Texas Motion Picture Alliance

MICHELE AHLSWEDE [South Central Texas]
I am a member of TXMPA and a Master Celebrity Makeup Artist. I have been in the Film Industry for going on 17 years. I started working as a Director / MUA / whatever needed done for a local access cooking show, “Cooking with Lovie”. I worked on lots of indie and TV projects, but while working on a major film as an AD found my passion for the MUA industry. During my crew's down time I was working with Alicia Haley (now of "The L Word") and decided to make the switch. My love for the film industry has never abated and it has been my personal goal to help foster the industry in San Antonio. I own LaCalisto Makeup Artist Academy and work diligently to instill the love of the craft in my students. Teaching set etiquette and proper film and print techniques is paramount to prepare this next generation of makeup artists. I believe the cause of TXMPA is crucial to secure film work in Texas and especially the San Antonio area. I fully understand what would be expected of me, and would do my utmost to be an asset to TXMPA.

RAINE DEVRIES [North Texas]
Raine Devries is a native Dallasite and very passionate about seeing the amazing work of TXMPA continue for the betterment of the Texas film industry. She is actively involved in the North Texas film community in a myriad of ways. She is a producer with IdeaMan Studios where she handles many of the day-to-day logistics on shoots both in-house and on location. She considers herself very fortunate to work daily with creative professionals in a facility that has some of the most cutting edge equipment and technology in the industry as this helps her stay ahead of the curve. As the Dallas producer of the 48 Hour Film Project, she has exceeded all registration goals and enjoys working with so many of the local professional and amateur filmmakers as they compete in that event. She writes a column on the Dallas film industry for Examiner.com where she highlights industry news, casting and crew calls, and other relevant information. Due to her involvement with the media, she was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Women in Film.Dallas.

Endorsements:
I extend my endorsement to Raine Devries, because she is all about promoting good for the entertainment industry in Texas.  She has a good head on her shoulders and we can count on her! - Ralph Goin

Raine continues to set the bar high for professionalism and inclusion in the Texas Film market. She holds many talents as a producer and as a leader in not only the North Texas film community but also lends her support to the Texas market as a whole. As an At Large Board Member for the Texas Motion Picture Alliance she will no doubt continue on her mission to reach out and support the endeavors of our film incentive movement and all which TXMPA stands for.  - Michael Druck, South Central Producer and Former TXMPA Board Member

I would strongly urge you to choose Raine Devries to represent North Texas on the TXMPA Board.  I worked with Raine a few years ago on a short film I directed and have remained in contact, working together ever since.  I have yet to meet someone in Dallas with more professionalism, drive, and dedication than Raine. I think she and I get along so well because we share this sense of perfectionism.  I know when Raine says she will do something, she will.  The peace of mind she has provided me has been priceless.  I admire that she is opinionated and holds her ground, even when it's not the popular opinion.  I believe Raine will be instrumental in helping move TXMPA forward in its goals to strengthen Texas as a film production destination. - Robert L. Camina

Please accept this email as my endorsement of candidate Raine Devries for one of the North Texas Member At Large seats on the TXMPA Board. Not only have I worked with her in my role as Director of Education and Outreach for the Dallas Film Society and DALLAS International Film Festival, but I also personally recruited her to join the Women In Film.Dallas Board of Directors. Her communication and leadership skills are second to none and she is an advocate of the arts as a whole, but is extremely passionate about the motion picture industry both commercially and independently. With countless projects to her credit, tremendous experience and an absolute talent when it comes to the written word and portraying the stories of our industry, Raine would be an excellent representative for TXMPA and our advancement of the motion picture industry in Texas! - Lisa M. Stabler, President, Women in Film.Dallas

I endorse Raine Devries. - Libby Mitchell

I am writing on behalf of the USA Film Festival to recommend Raine Devries for one of at-large seats on the Texas Motion Picture Alliance Board. We have known and worked with Ms. Devries for over 15 years.  Her commitment to the Texas film community has always extended beyond her contractual professional work, as evidenced by her extensive pro bono and volunteer work. We believe that Raine Devries would be an outstanding representative for the TXMPA and we would be fortunate to have her expertise and tireless support. - Ann Alexander, Managing Director, USA Film Festival

ADAM DONAGHEY [Southeast Texas]
Adam Donaghey, President and founder of Zero Trans Fat Productions, is an award-winning independent film producer. His work has been seen at festivals and special screenings all over the world. Adam’s latest projects are Independent Spirit nominee Bryan Poyser’s LOVERS OF HATE, recently picked up by IFC Films, and Clay Liford’s MY MOM SMOKES WEED, both of which screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival; Frank V. Ross’ AUDREY THE TRAINWRECK and Clay Liford’s EARTHLING, both premiered at the 2010 South By Southwest Film Festival; and Francisco Diaz’ EL REGRESO WAY, currently on the festival circuit. He is currently in development on Clay Liford’s MINOR IN POSSESSION John Wildman’s STRIPPED, and Michelle Mower’s PREACHER’S DAUGHTER. His first feature film, ST. NICK, premiered at the 2009 South By Southwest Film Festival and subsequently won the Grand Jury Prize for Texas Filmmaking at AFI Dallas. Adam is also a film and food columnist for Houston Bay Area’s SCENE Magazine; and produces the Houston and Austin 24 Hour Film Races.

Endorsements:
For the last few years I have been an active filmmaker in the Texas film community and have gotten to know Adam quite well.  If you have ever been to a Texas event related to film, then you've probably met Adam before.  He is a person adamant about getting to know who all of us filmmakers are and is equally willing to help us make our films as a fellow filmmaker.  Over the last few years Adam has produced a number of Texas based productions.  Many of which went on to achieve major festival  success and critical acclaim with titles such as Earthling, Lovers of Hate, and St. Nick to name a few.  To have someone that intimately involved with the actual Texas film industry become part of the TXMPA Board would be a Godsend.  I thoroughly endorse Adam Donaghey. - Ryan Hartsell

I have been working as a Gaffer and D.P. in the independant film junlge of Texas and throughout this time have watched Adam Donaghey work himself to the bone for Indie Film makers both professional and novice. He is driven and dedicated to the growth of our state's film community and takes great pride in the home grown talent we have here in Texas. I endorse him for the TXMPA elections and urge many of you to do the same. - Brandon Torres

Adam Donaghey is a strong member of the new wave of film production in Texas. He has the energy and the drive to help us grow the organization into a forward minded operation. - Michael Cain, Chairman, Dallas Film Society

JEFF EVANS [North Texas]
I currently live in Mesquite, Texas. I am the owner of Roeder & Moon, Inc, a Texas insurance agency specializing in the needs of the production industry. I have been doing this since 1979. I have spoken before the State Board of Insurance and achieved change to insurance regulation in favor of commercial producers. I have served on the board of TXMPA for the last two years and am committed to its future. I will work toward the maturation of the organization and I am in favor of changing the management of TXMPA from the all-volunteer board toward a paid executive manager whose primary responsibility is the running of the organization.

Endorsements:
I would like to endorse Don Stokes and Jeff Evans as candidates for the next TXMPA Board. I have worked with both for the past two years and their foresight and leadership has brought us to a great point with our incentive efforts. Their vision is clear cut and I think they will do much to keep us moving forward on our path to keep the incentive program alive and well. They are well aware of issues we have in getting funds awarded and I think they will do a stellar job in maintaining and improving our current program. Both have been a joy to work with. - Lynne Moon, TAF/TP President

As noted in the message I posted on behalf of the DPA Board of Directors, I feel it is imperative to have continuity and therefore recommend support for Jeff Evans, who is currently serving on the TXMPA Board. - Bob Dauber

If you look at any successful board in any environment, you will see that members include accomplished people from occupations outside the represented entity. Most have lawyers, financial advisors, communications specialists etc. Jeff has been instrumental in protecting us with his counsel on insurance and all related issues. He knows what we need going forward. We need him. - Jeanette Scott

Jeff Evans is one of the most noble individuals that I have ever met. He is instrumental is helping many TV and film projects take the steps to move toward completion. He has a unique perspective of the industry from Day 1 until the delivery of the project. He also plays well with others. - Michael Cain, Chairman, Dallas Film Society

PHIL HARDAGE [North Texas]
Phil Hardage has 20 years of film and TV production experience spanning the state and the globe, with some 40 credits under his belt. After having to leave the state to find work the past few years, Phil is very grateful to be back in Texas thanks to the incentives, working in Dallas as First Assistant Director on "THE GOOD GUYS" (airing Mondays on FOX). Phil got his start as a P.A. in Houston on such films as ROBOCOP 2 and REALITY BITES, and then worked as a 2nd 2nd Assistant Director on films including OFFICE SPACE, NURSE BETTY and GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS. As 2nd Assistant Director, his credits include WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BROKEDOWN PALACE, THE ROOKIE, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE NOTEBOOK. More recently he has been First Assistant Director on such films as THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA, THE HITCHER, the pilot for "JACK & BOBBY", and was Second Unit First Assistant Director on THE ALAMO, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END. Phil is eager to bring his first-hand, front-line, in-the-trenches production perspective to the TXMPA Board, representing the entire state with a particular focus on our growing TV industry.

Endorsements:
Phil Hardage's production skills as an AD will definitely allow him to be an asset on the TXMPA board. His passion for filming in Texas and the closeness with our crews makes him a great adovocate for the film community. - Fonya Naomi Mondell

Phil has worked all over Texas, making him eminently well suited to represent the entire state as an At Large board member. He would not only add to the number of professional working crew on our board, he would serve as a valuable representative of (and liaison to) our increasingly important TV industry, given his position as A.D. on THE GOOD GUYS. And as someone who has directly benefitted from the incentives and TXMPA, he'd make a particularly compelling advocate for both.  - Paul Alvarado-Dykstra

RENEE HILL-SWEET [Southeast Texas]
Renee Hill-Sweet is a resident of Missouri City, just outside of the Houston area. Renee has been a Second Assistant Director member of the Director’s Guild since 2000. Her film experience began in Los Angeles, and includes projects such as "The Practice", YES MAN, and DREAMGIRLS. Upon moving back to Texas, where she grew up, Renee became a member of TXMPA, and participated in 2009's Lobby Day. While Renee still travels to L.A. and other cities to continue working as an A.D., she is truly dedicated to becoming a part of the film community in her city, as well as in the State of Texas. In addition to her work in film, she also works in television news, freelances in corporate production, and has taught sessions of the Texas Film Commission's P.A. Workshop.

CAMILLE SCIOLI McNAMARA [Panhandle]
After serving as the Panhandle Region Board Representative for 3 and a half years, and Secretary for two years, I’m committed to help take TXMPA to the level of a professional association and advocacy organization we all know it needs to and can be. I’ve served on the Legislative committee, the Membership and Fundraising committees and was co-chair of our recent online auction. I’ve attended every Lobby Day and have focused lots of my energy on the Legislators in the Western part of the state, not just the Panhandle. I’m an independent producer, marketing & event coordinator and freelance as a unit production manager, production coordinator, and location scout for commercials, independent films and events. I’m a member of the Austin Film Society, Independent Feature Project, Women in Film and Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals. I co-hosted the weekly local radio show MovieTalk on FOKtalk 950AM and work closely with the Texas Film Commission touting the West Texas and Panhandle areas for filming locations and events and serve as an occasional instructor/panelist in the TFC training workshops.

Endorsements:
Camille has been a valuable director for the association.  She organizes fund raisers and meetings, shows up at all events and phone conferences,  and presents valuable ideas for the administration of the TXMPA.  It would be hard to find a person that puts more effort into the organization. - Jeff Evans

As noted in the message I posted on behalf of the DPA Board of Directors, I feel it is imperative to have continuity and therefore recommend support for Camille McNamara, who is currently serving on the TXMPA Board. - Bob Dauber

As co-chair of the fundraising committee, Camille has been one of the most valuable members of the board.  Even more than enthusiasm and ideas (which she has in spades), what our organization needs is money.  We need Camille. - Jeanette Scott

JUSTIN MULLER [North Texas]
Justin Kurtis Muller is a studio executive, producer, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Muller has become one of the best-known studio executives in the Southwestern United States for his tireless efforts to restore the Texas motion picture industry. Muller is particularly known for setting record production goals by revitalizing The Studios at Las Colinas. After coming under the management of Muller Entertainment, The Studios at Las Colinas became a magnet for Hollywood producers seeking a professional and cost effective alternative to filming in Los Angeles. The result of these collaborations is the successful production of such television series as "Prison Break" and "The Deep End." Muller has also allowed for the creation of the soap operas such as Telemundo's "La Ley del Silencio", documentaries such as "Eric Clapton: Sessions for Robert J", movie of the week "Saving Jessica Lynch" and many more. In 2001 he worked for Panavision International, a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of high precision camera systems and accessories for the motion picture industry.

Justin K. Muller has helped lead The Studios of Los Colinas back into being an integral part of the future of film in Texas. I support his vision for the future. - Michael Cain, Chairman, Dallas Film Society

TOM SOWELL [North Texas]
From an early age, I have been interested in the motion picture industry. From majoring in RTF in college to my experience, which includes being associated with Sabbatical Pictures on two of their films, PATHLIGHT and currently CROWS NEST, a film in development. My education has included from going to Cannes Film Market with EXIT SPEED in 2008 to even attending a P.A. Boot Camp in Los Angeles. I have served on several boards in the worlds of business, education, and homeowners. As a business owner, I understand the financial and business management side of film industry. As a second generation Texan, my interest in promoting this state's future in film is extremely important to me.

DON STOKES [North Texas]
I am a current board member of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, serving as President of the organization, and am President and Owner of Post Asylum, Inc. I have over 40 years of experience in our industry. I am running for re-election to the board because I feel the next legislative session will be a challenging one and I believe I can continue to be an asset in formulating and realizing the goals of the TXMPA.

Endorsements:
As president, Don has been able to hold the group together through some pretty tough times.  He is an even tempered leader as well as a great spokesperson for the industry.  Of the current board, I don’t know of a better qualified president for the organization. - Jeff Evans

I endorse Don Stokes! He is a fantastic worker for our industry and I have known him and his late father thirty years. TXMPA will be fortunate to use his many strengths. - Bettye Zoller Seitz

I would like to endorse Don Stokes and Jeff Evans as candidates for the next TXMPA Board. I have worked with both for the past two years and their foresight and leadership has brought us to a great point with our incentive efforts. Their vision is clear cut and I think they will do much to keep us moving forward on our path to keep the incentive program alive and well. They are well aware of issues we have in getting funds awarded and I think they will do a stellar job in maintaining and improving our current program. Both have been a joy to work with. - Lynne Moon, TAF/TP President

As noted in the message I posted on behalf of the DPA Board of Directors, I feel it is imperative to have continuity and therefore recommend support for Don Stokes, who is currently serving on the TXMPA Board. - Bob Dauber

Without Don, our steps forward will be very difficult.  His calm and focused leadership has been and continues to be what this board needs to get through the times ahead.  - Jeanette Scott

It is a privilege to endorse Don Stokes, just as it has been a privilege to serve on the board with him.  Honestly, I would be gravely concerned for the future of both our organization and our mission if we didn't continue to have his leadership. It would be frankly absurd not to re-elect him.  - Paul Alvarado-Dykstra

I would like to give my highest endorsement to Don Stokes. He is an incredible asset for the TXMPA and all the organizations he commits to. It is imperative that Don continue working for the Texas Film Industry through the TXMPA. - Michael Cain, Chairman, Dallas Film Society

DARREN VANCLEAVE [Southeast Texas]
True Fiction principal Darren VanCleave and his Hand Picked Films partner Michel Shane have established themselves as two of the motion picture industry’s premier independent producers.  Recently Darren and Michel’s team released HOUNDOG starring Dakota Fanning and have two films currently in post production, NOT ANOTHER starring Chevy Chase and Burt Reynolds, and BLOOD starring Aaron Douglas. Darren, a true Texan and native Houstonian who maintains homes in Houston and Beverly Hill, was formerly Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ford Motor Company’s Website Design, CyberCar, Auto Mark Red Carpet, Sales and Management training, and HAC divisions. He possesses over 24 years of success as a business executive. He currently owns and operates eight companies worldwide including being CEO of True Fiction Filmz, Partner/Vice President of Hand Picked Films, CEO of Result Technology Group, CEO of RTG Talent, Partner of Pacific Gold Entertainment, Inc, Partner of Daval Releasing, Inc., CEO of RTG Productions, and CEO of True Fiction Releasing.

Endorsements:
I know Darren's partner, Michael Shane, and his work.  That they are working together says alot.  Their work speaks for itself! - Patrice Villastrigo

PATRICE VILLASTRIGO [South Central Texas]
Patrice Villastrigo began her career in the entertainment business as a teenager modeling, singing, and on stage. Today, you may find her music at CDBaby and Reverbnation. She has worked above and below the line on films for 30 years in North and South America. Beginning with acting roles such as in the series "Knight Rider" starring David Hasselhoff; creative consultant in films including THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF HAPPINESS; directing such as the recent pilots: "Smoke n Love" and "The Shifted"; and in production. Patrice has several current projects due for release in 2010. Between these projects, she is either Executive Producer, Director, and/or D.P. They will all be released through her Production Company, Skinny Llama Productions, LLC. Patrice also writes, edits and publishes books through her company, such as Papacho Remedies, available August 2010. Patrice has been a patron of the acting, music and arts communities for her entire life. To date, she hosts improv, music, and art events at her events center in San Antonio, Texas which you can read about at www.PachamamasGarden.com.

*Note: Central Texas currently has its maximum number of At Large Representatives on the Board (3), hence no candidates from that region have been nominated this year.