Resources for Actors in Texas.

Breaking into the film industry in Texas has many advantages over trying to start in larger markets like LA or NY.  Texas might be a large state but the film and theather community feels like family.

I have put together a list of resources to help new actors find the right groups for them.

Part of managing an acting career is networking and exposing yourself to others.  Check out the list and go to some networking events where you'll meet fellow actors, talent agents, filmmakers and anyone interested in film/theater.

Some of the links below are for groups that have casting notices.  Other links are for either networking groups or resource pages.

Either way, get yourself out there, meet new people and work with amazing individuals that are a part of the Texas film & theater family.

AUSTIN FILM CASTING: Yahoo group providing casting information for the Austin area. http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/AustinFilmCasting/messages

FILM AUSTIN: Yahoo group providing information for the Austin film community. FilmAustin@yahoogroups.com

AUSTIN FILM COMMISSION: The Austin Film Office assists filmmakers with scouting and securing locations for filming, and acts as a liaison for city services such as road closures, permits, use of public property and code compliance issues. www.austintexas.org/film-commission

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL: Dedicated to championing the work of aspiring and established filmmakers, defined as screenwriters, directors, editors, producers, actors and all artists who use the language of film to tell a story.  www.austinfilmfestival.com

AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY: Nationally recognized exhibition of films and artist services with community outreach and education.  www.austinfilm.org

NOW PLAYING AUSTIN: The leading online resource for Arts and Cultural information for Austin and Central Texas. www.NowPlayingAustin.com

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST: Internationally known showcase offering a music and media conference, interactive festival and film conference and festival. www.sxsw.com

AUSTIN FILM MEET: A support, networking & collaboration community for film, video & media makers of all types & skill levels. They bring people together though a wide range of events & programs. www.austinfilmmeet.com

NETWORK AUSTIN MIXER: Monthly programs for everyone in entertainment to get together, mix & mingle, learn, have fun, and network. www.networkaustinmixer.com

DALLAS FILM SOCIETY: Dallas’ International Film festival that provides a stage for moviemakers from around the globe. www.dallasfilm.org            

DALLAS FILM CASTING: Yahoo group providing casting information for the D/FW area.  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dallasfilmcasting/

DALLAS FILM COMMISSION:  Promotes the DFW region to film, television and media professionals as a destination/location for feature films, TV, documentaries, commercials, videos and all forms of media.  www.filmdfw.com

DALLAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION: Promotes the local film and video production market as a highly creative, competitive, and international source of professional production expertise. www.dallasproducers.org

DALLAS SCREENWRITERS ASSOCIATION: Support organization for area screenwriters. www.dallasscreenwriters.com

S.T.A.G.E. (Society for Theatrical Artists' Guidance and Enhancement): Promotes the theatrical, broadcast, and film industries, serving as an information clearinghouse, and providing training and education in many facets of the entertainment industry. www.stage-online.org

WOMEN IN FILM/DALLAS: Committed to promoting and enhancing women in production, as well as creating educational and advancement opportunities. www.wifdallas.org

A BUNCH OF SHORT GUYS:  Dallas-based on-profit animation guild established to foster a community of world class artists & storytellers. www.abunchofshortguys.org

INDIE CLUB: The organization offers many opportunities to meet, network, and collaborate with other filmmakers, actors, and crew. www.indieclub.com

HOUSTON FILM COMMISSION: Provide resources for local professional crew and helps in finding accommodations, and equipment, plus acts as a liaison with other City of Houston departments. www.houstonfilmcommission.com

SWAMP (Southwest Alternate Media Project):  Has been promoting the creation and appreciation of film, video, and new media as art forms of a multicultural community for 30 years.  www.swamp.org

WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION/HOUSTON: Dedicated to helping women reach the highest level of achievement in television, film, and other moving-image media and promoting equity for women in these industries. www.wift-houston.org

WORLDFEST HOUSTON: One of the oldest and largest film & video competitions in the world, with more than 4,500 category entries, celebrating 45+ years. www.worldfest.org

TAMMP (Texas Association of Moving Media Professionals) - A trade organization promoting the film, video and commercial production industry.  www.tammp.com

TEXAS FILM COMMISSION:  State film commission that has been assisting filmmakers for more than 35 years and is working to keep Texas a competitive destination for all media industries. www.texasfilmcommission.com

TXMPA (Texas Motion Picture Alliance): Industry wide organization working toward legislation that provides competitive economic incentives for the film, video, interactive, and video game industry.  www.txmpa.org

SHORT FILM TEXAS: Free online community powered by Texas filmmakers. This is your resource to prepare, produce & project. www.shortfilmtexas.com