. The students here are diverse in background, practical experience, and age. They come largely from the city's universities, corporations, and arts communities.
Austin FilmWorks has earned a reputation for challenging students to innovate in the independent tradition. That independence is based on a bedrock knowledge of film stocks, lenses, cameras and formats. Austin FilmWorks believe that technical and aesthetic grounding leads to individual control of the creative process and also that filmmaking is both the hardest and most fulfilling of work and the process should always be fun.
AUSTIN FILM GUERILLA
www.austinfilmguerilla.com
E-mail: info@austinfilmguerilla.com
The Austin Film Guerilla is committed to bringing news and events concerning the Austin film scene, information you need to shoot your own film, and cast/crew postings straight to you, the guerilla filmmaker! AFG helps you help yourself.
AUSTIN SCHOOL OF FILM
906 E. 5th Street, Suite 106 Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 236-8877 Fax: (512) 377-9395
www.austinfilmschool.org
The Austin School of Film & Media Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing adults and youth with the educational and practical resources needed to make production happen. The Austin School of Film is not just a facility, but a facilitator of filmmaking and media arts in central Texas.
The Austin School of Film (formerly Motion Media Arts Center) was formed in May 2003 by combining two organizations in Austin dedicated to bringing access to, and training in, small-gauge filmmaking—Austin Cinemaker Co-op and the Center for Young Cinema (CYC). The combined histories of these two award-winning organizations have formed an indelible foundation for a media center dedicated to educating the public about media arts production.
AUSTIN SCREENWRITERS GROUP (ASG)
www.austinscreenwriters.org
Contact: Nancy Smith, nancy1001@sbcglobal.net
The Austin Screenwriters Group is a resource to serve local screenwriters, providing guidance and support in all areas of the field. They offer networking and marketing opportunities, critical feedback on works-in-progress, and a sense of community for the members. The Austin Screenwriters Group is open to screenwriters of all levels of experience. Script readings are specifically designed to help the members hone their screenwriting talent.
aGLIFF
1216 E. 51st Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 302-9889
Fax: (512) 302-1088
www.agliff.org
The Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF) is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the Southwest. Now in its 17th year, the festival has developed into a major multi-cultural community event. Mission statement: to create positive and visible images relevant to gay and lesbian lives, educate the community about gay and lesbian issues and support the production and promotion of the best in gay and lesbian films and videos.
ME TELEVISION
2140 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 804-2400
www.metelevision.com
E-mail: info@metelevision.com
ME, “Music and Entertainment” Television, is a 24- hour regional network dedicated to showcasing and providing television exposure for regional artists as well as the hundreds of touring groups that make up the vibrant live music scene in and around Austin. Supporting established artists and promoting and discovering new talent is a priority. ME is the entertainment resource, with venue schedules, artist information, interviews and local live music shows every night at 7pm on ME Live! ME represents different musical genres and areas of the arts community with numerous original programs highlighting everything from filmmakers to art galleries, and musicians to the ballet. In addition, ME ‘s mostly music line-up, spotlights live performance footage, concept music videos as well as biographies, reviews, restaurant tours, and much more.
ME Television launched October 1, 2005 and is currently broadcast to Austin and the 40 surrounding cities. ME Television is a national prototype for a series of regional music and entertainment networks around the country. Expansion to other markets will be initiated in late 2006.
PUBLIC ACCESS COMMUNITY TELEVISION (PACT)
1143 Northwestern, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 478-8600
Fax: (512) 478-9438
www.pactaustin.org
PACT is the manager for the Public Access cable channels in Austin. They program three channels (10, 11, & 16) on Time Warner Cable and Grande Cable and promote community dialog and freedom of artistic expression. PACT has digital cameras and other equipment available to produce your project at very low cost, and channel space to show your work to viewers on cable.
SCREEN DOOR FILM (SDF)
15308 Interlachen Dr, Austin, TX 78717
Phone: (512) 762-2792
www.screendoorfilm.com
E-mail: info@screendoorfilm.com
Screen Door Film is Austin’s premiere micro-cinema, providing a theatrical release for award winning short and feature-length films. Film fans get to see great movies, in awesome venues, at an astonishing price. Its mission is to provide a theatrical release for short-form and selected long-form DV, film and video projects that otherwise might never be widely seen by the public. Through these screenings, Screen Door Film highlights the talents of local and national filmmakers in a low-pressure, interactive environment.
CINE LAS AMERICAS
P.O. Box 1626 Austin, TX 78767
Phone/Fax: (512) 535-0765
www.cinelasamericas.org
E-mail: cine@cinelasamericas.org
Cine Las Americas Media Arts Center presents the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, showcasing contemporary films from North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. Categories include Narrative Feature, Documentary, Short Film, Animation, and Youth Films. The festival is held traditionally at the end of April of every year.
CINEMATEXAS
1 University Station A0800, Austin, TX 78712
Phone: (512) 471-6497
www.cinematexas.org
E-mail: cinematexas@cinematexas.org
Since its inception in 1995 as a tiny student showcase, the festival has grown rapidly, mutating with each new edition. Cinematexas competition program is a forum, an ongoing argument, a free zone for celebrating and exchanging stories, for collaborations and for exposing audiences to brave and radical forays in cinema. Cinematexas seeks out and rewards films that provoke, expose and explore the short format as a genre in itself, arduously defending the beauty, social role and integrity of the moving image. Although the festival’s first and primary focus was and is short film, over the years they have come to understand and champion this truth: artistic expression cannot be confined to a camera, projector and a screen.
At present, the festival includes sidebars for theater, performance art and all manner of live performance; invitational film/video programs in which programmers and filmmakers are invited to trace the face of their city/country of origin, exile, transit or residence; site-specific moving image installations; a symposium about life as seen through the eyes of communities instead of through the lens of mainstream media; and free filmmaking workshops for children with scant resources.
Cinematexas has been called "one of the most significant and inspiring film festivals in the country" by indieWIRE.
FANTASTIC FEST
All screenings at the Alamo Drafthous Cinema, South Lamar:
1120 South Lamar, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704
Phone: (512) 476-1320
www.fantasticfest.com
E-mail: info@fantasticfest.com
The Fantastic Fest is an eight-day festival of the best new Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy and genre films, as well as choice classic and obscure cult titles from all over the world. Fantastic Fest was created to offer exposure to genre films, which are often overlooked by the traditional festival circuit. It strives to offer acquisition, media and exhibition opportunities for undistributed films as well as to spotlight upcoming genre theatrical releases and give audiences a chance to see 35mm prints of repertory genre classics.
FLICKER AUSTIN
7907 Doncaster Drive Austin, TX 78745
www.flickeraustin.com
Email: flicker@flickeraustin.com
Flicker originated in 1994 in Athens, GA as an amateur film night and has since branched out to 11 other cities, including Austin, TX. They do screenings 4 times a year, each time with a different set of shorts, which are free of submission charges to the filmmaker, and use their network as a free touring & distribution system. Flicker screens pieces that originate on celluloid film and are under 15 minutes in length.
REEL WOMEN
P.O. Box 50573, Austin, Texas 78763-0573
Phone: (512) 480-9291
www.reelwomen.org
E-mail: reelwmen@texas.net
Reel Women offers a network of support for women at all levels of experience in the film and video industries through education, exhibitions, and mentoring, and provides a supportive atmosphere for the exchange of information and ideas. The weekly email bulletins provide audition and production notices and referrals, as well as information about community events. The Reel Women Crew Book and the Reel Women Casting Book are comprised of hundreds of resumes and headshots of local talent (both men & women) and are available at no cost to all productions to assist them in fulfilling their production needs. The all-women production group provides an opportunity to receive hands-on training in the making of a short film or video. They also offer their members low-cost monthly workshops focusing on aspects of production such as digital camera, script supervision, and directing. General meetings, held the third Wednesday of each month, are free and open to the public.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
Box 4999, Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 467-7979
Fax: (512) 451-0754
www.sxsw.com
The South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival is annual event held every March in Austin, and it emphasizes on all aspects of the art and business of independent filmmaking. The Festival has gained international acclaim for the quality of its programming with a special focus on emerging talents who bask in being included in the company of the cinematic greats whose work is regularly presented.
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LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: DALLAS
AFI DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Phone: (214) 720-0555
www.afidallas.com
E-mail: info@afidallas.com
American Film Institute (AFI) announced the launch of the AFI Dallas International Film Festival, a new ten-day event sponsored by Target set to kick-off in Texas on March 22, 2007. The program will include 150 features and shorts, showcasing a range of international work; its more than 200 screenings will make it one of the largest film festivals in the Southwest. The comprehensive programming will include the very best of contemporary international features, documentaries and short films. The festival will be punctuated with red-carpet galas, receptions and special screenings accessible through family-friendly outdoor viewings.
DALLAS SCREENWRITERS ASSOCIATION
10455 N. Central Expressway #109-295, Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: (214) 922-7829
www.dallasscreenwriters.com/
E-mail: mike@dallasscreenwriters.com
The Dallas Screenwriters Association is a nonprofit organization formed in 1985 to foster the art and craft of screenwriting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Membership is open to anyone interested in screenwriting or filmmaking.
The DSA produces a monthly newsletter, offers seminars and special events, and maintains a script library containing more than 300 film and TV scripts (as well as current books on writing) all available with a membership. The list goes on—small writing groups, member discounts to events, networking opportunities and let's not forget our monthly meetings.
In addition to local film professionals, their monthly meetings have seen the likes of Shane Black, Andrew Marlowe, and Robert McKee.
USA FILM FESTIVAL
6116 N. Central Expressway, Suite 105, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (214) 821-6300
24-Hour Recorded Info: (214) 821-FILM
Fax: (214) 821-6364
www.usafilmfestival.com
E-mail: info@usafilmfestival.com
The USA Film Festival is a Dallas-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in the film and video arts. Through its year-round programs and special events, the USA Film Festival provides an opportunity for the public to discover films not scheduled for commercial distribution and sheds new light on familiar films by facilitating discussion and encounters with filmmakers and lecturers. Programs include a major annual film festival; the annual KidFilm Festival, the oldest and largest-attended international children's film festival in the United States; film series; tributes and retrospectives organized around important themes and filmmakers; and educational activities including panel discussions, seminars and extensive community outreach activities. With the exception of special member screenings, all events are open to the public.
VIDEO ASSOCIATION OF DALLAS
1405 Woodlawn Avenue, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (214) 428-8700
Fax: (214) 428-8702
www.videofest.org
E-mail: info@videofest.org
The Video Association of Dallas provides both the tools and the venue for the utilization of video as a cultural force in our society. Through a year-round exhibitions and workshops, the Video Association provides both the means of production as well the venue of distribution for persons of all walks of life and all levels of experience to express their stories, issues, and concerns through the democratic medium of video. Recognizing the power of the visual image as a stimulus for social change and the vast accessibility granted through the relatively affordable medium of video, the Video Association of Dallas is becoming a major regional resource for established and emerging video makers from all communities.
Programs other than the festival include The Dallas Film and Video Institute. VAD also has a twice-monthly email publication, Videofest.news, co-produces "Frame of Mind," a monthly TV show featuring work by independent film and video makers from around the state (they pay $2.00 per minute), and presents screenings of independent film and video approximately once a month.
WOMEN IN FILM/DALLAS
2600 Stemmons Freeway, Suite 117, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 954-4488
Fax: (214) 954-0004
www.wifdallas.org/
E-mail: wifdallas@yahoo.com
Women in Film/Dallas is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance the recognition of all professional women in the film and video industry, as well as to actively pursue equitable treatment and opportunities. Founded in the spring of 1984 by Betty Buckley, the organization has been a leader in the film and television community, with a continually growing membership now numbering over 200 members. Our members work in all areas of the film and television industry. Membership in WIF/D is open to all women and men who support our effort. The organization is extremely proud of its programming activities, which range from educational programs and workshops to special events to networking opportunities.
Programming activities include ten monthly meetings each year (with guest panelists covering a wide range of industry related topics); workshops and seminars to assist in furthering the education of members; monthly networking opportunities to help expand the networks of women in the industry and strengthen relationships with other industry professionals; and preview screenings of first run feature films regularly offered to WIF/D members and their guests.
TEXAS FILMMAKERS (DENTON)
309 N. Locust Street, Denton, TX 76201
Phone: (940) 442-6304
www.texasfilmmakers.org
E-mail: info@texasfilmmakers.org
Texas Filmmakers was created in February of 2004 to meet the needs of the growing film and video community in Denton, TX. In the city of Denton alone, there are thousands of people interested in various aspects of film and video production; whether its camera work, set design, choreography, costume design, sound design, etc.
Texas Filmmakers hopes to build a network of like-minded individuals in the Denton and surrounding areas in order to provide a means of networking among the local community.
Texas Filmmakers is a 501(c)(3), public charity changing the face of the Denton film community. Our goal is to help facilitate all local production throughout the production process.
Texas Filmmakers is dedicated to supporting the local film and video community by providing access to education, experience, equipment, and exhibition.
LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: CORPUS CHRISTI
CORPUS CHRISTI FILM SOCIETY
www.corpuschristifilmsociety.com
The Corpus Christi Film Society is dedicated to supporting independent film, film events, film culture and related concepts in the Corpus Christi area. It also lobbies the local theater chains to bring more independent or ‘smaller’ films to Corpus Christi and promotes the area as a location to shoot films.
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LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: EL PASO
EL PASO FILMMAKERS (EpFilm)
1319 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79902
Phone: (915) 373-8205
www.epfilm.org
E-mail: gilbert@epfilm.org
EpFilm was launched in an effort to further the growth of independent video and filmmaking in El Paso, Southern New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico. EpFilm hopes to provide a gathering place for local video and filmmakers - from documentarians and experimental artist to makers of narrative features. EpFilm’s goal is to enhance the growth of independent media by providing informative seminars and networking events, discussion forums for filmmakers to exchange opinions and ideas, and public screenings for filmmakers to display their work and get feedback from peers.
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LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: HOUSTON
AURORA PICTURE SHOW
800 Aurora Street, Houston, TX 77009
Phone: (713) 868-2101
www.aurorapictureshow.org
E-mail: grover@aurorapictureshow.org
Aurora Picture Show was founded in June 1998 as a screening venue for non-commercial, artistic, experimental and low budget film and video works. Housed in a 1924 church building, APS has pew seating for 100 and offers informal community screenings, related discussions, and events. Screenings are scheduled bi-monthly. Submissions under 30-minutes on VHS format.
DIVERSEWORKS ARTSPACE
1117 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 223-8346
Fax: (713) 223.4608
www.diverseworks.org
E-mail: info@diverseworks.org
DiverseWorks is a non-profit contemporary art center where artists play a key role in programming and policy decisions. DiverseWorks’ programming encompasses all artistic disciplines: visual art, music, dance, theater, performance art, film, video, and the literary arts. By encouraging the investigation of the social, cultural, and artistic issues of our time, DiverseWorks builds, educates and sustains audiences for new and contemporary art. DiverseWorks co-hosts the Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and on an ongoing basis, actively solicits proposals from artists. For proposal requirements, check the website or contact the performing arts or visual arts director.
HOUSTON MEDIASOURCE
2302 Texas, Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (713) 524-7700
Fax (713) 524-3823
www.houston-mediasource.org/
E-mail: mailbox@houston-mediasource.org/
Houston MediaSource (formerly Access Houston Community Television) facilitates a free exchange of ideas, community dialogue, and individual artistic expression for the citizens of Houston through access to community television, radio, internet and print media.
HMS offers varied training skills for many media formats and affordable media workshops to the general Houston public. Basic and advanced camera and editing classes are available. New training classes include monthly general orientation seminars, beginning photography workshops, advanced level graphics, animation and web page creation, and live talk show production. Our training and facilities provide a springboard into the entertainment industry.
HMS has embarked upon a new direction and level of service. Armed with a new name, image change campaign, and new programs suitable for a diversified media center, Houston MediaSource will bring access to mass media and the production of media communications to the entire Houston Metropolitan Area.
MICROCINEMA INTERNATIONAL
1530 Sul Ross 1, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 412-5120
Fax: (509) 351-1530
www.microcinema.com
E-mail: info@microcinema.com
Microcinema's mission is to curate, exhibit, distribute and promote a new era of emerging and innovate international moving image artists whose deeply personal and culturally relevant works are typically marginalized by the mainstream entertainment industry.
Microcinema fosters this burgeoning culture by curating thoughtful, unique and diverse screening programs, which are exhibited and distributed via alternative venues worldwide. Promotion and dissemination of works through such screenings continues to develop dedicated audiences while creating a necessary dialogue between artists and audiences, worldwide.
THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON
Film Department
1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 639-7300
www.mfah.org
E-mail: film@mfah.org
One of ten curatorial departments within the museum, the film and video department is a media arts center that emphasizes the ongoing exhibitions of film and video. It is the premiere alternative repertory cinema in Houston, and has sponsored the exhibition of film since 1939.
The film department works with the museum’s education department on Screening America, a media literacy program for middle and high school students. The museum also serves as an archive and distributor for the films and videos of Robert Frank. Film Buffs is the membership organization where members receive free admission to MFAH Films, passes to sneak previews of first-run features, and invitations to special events around Houston. Annual dues start at $40.
RICE UNIVERSITY MEDIA CENTER
6100 Main St. MS-549 Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 348-4882
Fax: (713) 348-5910
www.ruf.rice.edu/~media
E-mail: kzsalina@rice.edu
The Rice Media Center serves as the official venue for Rice Cinema, one of Houston’s longest running repertory film programs. Open to the public, Rice Cinema offers a year-round program showcasing the best in Hollywood Classics, American independents, and world cinema. The Rice Media Center is part of the Department of Art and Art History at Rice University, offering courses and programs in photography, film and video production, and film and media studies. Photo and art exhibits are also featured in the Rice Media Center Gallery space with lectures conducted by artists and scholars.
WOMEN IN FLIM & TELEVISION (WIFT)
P.O. Box 981104, Houston, Texas 77098
Phone: (713) 788-8075
www.wift-houston.org
E-mail: wifth@yahoo.com
Women In Film & Television/Houston (WIFT) is a chapter of the preeminent entertainment industry association for women worldwide. A nonprofit membership organization, WIFT is dedicated to helping women reach the highest level of achievement in television, film, and other moving-image media and promoting equity for women in these industries.
Houston’s WIFT brings together professionals who work in all areas of the entertainment industry - - above and below the line. It is part of a network of over 40 chapters internationally, representing more than 10,000 members that began in Los Angeles over 30 years ago.
LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: SAN ANTONIO
BLUE STAR ART SPACE
116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
Phone: (210) 227-6960
Fax: (210) 229-9412
www.bluestarartspace.org/
E-mail: info@bluestarartspace.org
Blue Star Art Space is a non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art center that features between eight and ten exhibitions of regional, national and international contemporary art per year. In the past year Blue Star has presented numerous exhibitions which feature film and/or video work, and we remain deeply committed to presenting challenging and culturally diverse programs in all media. For proposal guidelines or more information, please contact Shaka McGlotten or Christy Nichols Quinn.
ESPERANZA CENTER
922 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 228-0201
Fax (210) 228-0000
www.esperanzacenter.org
E-mail: esperanza@esperanzacenter.org
The Esperanza Center is a progressive grassroots cultural arts and social justice organization advocating for and affirming the lives and struggles of traditionally marginalized people: women, people of color, lesbians and gay men, the working class and poor. Founded in 1987 by a group of Latinas, both lesbian and straight, the Esperanza has grown into a formidable, visionary, multi-issue institution.
We believe in building bridges across diverse communities using dynamic programming, including film festivals, visual art exhibitions, concerts, arts cooperatives, drama & poetry performances, writers’ forums, an inner-city youth media program, the publication of a grassroots magazine, leadership workshops, technical assistance, marches and rallies, and the creation of and collaboration in activist networks.
The Esperanza sponsors two film festivals a year. The Other America Film Festival tells the stories of the "other" America—of the issues and peoples of North, Central, and South America who are ignored and excluded by Hollywood. Out at the Movies: San Antonio’s Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is co-sponsored with the SA Lesbian Gay Media Project each September. Both Festivals have an open call for entries and no application fees.
GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
1300 Guadalupe Street, San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: (210) 271-3151
Fax: (210) 271-3480
www.guadalupeculturalarts.org
E-mail: fernando@guadalupeculturalarts.org
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is the nation’s foremost community-based Latino arts institution. The Center’s programmatic scope crosses six disciplines: Literature, Music, Arts, Dance, Theater, and Media Arts. The goal of the Center’s Media Arts Program is to preserve, develop, present, and promote films, videos and all other media-based expressions of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples.
In addition to presenting the San Antonio CineFestival, (an international film festival focusing on Chicano and Latino film and video), the media arts program offers video training programs for youth, presents special screenings and workshops, and assembles curated film and video programs for travel both locally and nationally.
LOCAL SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS: OTHER REGIONS
FLATLAND FILM FESTIVAL
511 Ave. K, Lubbock, TX
Phone: (806) 762-8606
www.flatlandfilmfestival.com
E-mail: info@flatlandfilmfestival.com
The Flatland Film Festival cultivates an appreciation for independent film, video and digital moving-image expression. Based in Lubbock, Texas, Flatland Film Festival serves the citizens of this community and encourages artists working in this mode of expression.
SPINDLETOP/LAMAR UNIVERSITY FILM FESTIVAL
P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710
Phone: (409) 880-8038 or (409) 880-7222
dept.lamar.edu/cofac/spinfest/
Contact: O'Brien Stanley, stanleyoo@hal.lamar.edu
