Archive for the ‘Texas Filmmakers’ category

Two-week Turnaround Tour coming to Austin May 15th

May 6th, 2009

Two-week Turnaround Tour LogoI received an email a couple of days ago and forgot to post this information. Sorry Jamie. Check out the Two-week Turnaround Tour web site at the link below. This looks like something that the Austin filmmaking community will embrace:

My name is Jamie Blankenship. I am working on a community filmmaking project called the Two-week Turnaround Tour, or T3. Thousands of aspiring and professional filmmakers will come together in 14 US cities over 7 months to write, shoot, and screen a short film in the span of two weeks in each city.

We’re coming to Austin next and would love it if you could help us spread the word. All levels of experience are welcome. We believe everyone has something to offer the collaborative art of filmmaking! Austin will be our 4th city! We will be kicking off T3 Austin May 15th. For more information, you can visit our site at http://filmblazer.com/t3 and feel free to contact me anytime at  Jamie at filmblazer.com

Sincerely,

Jamie Blankenship

Here’s some info I copied from the really cool T3 site. This is just a tease…there’s lot’s more to see on the T3 site, so please check it out. Looks like fun to me.

What is the Two-week Turnaround tour?
The Two-week turnaround tour or T3 is a community filmmaking project. Filmblazer will visit 14 cites over 7 months. We will write, shoot, and screen a short film in each city in just two-weeks.

How does it all work?
Josh and Jamie get in an RV with all their Film equipment. We show up to a city and are greeted by our City Leader. We then have a kick off event, bringing together everyone who wants to help with the film. We work together to write a sweet film, shoot it, edit it, export it. We take a nap. We premiere the film, broadcasting live. We get in RV and drive to the next city. Repeat 14 time.
top

What is a City Leader?
The city leader is the local liaison for each city and will be our go-to person throughout production. The city leader needs to be a motivated, organized, film enthusiast that will help us build the city teams, scout locations, plan the premiere event, and basically be responsible for making sure Josh and Jamie get to keep their sanity. If you are interested in being a city leader please contact us!
top

What can I do to help make a short film?
This is a wide open question. Do you have access to a coffee shop? Do you have a ton of junk aka props? Can you make costumes? Are you really good with makeup? Do you like feeding people? We want everyone to bring something to the film because everyone has something to offer. Join a city and tell us what you can do. Plus we welcome people that can write, edit, act, light, you know normal film stuff :-)

No comments »

Posted in Actors, Austin Actors, Austin Film, Creating characters, Film Crew, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Indie Film, Jamie Blankenship, Joshua J. Mills, Texas Actors, Texas Film Scene, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags:

UTFI Reading Series – TERRY by Brian Schwarz

May 2nd, 2009

I’ll be reading the role of Tom, Terry’s dad in TERRY by Brian Schwarz this coming Friday, 5/8/09 at the Austin Film Society Studio.

Here’s some more information on the series and on this reading:

All readings free and open to the public. Discussion to follow readings.

UTFI READING SERIES: Spring 2009
Co-sponsored by The Michener Center for Writers

Fri, 5/8, 6 pm: TERRY by Brian Schwarz (RTF MFA in Production)

Fresh out of prison and eager to start his life anew, Terry returns to his hometown and is forced to serve as the caretaker to the person who ratted him out 5 years ago – his dad.

Moderator: Bryan Poyser * Drama

No comments »

Posted in Acting, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Indie Film, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, Tommy G. Kendrick, UTFI Reading Series

Tags:

New Law Can Put Texas Back in the Film Business

April 24th, 2009

Texas Film IncentivesOn 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 for Texas’ video game producers. According to press reports, because the legislation passed overwhelmingly in both houses, it becomes law upon Perry’s signing. Congratulations go out to the TXMPA and lobbying firm HillCo Partners for their leadership in guiding this effort to bring film industry jobs back to Texas. Let the funding begin.

UPDATE: The House has approved the requested $60 million funding for two years while the Senate passed the bill with ony $20 million in funding, the same figure that was in the previous law. The two sides will have to come together on a funding amount and here’s hoping and praying that it will be closer to $60million than $20million.

The legislators surely understand that to pay out $60 million, there will have been SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION in production spending before any of that money is rebated. Based on a 15% rebate, the $20 million rebated would be based on +/- $133 million in spent production dollars. Hummm… $300-$400 million in production spending vs $130 million in spending in the state…which is better for Texas?

No comments »

Posted in Austin Actors, Friday Night Lights, Louisiana Film Production, New Mexico Film Production, SAG, TXMPA, Tax Incentives, Texas Actors, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film

Tags:

Current SAG Signatory Film Productions for Texas and Louisiana

March 27th, 2009

The productions on this list have all contacted SAG about the possibility of becoming signatory productions but some may not eventually go SAG. So caveat emptor, SAG members.

Once again the list of POSSIBLE SAG signatory productions for Louisiana and Texas show that Texas is playing in the rough, with one arm tied behind our back without a competitive film incentive program.

Happily HB 873 passed this week by a vote of 139-6. Now we await the vote on the Senate version of the bill, SB 605.

Passage of these bills is critical, of course, but there is still the matter of funding. Keep an eye out for directives from the AMPTP on when it’s time to contact your representatives about funding for the enhanced film incentive program.

In the meantime, look at how many Theatrical contract productions are slated for Louisiana. The Theatrical SAG agreement is for the larger budgeted films. Bigger budgets mean more local jobs for actors and crew. More jobs that extend for longer periods of time. More money into the local and state economies.

We are glad to have so many low budget and ultra low budget films shooting in Texas. We want those projects. But to survive as an industry, and surely to actually make a living in the film industry, we MUST have larger budgeted productions shooting on a regular basis in Texas.

Louisiana


Caged Innocence #00226166

United Spirits LLC – Theatrical

Location: Shreveport, LA

Start Date: April 30, 2009


Champagne Society #00239437

Champagne Society, LLC – Theatrical

Location: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, LA

Start Date: May 1, 2009


Dead of Night #00234500

Long Distance Films, Inc – Theatrical

Location: New Orleans, LA

Start Date: To be determined

Dead Whisper #00231285

Dead Whisper Pictures, LLC – Theatrical

Location: New Orleans, LA; Big Bear, CA

Start Date: To be determined

Disconnect #00235354

Triumphant Pictures – Theatrical

Location: New Orleans, LA

Start Date: March 10, 2009

Expendables, The (aka Barrow) #00233317

Alta Vista Productions, LLC – Theatrical

Location: Shreveport, LA

Start Date: March 28, 2009

Jonah Hex #00240540

Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc

Location: Louisiana (non-specific location)

Start Date: April 13, 2009

Casting: Tiffany Little Canfield, CSA – (212)868-1260 x29

Leonie #00238888

Leonie Productions, LLC – Theatrical

Location: New Orleans, LA

Start Date: April 12, 2009

Little Murder #00239911

Little Murder, LLC – Theatrical

Location: Detroit, MI; New Orleans, LA

Start Date: April 20, 2009

Wrong Side of Town #00237651

WSOT Productions 1, LLC – Low Budget

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Start Date: February 3, 2009

Texas

Apparition #00233593

Firestorm Pictures – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Houston, TX

Start Date: To be determined

Basement, The #00237744

T.L.P., LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Dallas, TX

Start Date: To be determined

Casting: Shawn Griffith  shgriffith at earthlink.net

Beyond The Farthest Star #00233502

Pathlight Entertainment, LLC – Modified Low Budget
Location: Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Start Date: October 1, 2009

Casting: Benjamin Dane

Broken Promise, A South Texas Story #00210652

Que Tal Productions, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Brownsville, Mercedes, TX

Start Date: February 15, 2009

Mario Torres – (956) 227-1933

C.A.B. #00239396

Tom Proctor – Low Budget Modified

Location: TX, AZ and Los Angeles, CA

Start Date: May 16, 2009


Carried Away #00238361

Carried Away, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Start Date: TBD

Location: Fort Worth

Casting: James Johnston

Earthling #00239014

The Abductors, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Start Date: April 1, 2009

Location: Dallas

Casting: Josh Ridgeway  earthlingprods at yahoo.com

Iron Horses #00237421

Curveball Films, LLC – Low Budget

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: August 1, 2009


Letter H, The #00233247

GCP Film, LLC – Theatrical

Location: Houston, El Paso, TX

Start Date: June 1, 2009

Casting: Rodney Acevedo

Love and the Texas Sky #00238741

Dust Bowl Pictures – Low Budget Modified

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: April 1, 2009

Love Thy Neighbor #00238949

Nail Scarred Films, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Keller, TX

Start Date: April 25, 2009

Casting: Zach Smith (817) 938-9971 or  zachsmithkeller at yahoo.com

Maybe, Maybe No #00239585

Red Rider Films, LLC – Ultra Low Budget

Location: Wylie, TX

Start Date: June 12, 2009

Casting: Ryan Paige

Minority Western #00220674

FAD Productions – Ultra Low Budget

Locations: AZ & Dallas, TX

Start Date: December 30, 2009


Nerveracker

Troublemaker Studios

Location: Austin, TX

Start Date: June 2009

Casting: Beth Sepko

Player’s School #00238898

Nexus Entertainment and Greg Carter

Location: Houston, TX

Start Date: To be determined


Shadow Play #00236154

Silvatar Media, LLC – Low Budget Modified

Location: Waco, TX

Start Date: April 11, 2009

No comments »

Posted in Film Crew, IActor, Indie Film, Louisiana Film Production, New Mexico Film Production, Producers, SAG, SAGIndie, TXMPA, Tax Incentives, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags:

Austin Conservatory Presents: Script to Screen at the State Theater

March 26th, 2009

Professional performers present the first in a series of live script reads before directors, producers, agents, casting directors, and potential producers.

“Feather in the Rain”
by Alex Conrad
Monday, March 30
6:00-6:15pm Network
6:15-9:00pm Script Read

State Theater
719 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
512.472.5470

No comments »

Posted in Acting, Austin Conservatory, Austin Film, Directors, Indie Film, SAG, Script to Screen, State Theater, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags:

SXSW Wrap Up – Notes on THE 2 BOBS

March 23rd, 2009

The 2 Bobs Movie PosterSXSW 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 year olds. The ones who get off on edgy video games, F-bomb humor and copious amounts of exposed flesh…real, illustrated or animated. You know, the age group that actually spends a lot of money on movies AND video games.

THE 2 BOBS starts at an almost frenetic pace that sucks in even the ‘old farts’ like me (I guess I didn’t really need the quotes around ‘old farts’, but I’m still coming to grips with being one) with clever graphics and effects work that give the film an initial visual style and appeal that seems opposed to the reality that this movie was shot for well under one million dollars on a SAG modified low budget agreement. Score one for the writer-director and his post-production team.

The film rocks along as we are introduced to the two Bobs – Horizontal Bob (Devin Ratray – the shorter, heavier one) and Vertical Bob (Tyler Francavilla - the taller, thinner one). Nerds to the core, these two otherwise complete losers discovered computer programming in high school, created their own video game and were transformed from a couple of loser, high school dweebs into a couple of loser, ex-high school dweebs…with money.

Here’s the story according to Voodoo Cowboy Entertainment and Texas Avenue Films:

The 2 Bobs is a video game geek comedy based in Austin, Texas. The story follows two gaming legends known as The 2 Bobs. But just as they finish their ground-breaking violent video game masterpiece, these gaming gurus discover their precious game software has been stolen – and with it, their livelihoods, genius reputations, and everything they own. To get back their game – and their lives -The 2 Bobs and their fellow-geek employees Munch, Doofus and The Dark Prince are forced to ‘turn detective’ and plunge into the strange world of Christian Venture Capitalists, aged Dixie Mafia hoodlums, and bizarre Internet Spammers that inhabit Austin.

The cast, a mixture of Texas pros and L.A. and NY actors all give enthusiastic, ‘can you believe we’re actually getting paid to do this?’ performances. But what the hey…this movie is a lot more PORKY’S than PATTON…uhhh, actually there is no PATTON here, but you get the picture…and the cast delivers the required goods. A particularly strong performance was turned in by Leonardo Nam as The Dark Prince, the most complete and interesting character in the ensemble.

Overall, THE 2 BOBS works as a broad comedy with a ‘keep Austin weird’ mentality. While it will be interesting to see how THE 2 BOBS plays at the upcoming AFI Dallas Film Festival, the full crowd at the SXSW screening I attended found no shortage of laugh out loud moments.

McCanlies’ fans who might be drawn to a film by the director of SECONDHAND LIONS or DANCER, TX POP. 81, should probably skip THE 2 BOBS if they’re expecting similar fare. Instead wait for the release of his next film, the more family friendly, ALABAMA MOON.

2 comments »

Posted in Alabama Moon, Austin Actors, Austin Film, Directors, Filmmakers, Filmmaking, Gamers, Indie Film, SAG, SAGIndie, SXSW, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, The 2 Bobs, The Two Bobs, Tim McCanlies, Tommy G. Kendrick, Two Bobs

Tags:

Attend SAG’s ARMADILLO DAY at 501 Studios – Austin!

March 14th, 2009

Just a reminder of today’s SAG event at 501 Studios:

Don’t Become Media Roadkill

This SRO event returns to Austin to speak of all things Screen Actors Guild.

Keep your career in the fast lane and off the shoulder.

Get all the info you need for your next film, webisode, video game, commercial, industrial or music video.

Join SAG Experts:
Darrien Michele Gipson, National Director of SAGIndie
Bob Jensen, Manager of National New Media Department
Steve Graham, National Director of Digital Marketing (iActor)
Todd Amorde, National Director of Organizing

Indie filmmakers, game developers, animators, directors, cds, agents and performers get together to get questions answered and discuss building the biz.

When: Saturday, March 14, 2009
2 – 4 p.m.
(Members only reception begins at 1 p.m.)

Where: 501 Studios
501 North IH-35
Austin, TX 78702
Free parking

Cost? Zip. Zilch. Nada. Nothing.

No comments »

Posted in Actors, Austin Film, Filmmakers, Indie Film, SAG, SAG Membership, SAGIndie, SXSW, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags:

McCanlies bobs back to indie filmmaking by Chris Garcia

March 12th, 2009

Tim McCanlies photo by Larry Kolvoord AMERICAN-STATESMANMcCanlies bobs back to indie filmmaking
At SXSW, Tim McCanlies unveils the world premiere of his all-Austin comedy ‘The Two Bobs’

By Chris Garcia
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, March 12, 2009

Making a movie takes time. Tim McCanlies has exactly two weeks to finish his. His new ultra-low-budget comedy “The 2 Bobs” must be audience-ready for the South by Southwest Film Festival, which starts Friday. Yet McCanlies and his sound guys are still fussing and fiddling. The clock ticks. Minutes. Hours. Days. Weeks.

Two weeks. Exactly.

Read the whole article online HERE

No comments »

Posted in Chris Garcia, SXSW, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, The 2 Bobs, The Two Bobs, Tim McCanlies

Tags:

Indie Comedies at SXSW – 2 BOBS and THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS

March 10th, 2009

SXSW is fast approaching and there are more than a few things to plan for. To start with, check out premiere screenings of the latest from Austin filmmakers Tim McCanlies and John Bryant.

Tim McCanlies, well known for his family friendly fare such as DANCER TX, POP. 81 and SECONDHAND LIONS as well as the award winning screenplay for IRON GIANT offers up a complete change of pace with this low budget comedy that, based on the script I read, is definitely not one for the kiddies to attend.

The 2 Bobs
Director/Writer: Tim McCanlies
Just as they finish their groundbreaking violent video-game masterpiece, the two gaming legends known as “The Two Bobs” discover that their precious game-software has been stolen… and with it, their livelihoods, genius reputations, everything they own. Cast: Tyler Francavilla, Devin Ratray, Mika Boorem, Cody Kasch, Leonardo Nam (World Premiere)

Narrative Feature
World Premiere
screening in: Spotlight Premieres
Screening Times

6:45 PM, Friday March 13th – Austin Convention Ctr

6:30 PM, Monday March 16th – Paramount

John Bryant has taken his award winning short, BROTHERLY LOVE and transformed it into a feature length film called THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS. I saw an early screening some months ago at the Austin Film Society that had the audience alternately laughing and wincing as the brothers duke it out…literally and figuratively turning a family get together into an ‘all hell breaks loose’ dramedy.

Having read the script, I was eager to see how a particularly ‘edgy’ scene would play. I must say, my inner boy took over and I laughed a lot. Looks to me like John Bryant is just scratching the surface of his talent here and I recommend you check out THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS.

The Overbrook Brothers
Director: John Bryant. Writer: John Bryant and Jason Foxworth
Jason brings his girlfriend home for Christmas… and bad things happen. Cast: Nathan Harlan, Mark Reeb, Laurel Whitsett, Steve Zissis, John Jones (World Premiere)

Screening Times

4:15 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Ritz

9:30 PM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Lamar 3

10:00 PM, Saturday March 21st – Paramount

No comments »

Posted in Indie Film, John Bryant, Texas Actors, Texas Film Production Fund, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, The 2 Bobs, The Overbrook Brothers, The Two Bobs, Tim McCanlies

Tags:

Austin Film Society SXSW Film Guide

March 9th, 2009

Austin Film SocietyBelow 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 & 2 (3/14, 3/15)
3. SXSW PANEL: A CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD LINKLATER AND TODD HAYNES (3/17)
4. SXSW PANEL: TEXAS FILMMAKERS PRODUCTION FUND MINI-MEETING (3/17)
5. SXSW PANEL: SURVIVING THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT (3/17)
6. AFS/Austin Studios @ SXSW Film & Interactive Trade Show (3/14-3/16)
7. AFS Documentary Tour: THE EYES OF ME (3/15)
8. AFS Co-Sponsored Screening: THE 2 BOBS (3/16)

Friends of AFS and Program Alumni Screen at SXSW:

1. ALONG CAME KINKY… TEXAS JEWBOY FOR GOVERNOR – Directed by David Hartstein
2. FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM – Directed by Gerald Peary
3. THE LEAST OF THESE – Directed by Clark & Jesse Lyda, Produced by Marcy Garriott (former AFS Board President)
4. LOVE, SADIE – Directed by Naiti Gamez
5. THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS – Directed by John Bryant
6. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY – Michel Orion Scott
7. SKIP AND LESTER: HERE’S THE STAPLER IF YOU NEED IT – Directed by Lance Myers
8. ST. NICK – Directed by David Lowery
9. SUNSHINE – Directed by Karen Skloss
10. SWEETHEARTS OF THE PRISON RODEO – Directed by Bradley Beesley
11. TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP – Directed by Alex Karpovsky

See ticketing information at the bottom of this message.

AFS Screenings & Special Events During SXSW

1. SXSW PANEL: GET THE MOST OUT OF SXSW FILM (3/13)

WHEN: Fri March 13, 2-3 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule?acti…

Created for SXSW Interactive attendees, but useful for everyone, here’s an introduction to SXSW’s film conference and festival. Learn how to make meaningful connections with all the movie professionals in town for the event.

Moderated by Agnes Varnum, Communications Manager for the Austin Film Society

2. AFS SXSW Member Showcase 1 & 2 (3/14, 3/15)

WHEN: Sat Mar 14, 2 PM & Sun Mar 15, 12 PM
WHERE: Hideout Coffeehouse & Theatre (617 Congress)
COST: $10/Free for AFS members with current membership card, SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum badge-holders & Film Pass Holders
INFO: http://www.austinfilm.org/film/2009_sxsw…
 http://www.austinfilm.org/film/2009_sxsw…

SPANISH LESSONS WITH CHUPACABRA VOLUME 7: CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH by Bob RayThe Austin Film Society will present two programs of exciting, funny, eye-opening new short films from some of our 500-plus Filmmaker-Level Members at The Hideout during the SXSW Film Festival.

Program 1, Mar 14, 2pm:
SPANISH LESSONS WITH CHUPACABRA VOLUME 7: CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH by Bob Ray
BI DEFINITION by Kai Salim
TINKER TOY by Jabbar Raisani
REMAINS by Allison Cook
TYMPANIC by Benjamin Slamka
BLADE THROWERS by Mark Mederson
HEADCHEESE by Laura Android

Program 2, Mar 14, 12pm:
HEARTBREAKS by Avram Dodson
MARTHA by Katja Straub
SUNLIGHT by Alex Harder
JUNIOR by Allison Cook
VITULA ARCUS by Benjamin Slamka
DUPLEX by Cristina Salinas
SLEET/SNOW by Daniel Laabs

3. SXSW PANEL: A CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD LINKLATER & TODD HAYNES (3/17)

WHEN: Tue Mar 17, 1-2 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule/?act…

Writer/directors Todd Haynes and Richard Linklater hardly require introduction. As two of modern cinema’s great standard-bearers, they’ve spent the last couple of decades forging filmographies as aesthetically rich as they are thematically diverse. Join us at SXSW Film Conference to witness a rare discussion between these fierce independents as they discuss their influences, inspirations, their innate sensitivity to actors, and their working methods; both within and outside the system. We can’t wait, and hope you can’t either!

Moderated by Richard Linklater, Artistic Director, Austin Film Society

4. SXSW PANEL: TEXAS FILMMAKERS PRODUCTION FUND MINI-MEETING (3/17)

WHEN: Tues March 17, 11 AM-12 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule?acti…

Since 1996, the Austin Film Society’s Texas Filmmakers’ Production Fund has supported Texas filmmakers by giving out $930,000 in cash, goods and services to 265 film and video projects. The deadline for the 2009 cycle is June 1st and if you are a filmmaker who has resided in Texas for at least one year, you are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funding for your project. At this workshop, the Austin Film Society’s Director of Artist Services will take you through the application process step-by-step.

This workshop is open to SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only, but AFS will host more TFPF workshops, free and open to the public, in April & May in Austin and other Texas cities. Stay tuned to www.austinfilm.org for dates, times & venues.

5. SXSW PANEL: SURVIVING THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT (3/17)

WHEN: Tue Mar 17, 3-4 PM
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
COST: SXSW Film/Gold/Platinum Badge-holders only
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/talks/schedule?acti…

Nowadays it seems like nearly every city has its own film festival, eager for your entry fees. Navigating the field can be a confusing, expensive, and nerve-wracking experience. Join experienced festival programmers and filmmakers for a discussion of the ups and downs of today’s film festival circuit and a look forward to how new technologies and new expectations will shape the circuit in the future.

Moderated by Bryan Poyser, AFS Director of Artist Services

6. AFS/Austin Studios @ SXSW Film & Interactive Trade Show (3/14-3/16)

WHEN: Sat Mar 14 – Mon Mar 16, 12-6 PM (ends at 4 PM on Tues)
WHERE: Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez)
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/trade_show/exhibito…

Austin Studios opened in the year 2000 as a unique public/private partnership between the City of Austin and the Austin Film Society. The centrally located 20 acre film/video facility contains 10,000 square feet of production office space (the ‘Red Building’) and over 100,000 square feet of production space.

The newly renovated Austin Studios’ five stages include full soundproofing and air-conditioning for two stages, improved security and safety, and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure including 3 wall hard cyc – largest in Texas (23×87x23) – ideal for photo, commercial and visual effects shoots. With the upgrades, Austin Studios will be a competitive draw for commercial, gaming and feature film production, bringing increased economic activity to Austin.

Attendees must be SXSW badge holders or iF! pass holders.

7. AFS Documentary Tour: THE EYES OF ME (3/18)

WHEN: Thu Mar 18, 7:15 PM
WHERE: Alamo South Lamar (1120 S Lamar Blvd)
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…
 http://illegalfilms.net/

The AFS Documentary Tour and SXSW present Keith Maitland’s THE EYES OF ME, an extraordinary look at 4 blind teens. The parallel stories of 2 freshmen and 2 seniors unfold over the course of one dynamic year at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin. THE EYES OF ME was a 2008 TFPF recipient and screened as part of AFS’s Docs-in-Progress program.

Other screening times for THE EYES OF ME:
7:15 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 1
11:30 AM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Lamar 3

8. AFS Co-Sponsored Screening: THE 2 BOBS (3/16)

WHEN: 6:30 PM, Monday March 16th
WHERE: The Paramount Theater (
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

Just as they finish their groundbreaking violent video-game masterpiece, the two gaming legends known as “The Two Bobs” discover that their precious game-software has been stolen… and with it, their livelihoods, genius reputations, everything they own. Directed by former AFS Board Member Tim McCanlies.

Other screening time for THE 2 BOBS:
6:45 PM, Friday March 13th – Austin Convention Ctr

Friends of AFS and Program Alumni Screen at SXSW:

The following films and filmmakers have been supported through AFS’s filmmaker programs like the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund (TFPF), fiscal sponsorship and our Docs-in-Progress and Narratives-in-Progress series. See ticketing information at the bottom of this message.

Along Came Kinky…Texas Jewboy for Governor by David Hartstein1. ALONG CAME KINKY… TEXAS JEWBOY FOR GOVERNOR – Directed by David Hartstein
Screening in Lone Star States. 2006 TFPF recipient, Docs-in-Progress alumnus
AFS Fiscally Sponsored Project
Documentary Feature
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

This documentary chronicles singing Jewish cowboy Kinky Friedman’s 2006 independent gubernatorial campaign in Texas.

7:30 PM, Thursday March 19th – Paramount

2. FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM – Directed by Gerald Peary
features appearances by AFS Artistic Director Richard Linklater and AFS Advisory Board Member Harry Knowles
Documentary Feature, Spotlight Premiere
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

The first documentary to dramatize the rich, fascinating history of American film criticism.

8:00 PM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Ritz 2
12:00 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Ritz 2
4:00 PM, Saturday March 21st – Alamo Lamar 3

3. THE LEAST OF THESE – Directed by Clark & Jesse Lyda, Produced by Marcy Garriott
Documentary Feature, screening in Lone Star States
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

Detention of immigrant children in a former medium-security prison in Texas leads to controversy when three activist attorneys discover troubling conditions at the facility. This compelling film explores the role – and limits – of community activism, and considers how American rights and values apply to the least powerful among us.

11:00 AM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Ritz 1
7:00 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 3
11:00 AM, Friday March 20th – Paramount

4. LOVE, SADIE – Directed by Naiti Gamez
Narrative Short, screening in Texas Shorts
2006 TFPF recipient
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

Sadie and her high-school friends struggle to escape the banality of everyday life. Her friends search for approval, and answers about life, from Sadie, the one confidant who can’t articulate her own reality.

4:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Lamar 1
7:30 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 2
11:00 AM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Lamar 2

THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS by John Bryant5. THE OVERBROOK BROTHERS – John Bryant (2007 TFPF recipient)
Narrative Feature. In Competition
Narratives-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

Jason brings his girlfriend home for Christmas… and bad things happen.

4:15 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Ritz 1
9:30 PM, Monday March 16th – Alamo Lamar 3
10:00 PM, Saturday March 21st – Paramount

6. OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY – Michel Orion Scott
Documentary Feature. Screening in Lone Star States
2007 TFPF recipient, Docs-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

This documentary chronicles the journey of the Isaacson family as they travel through Mongolia in search of a mysterious shaman they believe can heal their autistic son.

11:00 AM, Tuesday March 17th – Paramount
1:30 PM, Thursday March 19th – Alamo Lamar 2
7:00 PM, Friday March 20th – Austin Convention Ctr

7. SKIP AND LESTER: HERE’S THE STAPLER IF YOU NEED IT – Directed by Lance Myers (2001 & 2005 TFPF recipient)
Animated Short, screening in Animated Shorts
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

It’s Lester’s first day on the job at Copy-O’s copy shop and his manager has given him one very important directive: don’t let the customers use the big paper cutter in the back.

2:00 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Lamar 1
11:30 AM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Lamar 1
1:30 PM, Wednesday March 18th – Alamo Lamar 1

8. ST. NICK – Directed by David Lowery
Narrative Feature. Screening in Emerging Visions
2007 TFPF recipient, Narratives-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

A stark, haunting portrait of childhood following the adventures of a runaway brother and sister as they try to survive, all on their own, out on the wintry plains of the great southwest.

12:00 PM, Sunday March 15th – Alamo Ritz 2
2:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Ritz 2
12:30 PM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Ritz 2

9. SUNSHINE by Karen SklossSUNSHINE – Directed by Karen Skloss
Documentary Feature, Screening in Lone Star States
2003 & 2004 TFPF recipient
AFS Fiscally Sponsored Project
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

In 1975 rural Texas, the local mayor’s daughter grapples with an unplanned pregnancy finally deciding to have her baby in secret before giving her away in a hidden adoption. Twenty-three years later, the adopted child also has an unplanned baby out of wedlock. The film tells the intimate story of these two single mothers, while exploring the times and circumstances that afforded them very different options.

3:00 PM, Saturday March 14th – Alamo Ritz 2
9:15 PM, Monday March 16th – Austin Convention Ctr
2:00 PM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Ritz 1

10. SWEETHEARTS OF THE PRISON RODEO – Directed by Bradley Beesley (2004 TFPF recipient)
Documentary Feature, Special Screening
AFS Fiscally Sponsored Project
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

Amidst stories of murder, hardship, heartache and redemption, the film follows the convict cowgirls of the Eddie Warriors Correctional Center in their preparation for the only rodeo where female prisoners compete rough-stock and as equals against male prison teams.

11:00 AM, Saturday March 14th – Paramount
1:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Ritz 1
4:30 PM, Friday March 20th – Austin Convention Ctr

11. TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP – Directed by Alex Karpovsky
Documentary Feature, Screening in Emerging Visions
Docs-in-Progress alumnus
INFO: http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule…

Immortalized in the world of improv comedy, Second City veterans TJ Jagodowksi and David Pasquesi explore the unique partnership and transcendental forces that govern their legendary performances.

9:15 PM, Friday March 13th – Alamo Ritz 2
6:30 PM, Tuesday March 17th – Alamo Ritz 1
8:00 PM, Friday March 20th – Alamo Ritz 2

SXSW Film Festival Admission Policies:

* Free admission for SXSW Platinum, Gold, and Film Badge holders and SXSW Film Pass Holders.
* Individual tickets are $10 and go on sale 15 minutes prior to screenings at the theatre box office, if space is available.
* SXSW Film Passes are $70 and are available at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas.

For the official SXSW website, please visit http://www.sxsw.com

No comments »

Posted in Actors, Austin Actors, Austin Film, Austin Music, Austin Studios, Film Crew, Film Distribution, Filmmaking, Indie Film, SXSW, Texas Filmmakers, Texas film, The 2 Bobs, The Overbrook Brothers, The Two Bobs, Tommy G. Kendrick

Tags: