Short Cuts

Alternative Indie Outlets Online Dept.: It's like this: You're an actor, or a filmmaker or a producer or whatever, in Austin, and you're looking for that big gig -- where to go to get the info you need, to hook up with other like-minded talent, and score, if not your big break, then at the very least a crew position on someone else's. Sure, you can hang around the Texas Film Commission's production hotline (available online at www.governor.state.tx.us/film/hotline), which lists incoming feature- and television-film projects, or, if you're more indie-inclined, there's Shanta Lusk's new site, www.actorsplanet.net, which debuted a couple of months back when we apparently weren't paying attention. Actor's Planet focuses entirely on Austin-based productions, offer updated information on casting calls, acting classes, talent agencies, and photographers, as well as a host of acting supplies (i.e., 8-inch-by-10-inch actor's résumé paper that fits nicely with those all-important head shots), and links to related sites. They're also sponsoring the Austin Indie Film Exposition at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown (409 Colorado) on Saturday, May 31, 2-5pm. The exposition features 10 short films by area filmmakers with casts and crews in attendance. A paltry $3 gets you in the door and yes, Virginia, there will be door prizes... Speaking of getting in under the wire, K. Bradford will be conducting another of her popular She-Shoots beginning Monday, June 9, 7-9pm, for adults and mid-June for the younger set (date TBA). Both eight-week classes focus on "writing and film for women and girls" and touch on topics including storyboarding, free-writes, scriptwriting, and hands-on camerawork. To sign up or for all other info, e-mail sheshoot@aol.com or call 482-0662 x3.