The Sources + the Resources

Front: (l-r) Digital Filmmakers Resource Group's Krista Keosheyan, Motion Media Arts Center's Erica M. Shamaly, Reel Women's Sherry Mills, Flicker Austin's Cory Ryan, Austin Film Society's Rebecca Campbell and Stephen Gray

Back: (l-r) Reel Women's Beth Sepko, South by Southwest's Matt Dentler and Jarod Neece, Austin Film Festival's Kelly Williams, AustinActors.net's Brad Koester, AFS's Elisabeth Sikes, Austin Community Access Center's Jon Wright and Jay Brand (Photo By John Anderson)

During the past half-decade, Austin has emerged so clearly as the country's leading regional film center that there is no consensus as to which city, if any, would be the runner-up. The film community offers an impressive range of film/media activities. These include extensive exhibition offerings with an impressive number of art, foreign, independent, and cult films shown by the disproportionately high number of local commercial screens showing such fare through the five nationally recognized film festivals as well as through many up-and-comers. New media information, equipment, children's classes, speakers, festival information, and remarkable access to cable are also available. No other city is home to so many independent, Hollywood, documentary, experimental, and animation filmmakers. There is a large screenwriting community and many excellent film-crew professionals, more than a few of whom have national reputations.

Crucial to this mix has always been the nonprofit media arts groups, many of which are listed here. But the film community has grown so quickly that many segments have never even talked to each other, much less to other related groups like Austin's large gaming community. Over the past year, within the film community and among the media arts groups, some have been leading the drive for more interactivity and communication. Austin Film Society Director Rebecca Campbell and staffer Rachel Blackney invited the media arts group leaders to a meeting, which led to subsequent ones.

At the early meetings, it became apparent that introductions were necessary, as most groups didn't understand the mission, resources, and achievements of the others. Since those of us in similar groups weren't aware of the extent and range of resources, classes, equipment, and aids already available, we figured the layperson was at a complete loss. The Chronicle thus decided to publish this supplement.

Questionnaires were sent to groups, festivals, and support organizations. Suggestions as to what other entities should be included were solicited. The following blurbs were edited from the responses we received. Listed are media arts groups, professional organizations, the five major festivals and one of the newer ones as an example of the next generation, the state and local official support offices, as well as area college programs. This first guide is not meant to be complete, but to begin to suggest the depth and range of available resources. We welcome all suggestions and comments. – Louis Black

Quentin Tarantino (l) and Austin Film Society co-founder Rick Linklater at an AFS screening

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Film and Other Media

The Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers

917-3027, [email protected], www.aivf.org

AIVF is a national media advocacy group headquartered in New York that provides services and resources to independent media, including publications, seminars and networking events, information services, trade discounts, and support of regional, member-run salons across the country.

The Austin salon is currently focused on bringing together film and video artists with representatives from local media organizations for informational updates, networking, and discussion.

To Join and to Help: More than 5,000 members nationwide, with 130 in Texas, receive a subscription to The Independent, the Splice! e-mail newsletter, discounts on health and production insurance, equipment rentals, postproduction, etc., and online access to member-only features. Individual membership is $55 annually. Student rate is $35. Visit the Web site to join and to get involved. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to members and nonmembers. AIVF is currently seeking individuals to help organize meetings, as well as venues that can accommodate crowds in excess of 100 people.

Austin Community Access Center

1143 Northwestern, 478-8600

www.austinaccess.com

Founded in 1973 to promote a free exchange of ideas, community dialogue, and individual artistic expression through cable television and other media, ACAC offers the use of production equipment and channel space to any Austin-area individual or nonprofit organization. Currently, there are 600 active producers – people who create and display programming on the public-access channels 10, 11, and 16 on Grande Cable and Time Warner Cable in Austin.

To Join and to Help: Attendance at one orientation meeting – which take place every Monday at 5pm – is required, as is a producer ID card, which costs $100 per year. There are small fees for training classes in equipment usage, but actual use is free. Equipment includes Sony DVCAM camcorders (pd100a and dsr300 models), DVCAM decks, and linear edit systems, as well as lights, mics, cables, adapters, and audio mixers for field use. There are two studios, one of which is fully digital-capable with Sony DXC D35WS cameras and a Ross Synergy 100 digital switcher. Nonlinear edit systems should be available within the next year, depending on availability of funds (regulated by the city through the cable franchises).

Austin Film Society

1901 E. 51st, 322-0145

www.austinfilm.org

Richard Linklater and his cinephile friends originally founded AFS in 1985 as a continual viewing party for hard-to-find films. It has since grown into the roles of promoter, protector, and supporter for both film appreciation and filmmaking itself. Soon after hiring its first paid staff in 1995, AFS launched the Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund, which awards up to $75,000 per year in grants to emerging filmmakers. Austin Studios provides a professional production facility, production office space, and screening room. Essential Cinema exhibits rarely seen and hard-to-find films year-round. AFS's Internship Program offers office internships as well as referrals into entry-level production positions. PoV chronicles Austin's burgeoning film scene. The Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards recognizes Texas' considerable contribution to film.

To Join and to Help: There are currently 1,500 AFS members, and enrollment levels start at $20. While the majority of AFS events – which often sell out – are open to the public, members receive notice of special events and free or discounted admission, as well as exclusive access to special screenings of upcoming releases. In addition, AFS has many opportunities for volunteers, ranging from helping with parties to serving on committees. Contact Christian Raymond, volunteer coordinator at [email protected]. In terms of office furniture and equipment, AFS is always grateful for donations. The organization also has large-scale capital improvement needs at Austin Studios – whose screening room and recreational area are available for rent – for soundproofing, air conditioning, and a second production office.

Digital Filmmaking Resource Group

Screening Series Host: Mark Vittek

www.dfrg.org

DFRG expands and encourages the Central Texas digital filmmaking community by providing timely and practical workforce education, building connections between local service providers, and increasing access for all users of digital technologies.

To Join and to Help: With no official membership, DFRG counts everyone on its e-mail list – approximately 300 digital filmmaking enthusiasts – as a "member." Most of its events – including a monthly meeting, often on the last Tuesday of each month at the Yarborough Branch library, 2200 Hancock, from 7 to 8:30pm – are free and open to the public. DFRG is receptive to event suggestions, people with the capacity to develop ideas for educational programs, etc., to help local filmmakers.

Motion Media Arts Center

906 E. Fifth #106, 236-8877

www.motionmac.org

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. The combined histories of these two award-winning organizations have formed an indelible foundation for a media center dedicated to achieving media literacy using purely artistic expressions in any moving media.

Austin Cinemaker Co-op was formed in 1996; with a shared passion, and extremely limited resources, a small group of filmmaking enthusiasts gathered what assets they could to purchase and rebuild filmmaking equipment. The organization was dedicated to the belief that filmmaking is a financially accessible art form, and its mission included encouraging freedom of expression, experimentation, and the proactive exchange of ideas among filmmakers.

Center for Young Cinema was formed in 1999 by co-op co-founder Barna Kantor. The school provided low-gauge film and video production classes, educational resources, and exhibition opportunities for students younger than 18. Courses focused on filmmaking fundamentals and unrestricted creativity upon which students could build future creative projects.

To Join and to Help: Anyone may join Motion by going to the Web site and clicking the "join now" button. Membership levels start at $20. Motion produces media arts classes for adults and teens; such community programming as screenings, exhibitions, panels, and symposia; a Media Resource Center for students and visitors; and equipment and software for juried projects. Motion is always looking for volunteers to help with administrative duties, classes, and screenings. Previous experience with the media arts and related equipment is preferred but not necessary. Meanwhile, Motionscape is Motion Media Arts Center's screening and exhibition program. It is Austin's first nonprofit microcinema (a cinema with pluralistic programming that is housed someplace other than a commercial movie theatre). Motion works with such groups as Cinematexas, the Austin Film Society, Houston-based Aurora Picture Show, local curators, and arts and film groups outside of Texas to bring original programming to venues throughout Austin.

Reel Women

716 S. Lamar, 448-9090

www.reelwomen.org

Reel Women provides information, education, support, networking events, and opportunities for community service for women (and others) at all levels of experience in the film and video industries. It started with five women meeting in a private home in 1995 and has grown to more than 250 members with an office, a board, a part-time paid director, monthly meetings and workshops, and a weekly e-mail newsletter, as well as various screenings, social events, co-sponsored activities, and a comprehensive educational outreach program.

To Join and to Help: Membership is $35 per year; $25 for students. Members receive discounts to RW workshops, screenings, and other activities; the opportunity to purchase discounted passes to South by Southwest, the Austin Film Festival, and other events; discounts on purchases and rentals at MoPac Media, Gear, Pro Tape, Media Toolbox, and Olden Lighting; a membership card and directory; mentoring by RW board and other industry professionals; and the opportunity to work with the RW production group (an opportunity limited to females). Meetings take place at 7:30pm on the third Wednesday of each month (except December and sometimes November) at Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca. Members may serve on a committee (education, publicity, special events/networking, membership, fundraising), volunteer to work at meetings and events, and speak at a meeting or lead a workshop. RW is always in need of equipped screening venues, lighting and audio equipment, sponsors, speakers and workshop leaders, and office supplies.

Trade Groups

AustinActors.net

www.austinactors.net

Formed in March 2000, AustinActors.net is a no-dues, no-fee cooperative organization of local film and theatre actors, filmmakers, acting coaches, casting directors, and agents. Audition notices for independent film, UT student films, and shorts are updated in real-time through public submission by filmmakers and local producers. Local acting coaches have a place to post class announcements, as well. Filmmakers use the site to cast and crew their projects with rapid turnaround.

To Join and to Help: The AustinActors.net group meets monthly for an open happy hour with a guest speaker and is providing outreach and technology transfer to the Austin Film Society. The group is an active participant in the newly formed Austin media arts leaders coalition. The Web site provides more information and additional content.

IATSE Local 484

1514 Ed Bluestein Blvd. #106, 385-3466 or 800/470-3030

www.iatse484.com/index.htm

Teamsters Local 657

8214 Roughrider, San Antonio, 210/590-2013

www.teamsters657.com

[email protected]

Texas Association of Film/Tape Professionals

www.shoottexas.org

[email protected]

As a nonprofit trade association, the goal of the TAF/TP is to promote the film, video, and commercial production industry in the state of Texas through educational seminars and networking opportunities, the production of a printed directory, and the development of its Web site.

To Join and to Help: TAF/TP members represent a wide cross section of the production industry in Texas. From rigging gaffers to writers, from directors to production assistants, TAF/TP members – more than 900 in 2003 – are the core of the production industry in Texas. E-mail for membership information.

Austin Film Festival: Bill Wittliff (l) and Neil Young, 2003 (Photo By John Anderson)

Film Festivals

Austin Film Festival

1604 Nueces, 478-4795 or 800/310-FEST

www.austinfilmfestival.com

Dates and Venues: Oct. 14-21, 2004; Paramount, Hideout, Dobie, Arbor, Driskill

Formats: Screening on 35mm composite condition, 16mm composite condition, Beta, or DigiBeta

Submission Criteria: Half-inch VHS (NTSC only) tape and DVD (Region 1 or multiplatform); must have been completed no earlier than June 1, 2003; must be available for screening from Oct. 14 to Oct. 21, 2004; films with U.S. distribution or films produced, financed, or initiated by a major film studio are ineligible for competition, but may be considered for screening; documentaries screened on U.S. television are also ineligible for competition purposes. Visit the Web site for a complete list of rules concerning particular categories.

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 champions the work of aspiring and established writers and filmmakers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships. The Austin Film Festival was established in 1994, and since then, numerous writers and filmmakers have established careers through the festival, competitions, and conference. Films of note that have premiered/ screened in the past: Mystic River, In America, Greendale, Shattered Glass, The Barbarian Invasions, Pieces of April, Lost in La Mancha, Secretary, and Real Women Have Curves. Besides film screenings, the AFF offers a Screenwriters Conference, the Heart of Film Screenplay & Teleplay Competition, AFF & Radio-Television-Film Department of the University of Texas at Austin's Cinema/Television Summer Camp, a membership organization, the Young Filmmakers Program, and an Oscar Night Party.

To Join and to Help: Interested volunteers should e-mail [email protected]. Interested attendees should visit the Web site.

Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival

1216 E. 51st, 302-9889

www.agliff.org

Dates and Venues: Aug. 26-Sept. 6, 2004; Paramount and Arbor

Formats: 35mm and video

Submission Criteria: Must have lesbian/gay/ bisexual/transgender subject matter. Seeking features, shorts, documentaries, and animated work. We especially encourage applications from women, people of color, and Southwest regional filmmakers.

aGLIFF is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the Southwest. In 16 years, the festival has developed into a major multicultural community event that, in 2003, included more than 150 films from 12 countries shown during a 13-day period. Its aims are 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. Films of note that have premiered in the past: Friends & Family, Southern Comfort, Totally Sexy Loser. Besides the festival, aGLIFF offers special monthly screening series, the Gay Youth Media Project, My Gay Movie, and the Texas Gay Doc Tour.

To Join and to Help: Visit the Web site.

Cine Las Americas International Film Festival

PO Box 1626, Austin, TX 78767, 841-5930

www.cinelasamericas.org

Dates and Venues: April 21-25, 2004; Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, Hideout

Formats: 35mm, BetaSP, DVD, DV, and mini DV; video must be NTSC; DVDs must be Universal or region one format

Submission Criteria: Deadline is March 1; projects, considered only if made by or about Latinos or native peoples of the Americas, must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2001. Preference is given to regional or national premieres. Subtitles are required for non-English-language films. For extended rules and entry form, visit Web site.

Cine Las Americas is a media arts center currently based in Johnston High School in East Austin. Since 1997, the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival has established itself as the leading Latin American film festival in the Southern U.S. Cine Las Americas also brings diverse indigenous films and filmmakers to a diverse public in the interests of cross-cultural understanding and growth by educating, entertaining, and challenging the Central Texas community. Educational programs run year-round.

To Join and to Help: Donations – including laptops and a recording studio window – are welcomed. Sponsorship opportunities, as well as film festival passes and tickets, are available online, along with job openings, internships, and volunteer positions.

Cinematexas International Short Film Festival

University of Texas-Austin, CMA 6.118, Department of Radio-Television-Film, 471-6497

www.cinematexas.org

Dates and Venues: Sept. 22-26, 2004; Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, Texas Union, Hideout, various other locations around Austin

Formats: DVD, VHS, Beta, Super 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, performance, and 2D

Submission Criteria: The International Competition and UT Student Competition are open to works 60 minutes or less in length; curated programs may include longer works. For more information see Web site.

Since its inception in 1995, Cinematexas has provided a hospitable, diverse, and ever-expanding space for landmark films in the American Southwest. It is now recognized as one of the most important international new media festivals. "A film festival with the brain of an art gallery, the soul of a rock show, and the backbone of an activist collective," said Ed Halter of The Village Voice. Previously screened works by new and established filmmakers include those of Leslie Thornton, Hal Hartley, Errol Morris, Guy Maddin, Jon Jost, Don Hertzfeldt, and Forcefield. Guest artists have included Todd Haynes, the Ex, Jim Jarmusch, Werner Herzog, Miranda July, Michael Snow, Thurston Moore, Richard Maxwell, Peter Tscherkassky, and Merzbow. Programs besides film screenings include the sidebars Eye+Ear, cutting-edge music and theatre performances; Terra Cognita, installations and performance; Parallax View: Political Economy of Images, focusing on current events and the media; and Cinemakids, a free filmmaking workshop and screening of youth-made films from around the world.

To Join and to Help: Individual screening tickets range from $5 to $7, and performance tickets range from $12 to $15; all Terra Cognita and Parallax View events are free and open to the public. Volunteers and interns are always needed: Contact Erin McMaster at [email protected].

Flicker Austin

7907 Doncaster

www.flickeraustin.com

Dates and Venues: Four screenings per year, quarterly, at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown; three-year-anniversary screening is scheduled for 7pm, Feb. 24.

Formats: Regular 8, Super 8, PixelVision, 16mm, Super 16mm, 35mm

Submission Criteria: Must originate on some form of celluloid film and be less than 15 minutes in length. Flicker only screens shorts but has no genre requirements.

There are currently 11 Flickers around the globe, which trade films on a regular basis.

To Join and to Help: Flicker is a completely volunteer-run organization and is always seeking volunteers to help festival operations.

South by Southwest Film

1000 E. 40th, 467-7979

www.sxsw.com

Dates and Venues: March 12-20, 2004; Paramount, Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, Austin Convention Center, Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, Hideout, Dobie, and Arbor

Formats: 35mm, 16mm, Beta, DigiBeta, and HD

Submission Criteria: For competition, films must have been completed within the 12 months prior to the Festival; feature-length films exceed 40 minutes, while shorts are anything less than that; there are also noncompetitive programs. See Web site for more information.

Established in 1993 with premieres of films by Gregg Araki, Peter Jackson, Bryan Singer, and Arthur Borman, SXSW is an annual showcase of the best in international independent filmmaking. A combination of Festival screenings and Conference panels, SXSW gives film newcomers and veterans from around the world an opportunity to learn more about their craft and experience the best new achievements in film. Films of note that have premiered/screened in the past include American Job, Meet the Feebles, Swimming With Sharks, Lone Star, Chasing Amy, The Daytrippers, Schizopolis, In the Company of Men, The Newton Boys, Frat House, EDtv, The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, Grass, Amores Perros, Memento, Super Troopers, Y Tu Mamá También, Spellbound, Journeys With George, A Mighty Wind, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, Cabin Fever, and The Weather Underground. This year, March 13-16, SXSW will feature a program at the Hideout highlighting representative work by four groups in this guide: Reel Women, Digital Filmmaking Resource Group, Austin Film Society, and Motion Media Arts Center. Besides screenings, SXSW also offers its Conference – which includes panels, workshops, and a trade show – at the Austin Convention Center. Music and Interactive Festivals are also part of SXSW.

To Join and to Help: Walk-up rate for Film Festival registration is $250. Volunteer calls occur every January, people from around the globe are welcome to participate.

Educational

Austin FilmWorks

1705 Guadalupe, Third Floor, 467-0731

www.austinfilmworks.com

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. 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.

To Join and to Help: For information on current classes – including Production I, Production II, a summer intensive workshop/ Austin and Houston, a Final Cut Pro workshop, and an Adobe After Effects workshop – call or visit the Web site. Motion picture and digital video cameras used include: Arriflex 16BL, Cinema Products CP16, Bolex H16, Canon XL1s, and the new JVC HD10U HD camera; equipment used includes lighting, grip equipment, and Macintosh-based nonlinear editing using Final Cut Pro.

University of Texas Department of Radio-Television-Film

www.utexas.edu/coc/rtf

To Join and to Help: For information on undergraduate and graduate programs and for application information, call or visit the Web site.

Burnt Orange Productions

research.communication.utexas.edu/utfi/BurntOrangeProductions.pdf

Burnt Orange Productions LLC is a private, for-profit production company based in Austin that plans to produce low-budget independent feature films for commercial distribution through a partnership with the UT Film Institute.

To Join and to Help: For information about current and future Burnt Orange productions, budget listings, and work opportunities, visit the Web site.

Austin Community College

www.austincc.edu/rtf To Join and to Help: For information, call or visit the Web site.

Official

Austin Film Office

www.austinfilmcommission.org

As a division of the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Austin Film Office acts as a liaison between the government, the community, and the film industry, while helping to facilitate filmmaking in Austin.

To Join and to Help: Call or visit the Web site.

Texas Film Commission

www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/film/about/contact_html

Since 1971, the Texas Film Commission has been assisting filmmakers with information on locations, crew, talent, weather, laws, housing, and every other aspect of filming in Texas.

To Join and to Help: For information about internships, services, and employment opportunities; regional information, including weather and general Texas information; and information about upcoming film events, call or visit the Web site.