Having tracked Texas film and visual media developments, I have observed that three of the most significant this past year in 2009 have involved the Texas Film and Moving Images Incentives, the continuing Friday Night Lights television series, and Austin's Sandra Bullock's work in The Blind Side,

Austin casting directors, agents, and talent have been seeing good signs that the recent Texas Film and Moving Images Incentives, which started Sept. 1, 2009, are bringing new work to Central Texas. New projects cross a broad spectrum that includes the following: feature films, television programs, commercials, and video games. These new projects are bringing significant revenue, crew jobs, and roles for talent. TXMPA has worked hard to facilitate the passing of new film incentives in Texas. The Lone Star State has long been known as user-friendly with vast, varying locations for film. Austin and Central Texas have been recognized for good local casting directors, talent agents, crews, and actors. Now, with added financial incentives, Austin and the surrounding region are all the more drawing new moving pictures projects.

Going into its fourth season of filming in the Austin area, Friday Night Lights has been named one of the top ten shows by Time Magazine and Entertainment Weekly. It has been claimed Television Program of the Year by the American Film Institute (AFI) and has received the George Foster Peabody Award. Taken from the feature film and best selling book Friday Night Lights, this series focuses on rural Dillon, Texas. Here football campionships are central to the town.  For the past three years, this series has involved talent from Central Texas as cast and crew.

Another football story has been a highlight in Austin 2009 film history, as Austin's Sandra Bullock has done fine work in the feature film, The Blind Side. Sandra Bullock effectively plays a real life Steel Magnolia, who develops in character as she provides for the neglected Gentle Giant, Michael Oher in this inspirational and comedic film. The Blind Side is entertaining, uplifting, and meaningful. The comedy has audiences laughing and crying in front of screens across the nation. This film encourages us to value all human relationships at a time when we especially need this inspiration.

Keep your eye on film and visual media developments in Austin. There are significant projects on the horizon. 2010 is sure to be an exciting year in the film and visual media industry in Austin and throughout Texas.

See Dr. Diane Howard's other recent Austin film stories, reviews and publications.