Blog at Howard's Bend

Keeping Track of the Positive Texas Pulse
in Film and Visual Media


Dr. Diane Howard
               Personal/Professional Mission-               
 People's Positive Potential and Productivity 
 

Central Texas is rich with Best Practice Art in a broad range of forms.
We are fortunate in Central TX to be in one of the Independent Film Capitals in the World.
We have opportunities to be involved with substantive, redemptive independent films and visual media.
In this blog, I am tracking some of the opportunities we have to participate in meaningful visual media and artistic projects.

Texas Film Commission Hotline- Casts

Texas Film Commission Hotline- Crew

UMHB Film Program

Dec. 11, 2008
Film News
BY JOE O'CONNELL
Wildfire Hopes To Reignite the Austin Film Scene 

..."synergy" it's perhaps the ...description for Wildfire Films, a joining of four film companies,
two from Austin and two from Los Angeles, that just might give a drowsy Austin film scene a needed shot of adrenaline by bringing
a slew of new productions to town.

First up locally for the group is a biopic tentatively titled 16 Minutes about Latino civil rights advocate Gus Garcia
(no relation to the former Austin mayor), who argued the landmark Hernandez v. Texas case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954
and cemented Latino rights under the 14th Amendment, only to die 10 years later penniless in San Antonio.
The script is being co-written by Rodriguez and Austin actress/playwright Amparo Garcia-Crow,
who has been obsessed with bringing Garcia's story to light since 1990, with help from Isidro Aguirre,
who has been fascinated by it even longer. Look for preproduction in the spring with Rodriguez directing.
"This isn't people coming in from the outside to do this," Rodriguez said of the new film company.
 

Dec. 4, 2008
Wildfire Films
http://www.austin360.com/movies/content/movies/stories/2008/12/1203wildfire.html
By Charles Ealy
American-Statesman Staff
Wildfire Films LLC, a new movie production company based in Austin, announced its formation Tuesday
and that it is planning to start work early next year on its first feature film, about lawyer and
Hispanic civil rights leader Gustavo "Gus" Garcia in Texas.
The movie, titled "16 Minutes," is expected to focus on Garcia's flamboyant, rough-and-tumble life
leading up to his 16 minutes of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark 1954 civil
rights case Hernandez v. Texas.

Wildfire Films representatives said Tuesday that "16 Minutes" would be
the first in what they hope will be a series of Hollywood-backed movies to be shot in Texas in the coming years.
Operating from an expected base at the Austin Film Studios, the company's partners are: Anton Diether, a longtime writer with credits
such as the Hallmark TV series "Moby Dick"; Mark Hacker, a story editor and script consultant who's working on the screenplay for "16 Minutes"
with a team of writers, including Austin playwright Amparo Garcia Crow; Leon Rodriguez, who recently directed "Double Tap," starring
Daniel Baldwin, and will direct "16 Minutes"...

Wildfire said it has partnered with Fred Roos Productions, Overture Films, Starz Media and other companies to help finance coming
productions. A budget of $25 million is expected for "16 Minutes," the partners said.
Rebecca Campbell, head of the Austin Film Society, said she welcomed the news of Wildfire's upcoming work in Texas, "especially during a time
when productions have been moving to Shreveport and elsewhere because of incentives being offered in other states."
Campbell expressed hope that a new incentives package, boosting the current 5 percent tax break for filming in Texas up to 10 or 15 percent,
would make its way through the 2009 legislative session. Wildfire said it has not decided who will play Garcia, which might
begin shooting in South Texas in February. The high court's decision in Hernandez v. Texas, which helped establish
equal protection under the law for Hispanics, was decided only a few days before Brown v. Board of Education, the widely known landmark
ruling that led to the end of public-school segregation for black Americans. But some historians have since said that the Hernandez case
was just as important and has been unjustly overlooked by history...

Nov. 29,  2008
Film News
BY JOE O'CONNELL

Shot in Texas: Bill seeks to boost film incentives 

As the Dallas Producers Association turns 30, the statewide film lobbying group it spawned is working to save the Texas film industry.
Both groups' motto? Flexibility. "We've never shied away from doing battle on behalf of our membership,"
says Bob Dauber, one of six DPA founders. "Of course, we don't always win."
An association committee sparked the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, a statewide group that persuaded the
2007 Legislature to fund a film incentive program for projects shot in Texas.
The program, which was capped at $20 million total for its first two years, offers a 5 percent rebate on in-state spending. 

The figure hasn't been competitive with states offering incentives as high 42 percent, industry leaders say.
"The bad news is this is the first time since I've been here that we've had nothing major shooting in the state of Texas," says Bob Hudgins,
who took over the reins of the Texas Film Commission in late 2005. 

The dubious benchmark was reached last week when the NBC-DirecTV series Friday Night Lights completed shooting its mini 13-episode season in Austin. Already airing on DirecTV, the season will premiere on NBC in February.
A fourth season is on the industry's wish list as it seeks to lure Hollywood back to the Lone Star State. 

The solution, many believe, is to revamp Texas' film incentive program with plenty of flexibility.
A 15 percent incentive figure has been not-so-quietly bandied about, but the bill the Legislature will probably see when it convenes in January
will leave that level open to negotiation on a project-by-project basis, says TXMPA president Don Stokes, who is also a DPA member.

 "The program is being expanded to give it more impact and to be more competitive," he says.
"We'll work with native filmmakers to keep their projects here as well as bring other projects in." 

Other proposed changes in the bill, expected to be filed any day now by Sen. Bob Deuell of Greenville and Rep. Dawnna Dukes of Austin,
include a drop in the eligibility requirement for incentives from $1 million of in-state spending to $250,000;
a removal of the overall program spending cap; a drop in the number of days shot in-state to qualify
and an inclusion of corporate films, documentaries and unscripted television projects. 

Also look for increases in the additional incentive given for projects shooting in underutilized areas, to 2.5 percent from 1.25 percent;
a new incentive for projects certified as either green or family-friendly;
and the potential to include salaries of actors and directors in the incentives mix if they're Texas residents. 

"They are pretty much ready to pounce on this right off the bat," Mr. Stokes says of bill sponsors.
 "There is a desire to move this through very quickly as a job retention and creation bill." 

That willingness to fight for growth and change harks back to the DPA.

The producers association battled early in its history for fairness in how sales taxes were assessed,
and more recently has embraced the Web and opened its membership to non-producers
to become a clearinghouse for information on the North Texas film scene –
everything from where to find a portable green screen to how to break into the film biz.

"You grow things by doing well," says Mr. Dauber...
More information can be found at www.dallasproducers.org.

Nov. 26, 2008
Film News
BY JOE O'CONNELL

...TXMPA reignites incentives candle

... you can soon expect a very interesting proposal from the Texas Motion Picture Alliance aimed at
strengthening a 5% statewide financial-incentives program that is seen as too minute to matter in its current state. Rep. Dawnna Dukes' office
confirmed she will be the House sponsor of the bill. "The desire is to move this through very quickly," says Don Stokes, TXMPA president. "The
program is being expanded to give it more impact and to be more competitive."

Among the major changes is a drop in the eligibility for incentives from a $1 million in-state spend to $250,000, a removal of the overall
program spending cap, a drop in the number of days shot in-state to qualify, and an inclusion of corporate films, documentary films, and
unscripted television projects. While an increase to a 15% film incentive has been long seen as the mark needed to compete with states
offering 25% and more, the Texas bill may not feature an exact figure but instead may make that number flexible depending on the project,
Stokes says. Also look for increases in the additional incentive given for projects shooting in "underutilized" areas, a new incentive for
projects certified as "green," and the potential to include actor/director salaries in the incentives mix if they're Texas
residents. "The spirit of what was passed last time is retained; it's just a matter of trying to modify it," says Stokes. "That 5 percent is
not really competitive. We're trying to make it competitive." The cause has been aided by fundraising events around the state, most notably
Spaghetti Western, a recent Austin event featuring heavy hitters Robert Rodriguez, Elizabeth Avellán, Mike Judge, and Richard Linklater that
raised $70,000 to fund TXMPA lobbying efforts before the 2009 Legislature.

Oct. 28, 2008

I am usually careful about recommending projects, especially casting calls for extras;
however, a good project that needs featured extras or extras in specialized categories may be worth doing.
See http://governor.state.tx.us/film/general/filming_extras/ ,
http://governor.state.tx.us/film/hotline-cast/#cast10781 .

Remember that every performance communication experience, encounter is a networking opportunity.
It is important to always have a positive attitude. Jobs go to people who have the following qualities:
willingness to work hard, positive attitude, openness to direction, expressiveness (especially with eyes and face),
flexibility, willingness to support others...

If you do extra work in a positive, cooperative way, casting directors will often keep you on a list of people to call for future projects.
When you do extra work with a good attitude, often directors will use you more, give you more face time on camera, and give you extra character work.

For work beyond that of extras, your goal should be to seek representation from a good agent.   

See http://dianehoward.com/talent_agents.htm

Best Wishes,
Dr. Diane Howard

Aug. 14, 2008
Film News
BY JOE O'CONNELL

Austin Studios Gets Pretty

...long-awaited studio renovations finally began last week via $5 million Austin voters approved in November 2006.
Austin Energy has thrown another $1 million into the project, which has four guys currently ripping out temporary insulation on Stage 5.
It and Stage 1 are slated to be the flagships for the studios, once soundproofing and air-conditioning are in place come December,
says Rebecca Campbell, executive director of the Austin Film Society, which operates Austin Studios.
The other sound stages will get sprinklers, digital infrastructure, and security upgrades. "We finally get to pull the
trigger," Campbell says. "Now if we can [increase state] incentives, we'll be rocking and rolling again."


BY JOE O'CONNELL

1/31/08

... MovieMaker magazine has proclaimed Austin the best place to
"live, work and make movies,"
...MovieMaker ranked Austin No. 1 for the first time since 2004, citing statewide cooperation that resulted in the
new film-incentives program, a strong crew base, great film-education
opportunities, hot film festivals, and plain old enthusiasm. ...

10/03/07
Always be careful in working with talent and casting agencies. Don't give money or credit card numbers up-front.
Do not pay to meet, read, or audition.  If you  believe that you have been the victim of a scam,
you can file a complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/.  
The State Attorney General should also be notified. Mastercard has free information on
Scams and Flim-Flams at 1-800-999-5156. A watchdog group at www.fraud.org/internet/intset.htm
also keeps track of several illegal money-making schemes.

The Better Business Bureau advises caution when dealing with talent/modeling agencies. See http://www.license.state.tx.us/databases.htm for
Legitimate, Licensed Talent Agencies in TX.  Also see www.DoNotPay.org.
See http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/model.ht
for information on modeling and talent scams. To search for the license of a Texas Talent &/or Modeling Agency,
see http://www.license.state.tx.us/LicenseSearch/.

From Dan Eggleston, Austin, TX- ...Please remind everyone that it is ILLEGAL to charge someone for audition information or to
obtain a booking...Companies like this one will tell you that they are charging you for your "web presence."  Don't fall for this!!! 

From Ken Farmer's PAG Notes, 2/07- ...When you go in for an audition, there is usually a slot on the sign-in sheet asking for your
social security number. Do not, I repeat, do not, that's NOT, N-O-T, write down your social security number on that sheet!!!
By law, only your employer or a governmental agency has the right to see your SS# and you aren't hired yet...
Warning from Dan Eggleston- If you come across something like this, the odds are likely 100% that it's a scam.
Here's their "pitch." You will have instant access to amazing casting calls with parts that are right for you - parts you can
apply to right away so you can get started immediately. You will get your own unique Talent Profile, including
photo, so I can find parts that are right for you, and others can spot your star potential.
You will be eligible to participate in our Superstar Talent Search, where you can win incredible prizes
like a personal consultation with a Casting Director. You can access this all on the Web any time you
like or you can even choose to have parts sent to you! If you are ready to be discovered, there is simply no
easier way to get started. And it is absolutely free. A credit card is required to ascertain your interest,
and will never be charged unless you choose to continue the service beyond the Absolutely Free
period. You have my Iron-Clad 100% Guarantee. As your virtual casting agent, I am in a fantastic
position to help you launch a career in show business. What's better, I can do it right now, Absolutely Free,
if you respond immediately by accepting my invitation here. 10/03/07

Summer of '07

Texas Motion Picture Association, TXMPA.org 

Film Industry Resources

Texas Resources for Employment in Arts and Entertainment Industries

Professional Performance Network

Film Austin

Joe Connell's Blog

*A note to actors about casting directors, intensives, auditions and audition workshops...
*Acting, ethics and proper etiquette of casting directors
 by Donald Iarussi
Posted in AustinFilmCasting, July 4, 2006

I am in Austin, Texas… here… some casting agents local and some who come to town…audition those who come to their casting workshops
and intensives. I have talked to many NYC Agents and L.A. agents who believe as I do, that intensives are a … waste of
money. If any agent requires you to take their workshop or audition intensive or workshop in order to audition for them…They are being
unethical. Please subscribe to magazines like http://www.backstage.com either in paper or on line. Read the
articles and learn what you should and should not be doing.

If a casting agent will only see you if you take their class. They are being unethical and practicing a form of payola. If you know of casting
directors that will not see you unless you take their workshop or intensive…Report them to the producers who she works for on projects…
The TV Network executive, AFTRA Actors Equity and most importantly to
SAG, The Screen Actors Guild. http://www.sag.org

…some casting agents are charging fees to actors that want to be in their office casting files. The sales pitch is that, if you are in the files,
you stand a better chance of being called in for auditions. The truth is that the casting files themselves are a revenue stream for the casting
agents and have not much to do with casting. Anyway, the practice of charging file fees is illegal and, sooner or later, it will be
challenged in court.

Staff attorneys for the California State Labor Commission say that, when actors pay to be in a casting agent's photo
file, he is in effect asking the casting agent to function like a talent agent. The hope is that the casting agent will go out into the world and
find acting roles for the actor to audition for. That's what agents do, and according to both of the legal opinions I have read, this practice
makes fee-charging casting agents de facto talent agents and puts them under the arm of the law. In California, it is illegal for agents to
charge up front fees to actors. In other words, even if a casting agent is calling himself a casting director, he may be functioning like a
talent agent if he is charging file fees. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.....

My strong advice to new actors is that your primary short-term goal be to build a resume, get some decent training and gain experience.
Secondarily, get an agent. If you are having trouble getting an agent, then you need to re-double your efforts, perhaps change your
appearance and market yourself differently. Whatever you do, it is not a viable career strategy to stop pursuing agents on the premise that you
can cozy up to casting directors who will have you in on auditions anyway. They may lead you to believe that this strategy might work, but
it won't. The business does not work like that. The casting directors will take your money to be in their files and will still call talent
agents when money-paying acting work is up for grabs.

When pursuing agents, put yourself in the agent's shoes and ask yourself how you would make money on yourself if you walked in the door, picture
in hand. Make certain that you are marketing yourself type-wise. Remember that most agents make their money from commercials, so the best
thing you can do is fit into a commercial category. Watch TV shows that are aimed at your demographic age….Watch the commercials.
Those actors are your competition. Note how they dress, their energy, the way they are presenting themselves. Then do the
same. When you get your photos taken, try to fit into a viable commercial category so that agents know what to do with you.

June 7, 2007
 

 May 28, 2007

Dear Supporters and Members of TXMPA,

It was a late night photo-finish-to-the-end in the Capitol, but the
Appropriations Bill passed with the $22 million in funding for the film incentive grants.
On Monday afternoon, May 28, 2007, the Speaker of the  House and the Lt. Governor signed the bill. The last step is to
have the Governor sign the bill. We do not anticipate a veto from the Governor. He has been very supportive of this initiative.

We have a program and the money!

Thank you all very much for all your efforts. Together we accomplished the nearly impossible task of creating legislation in Texas.
Our grass roots organizing and the wise counsel from HillCo Partners, our lobbying firm, have produced an incentive program to keep
Texans working in our industry. Please give yourselves a standing ovation...


There is still lot of work to be done between now and the next legislative session in January, 2009.
TXMPA will assist in marketing the new program and we need to monitor the results of these grants.
We need to pursue an Economic Impact Study and examine other incentives to
consider. We have become THE voice for the industry in Texas at the Capitol.

We will continue to keep you posted through our Web site (http://www.txmpa.org/)
and we will continue to fight for you, the members of the industry in Texas.
And yes, we still need donations. Please consider making one today through our Web site
 (http://www.txmpa.org/) or by mail (P.O. Box 40339, Austin, TX 78704)...

Hector Garcia
Texas Motion Picture Alliance, President
 

 Contact Dr. Howard    

Professional Resume | Professional Vitae | Performance Resume | Prof. Network
Perform./Comm. Curricula | Perf. St. Syllabi  | Public Speaking/Presenting | Professional Projects
Professional Communication Guidelines | Prof. Role Modeling | Publications/Presentations
Performances of Autobio. & Lit.  | Professional Programs|  Productions  
                                 Performance Studies Students/Alum/Assoc. | Photos/Video/Audio | Home