Alternative Media In Houston

If you're into alternative media you can find lots of things to do in Houston and other creative professionals to hangout with in this fantastic city. People who are serious about film, video and open access to the media can sharpen their craft and network with other professionals in Houston through SWAMP( Southwest Alternative Media Project) and the Houston Independent Media Center.

These two Houston area organizations are where the thought leaders and professionals that are on the cutting edge of new media come together. They're shaping the new roles for television, movies and how news is crafted, created and presented in America.

SWAMP

SWAMP promotes the creation and appreciation of film, video and new media by providing independent makers with opportunities for professional development education, screenings, Texas PBS television broadcast, and a variety of other programs.

They host workshops, seminars, short film showcases and participate in Houston's annual Cinema Arts Festival. If you your business is film in Texas you need to connect with SWAMP and take part in some of the program offerings they produce throughout the state.

One of the recent educational workshops was a 2 day course in After Effects. It was designed to give the first time user a basic understanding of the tools, workflow and capabilities of the program (as well an understanding of compositing and how it differs from the editing process.) It covered all of the techniques from keyframing, layering, nested compositions, rotoscoping, to color correction, chroma key (green and blue screen), animated text and 3D space.

Houston Independent Media

The collective known as the Houston Indymedia is an all volunteer group that's committed to using media production and distribution as tools for promoting social and economic justice. They provide a refreshing alternative to for-profit media. Their focus is broader than just local news coverage, and strives to give a balanced representation to news from around the world to emphasis our global connections.

Much of the news they report is focused on local social movements, and explores dissent, critiques corporate, government and military domination, and promotes art, culture and critical thinking. They encourgae everyone with varying viewpoints to contribute to their website and have input through their local radio show that airs on KPFT every Friday at 7:30pm.

Film and Arts In Houston

Houston is a hotbed for alternative media in Texas. Rice University and University of Houston have thriving programs that offer education and employment opportunities for professionals serious about shaping the ideas and roles of art, film, television and movies.

Throughout November Midtownlive will have more details about these groups and this month's Houston Cinema Arts Festival. It celebrates innovative cinema, mixed-media performances and new media. They are instrumental in enriching the film and arts environment, and fostering cross-cultural understanding and installations to promote Houston's economic development.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks

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Free Events In Houston: Concerts and Summer Short Film Showcase

Beat the heat and come indoors for a free event this week. Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) Summer Short Film Slam Tuesday, July 29. This showcase gives Houstonians a chance to view and discuss several locally made film projects and meet the minds behind them.

If you enjoy “indie film” productions and can provide honest feedback, come out and join us. There will be a variety of works from Texas film and video artist.

It will be a fun filled evening, hosted south of Midtown Houston, in the intimate setting of the Rice Media Center. You need to get there early for a good seat. Did I mention this event is free!

Texas Filmmakers Resources

SWAMP sponsors other film, video and media arts activities in Houston and around the state, for the Texas filmmaking community.

They offer educational workshops, festivals and a fellowship program covered in Spring Break In Houston, just to name a few.

Whether you’re an up-and-coming filmmaker or just want to increase your media literacy, take a look at the SWAMP calendar and you’ll find more cool events happening during the summer.

[Where: Rice Cinema, University Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005]


Midtown Houston’s Pub Fiction


July 30th don’t miss country singer, Aaron Watson. He is one of the few country artist that embody the sort of infectious likeability upon which George Straits built his career. This week you can see him free.

He’ll take the stage at Midtown Houston’s Pub Fiction a great place to catch big names in a small venue.

The last Wednesday of every month they pull out all the stops to bring in incredible artist for free concerts.

Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti



Fridays at Domy Books from 8:30 - 10:30pm, you can experience Friday Movie Nights. This popular event is curated by the folks over at Domy Books from their CD collection. Best of all admission is FREE!

This week you’ll be mesmerized by “Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti.”

The film began life as a documentary about dance and possession in Haitian voodoo that was shot between 1947 and 1952. It was finally edited and completed by the filmmakers third husband into a montage of the personal and spiritual nature the frantic dancing plays during rituals in Rada and Petro services.

You can learn more about the free Friday Movie events, by taking a look at the Domy Book event Calendar.

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