On Thursday at Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Gov. Rick Perry signed HB873 into law. This law, a dramatic improvement on the existing film incentive package passed in the previous legislative session, is designed to put Texas back into play as a first tier location filming destination. The package also boosts incentives for commercial production and [...]

SAG and AMPTP settle…bad contract but at least we get to vote on it now…it will pass… Is this the contract we want and need? No. However, after a year of on and off negotiations, this is the contract we’re stuck with and, given the overall economic climate, this contract will pass. At least we [...]

Sometimes you get blindsided by the news. Such was the case when I learned that actor Lou Perryman was the victim of a homicide in Austin on Thursday. From KeyeTV.com: Thursday officers found the body of a man in a home on the 1100 block of Darvone Circle. That is south of William Cannon Dr. between [...]

The recently formed AUSTIN CONSERVATORY is picking up steam in its quest to help all actors, particularly SAG and AFTRA actors hone their craft. Following the highly successful Script to Screen event this past Monday, the Conservatory is following up with a forum designed to assist actors and indie filmmakers in moving their careers forward. [...]

Here’s the press release: The critically acclaimed NBC football-centric drama “Friday Night Lights” has been renewed for two seasons, with NBC and DirecTV partnering to bring the show to its loyal, and vocal audience, according to media reports. The renewal means the show will continue through 2011. Each of the two seasons will have 13 [...]

Be sure to tune in to Friday Night Lights this Friday. Rumor has it that FNL just may get a 2 year renewal. That would be great news for Austin and for all Texas actors and for the FNL crew. Please tune in and help those audience numbers. Yours truly has another quick appearance as [...]

SXSW 2009 has come and gone and I was able to see only a couple of films this year. Now that there’s a little time to breathe I’ll post some thoughts on those two films. First up is THE 2 BOBS. To be sure I’m well beyond the demographic that THE 2 BOBS targets, 15-25 [...]

Below is a reprint of an email received from the Austin Film Society. Hopefully this will be useful to those who are not on the AFS email list. SXSW, March 13-22, 2009AFS Screenings & Special Events During SXSW 1. SXSW PANEL: GET THE MOST OUT OF SXSW (3/13) 2. AFS SXSW Member Showcase 1 & [...]

DATE: Wednesday, March 4th TIME: 7:15am LOCATION: The South Steps of the Capitol Building WARDROBE: Wear Red. Look nice. AGENDA: · 7:15am – CALL TIME! Be on the South Steps of the Capitol Building in your snazzy red outfits! There will be a table set up where you can get information, pick up a Rally [...]

In case you don’t think the loss of film work in Texas is at the critical point, read on. If you just haven’t been paying close attention to the situation so far, read on. If you’re trying to figure out what little ‘ol YOU can do to help change the situation, read on. My agent, [...]