Here’s the latest SAG production update that members receive via email. I’m just including Texas and Louisiana here. Note the number of “TH”, that is ‘Theatrical’ contracts in Louisiana vs the number of low budget contracted productions in Texas. This is a reminder of what is at stake unless the Texas legislature improves the tax [...]

Chris Garcia’s article in today’s AAS, comes across as a pretty negative assessment of the current state of affairs for Texas film production. All is not lost, but we’re at a critical juncture where we must have more help from the legislature. Click Here for Garcia’s Full Article in the American Statesman As movie production [...]

“Did anyone talk to you about how we shoot”? When I arrived on the set to shoot a scene as Dr. Campbell, doctor to Grandma Saracen (Louanne Stephens), grandmother of Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) these were the first words I heard from producer / director Jeffrey Reiner. “Hummm…not really” was my cautious reply, not exactly [...]

You Friday Night Lights fans might find this TV Guide article of interest. I’m wondering how this will work out as well. And will the DirecTV run count as first run and the NBC network run a rerun, or vice versa? Whatever the case, it’s just another example of the changing landscape for film and [...]

A MESSAGE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS PRODUCTION COMMUNITY Folks, the legislative season is upon us. Long before the session begins in January, much work has already been done — and there’s a great deal yet to be done — toward making Texas’ incentive program more competitive, and regaining some of the ground that [...]

The following columm appears in The Dallas Morning News Online 08:49 AM CDT on Friday, July 25, 2008 By JOE O’CONNELL / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News  filmnewsbyjoe at yahoo.com Don Stokes skipped junior- high classes to watch Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway succumb to a spray of bullets as Bonnie and Clyde. [...]

Don Stokes has been in the film business in Dallas for many years. It looks like TXMPA should be in good hands under his leadership. Here is his recent letter to the masses: “It is my honor to be the newly elected President of TXMPA. Thanks to the leadership provided by past Presidents, Hector Garcia [...]

SAG recently sent a signatory film production list for Texas and Louisiana to the membership. Texas has 13 productions on the list: 7 ultra low budget contracts, 3 low budget contracts, 1 TV series and 2 projects working under the standard theatrical agreement. Louisiana has 7 projects on the list: 3 low budget contracts, 0 [...]

Austin Film Society’s Austin Studios will host the Texas Film Commission P.A. Workshop on Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st. P.A.’s (production assistants) are entry-level crew members on a film production. They provide support and assistance to almost all areas and departments. This two-day intensive program will teach the ins and outs of successful [...]