Film Archives - Page 2 of 5 - The Austinot

Motion Media Arts Center Provides Affordable Space for Austin Visual Artists

May 10, 2018 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Motion Media Arts Center Networking Event

Motion Media Arts Center networking event in Austin (Credit: Motion Media Arts Center)

Guest article by Janet Lee

For Austin creatives, it’s often quite the journey to find space to fulfill projects, not to mention affordable space. Whether it’s having meetings, hosting an event, or simply finding a place to get work done, the hunt can be a job in itself.

But look no further. Motion Media Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent film, art, and technology center located in east Austin. From studio and event space, to equipment and classes, the center provides a variety of advanced resources and tools for visual artists. The organization’s focus is sustaining the Austin arts community by providing financially viable options for artists. [Read more…]

5 Free Outdoor Movie Events in Austin This Spring and Summer

April 2, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan 1 Comment

Free Outdoor Movie Events in Austin

Credit: Liz Kreutz

Spring sends Austinites scattering across the city hiking the Greenbelt, walking our dogs, swimming in spring-fed pools, and drinking on patios. Another joy of the season is going to outdoor movie events in Austin. Our city’s movies in the park scene is like an infinity mirror–it keeps going and going. Here are five of the best, free outdoor movie events in Austin.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, picnic or tacos to munch on, and something to drink. Wherever Austinites go, food trucks follow, so food trucks will usually be an option at these movies. Remember, though, that alcohol is never allowed at these screenings, nor are glass bottles or Styrofoam containers. And while friendly dogs on leashes are allowed at some of these events, due to the booming speakers and crowds, it is unwise to bring them. [Read more…]

It’d Be a Whole Lot Cooler if You Knew These 6 Dazed and Confused Spots

March 19, 2018 by Guest Blogger 4 Comments

Guest article by Jayla Andrulonis

Since its 1993 debut, “Dazed and Confused” has been a cornerstone of the coming-of-age film genre, full of 1970s nostalgia, incredible music, and Matthew McConaughey in salmon-colored bell-bottoms.

The film follows the intertwining lives of a group of teenagers here in Austin, Texas, as they experience their last day of school in 1976 and kick off summer break. Austin was the perfect location for the film’s laid-back mood, effortlessly transporting viewers back in time.

Luckily for you, there are still many recognizable “Dazed and Confused” filming locations around Austin. To take full advantage of this tour guide, be sure to listen to this playlist of songs from the film’s incredible score, roll those windows down, and wear something with polyester if authenticity is your thing. [Read more…]

SXSW Red Carpet Musings With Todrick Hall, Nick Offerman

March 22, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Todrick Hall SXSW Red Carpet

From the “audio only” side of the red carpet, press members tend to get photos of the stars in profile once they’ve made their way over to the “photos” section

SXSW red carpets are paraded on by people buzzing about their film projects. This year, I spoke with the stars and directors behind two world premiere films at ZACH Theatre, “Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall” and “Infinity Baby.” In the spirit of keeping things local, I asked each person if Austin tickles their creative side, and whether they have any advice for Austinites who want to walk a red carpet some day.

Todrick Hall and Katherine Fairfax Wright

The documentary “Behind The Curtain: Todrick Hall” follows the American Idol singer turned YouTube sensation and Broadway star as he plans and executes a tour for his musical “Straight Outta Oz,” based on [Read more…]

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in Reopens in South Austin

March 13, 2017 by Yulia Dyukova Leave a Comment

For seven years, Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in has been a place where families and friends can get together to watch movies under the open sky and relive childhood memories. The world’s first boutique drive-in movie theater has held fundraisers for diverse organizations in Austin and donated to charities, and has been a place for local up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their talent.

So when Blue Starlite asked for help relocating to a new, permanent home in South Austin, its fans showed love, gratitude and support in return. [Read more…]

See Texan-Made Short Films During SXSW With Free Community Screenings

March 10, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

One Short Film at SXSW 2017

Film still from “One” (Credit: Emily Ma and Grace Zhang)

While narrative and documentary features get their fair share of buzz, movie lovers should know SXSW offers a slew of short films that educate, entertain and inspire viewers. Although the festival highlights work from all over the world, there are many Austinites and other Texans who are showcasing their shorts between March 10 and 18, too. Here’s a list of the screenings you should look out for to support local creatives. Some of them are free and open to the public. [Read more…]

Austin Film Industry at SXSW Film 2017 With 7 Full-Length Screenings

March 9, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Lance Letscher Metal Collage SXSW Film 2017

Artist Lance Letscher working on a metal collage (Credit: Jason Gamble Harter)

We all know Austinites are a talented bunch. Even though SXSW Conference & Festivals showcase visitors from all over the world, many Austinites have their work featured during the event, as well. During SXSW Film, which runs March 10-18, 2017, seven full-length Austin-related films will be screening. Support Austin’s local film industry.

Because details are subject to change, we’ve included links for each film where you can see when and where each screening will take place. [Read more…]

Restored Globe Theatre Preserves Old Pastime in Bertram, Texas

January 27, 2017 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

The Globe Theatre Bertram, Texas

Globe Theatre in nearby Bertram, Texas

Guest article by Judy Rae Merhar

The world was by no means perfect in 1935, but perhaps it was simpler. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced across screens, and the world was graced with the birth of two cultural icons: the Dali Lama and Elvis Presley. And lo and behold, Globe Theatre in Bertram, Texas, opened its doors for the first time.

Local Austin Film ProGamer Premieres This Week at Austin Film Festival

October 12, 2016 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

White Ra ProGamer Still

Professional gamer White Ra competes for big cash and glory in ProGamer (Credit: ProGamer)

Imagine an NBA arena packed to the rafters on a Saturday. Stage lights flash across the at-capacity crowd. Monstrous displays broadcast the evening’s match-ups. An exuberant emcee walks onto the stage and announces the first bout. The crowd roars as the combatants go to their respective corners, put on headphones, and man their mouse and keyboard.

Oh, I’m sorry. Did you think I was talking about professional wrestling? A heavyweight bout? I was actually setting the scene for an eSports tournament. Professional gaming has become a worldwide sensation, attracting millions of fans through webcasts and live events. “ProGamer,” directed by Austin native Justin Agnew and premiering at this year’s Austin Film Festival, provides an inside look into this pixelated phenomenon and the personalities that make it tick. [Read more…]

Answers to Common Questions About SXSW Film for Austin Locals

March 11, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Sixth Street During SXSW

Sixth Street during SXSW (Credit: Ian Aberle via Flickr CC)

During SXSW, parts of our city seem unrecognizable. And sometimes, the festival itself can be downright confusing. Luckily, Janet Pierson, Head of SXSW Film, provided us with helpful answers to some of the most common SX questions. Below is valuable information from Pierson and the SXSW website. [Read more…]