AFS Cinema
501 Studios Founded by Richard and Laura Kooris Only
RECEIVED Wed., March 31, 2004
Dear Louis [Black],
Many thanks for the inclusion in your spread about some of Austin's film history ["Once Upon a Time in Austin," Screens, March 12]. One question though: Who else do you understand helped found our establishment, 501 Studios?
The only person(s) I can think of are the few bankers in this town who had the foresight to believe with us in our vision and abilities to be filmmakers, be business people, and do our art here. These same bankers bucked the traditional system of redlining areas or business ideas in this town then (the front men still deny such a practice exists), and gave us the loans and opportunity to prove our stuff; they are a credit to the city and this business, too.
Outside of that support, Richard [Kooris] and I have pioneered our film business and the studios ourselves. After 30 years and counting, we are proud to have established a firm foundation for the industry here and throughout the state. It is good to see the art and industry we love continue to thrive productively in such a desirable place to live as Austin.
I look forward to talking with you more on your film history endeavor as it develops.
Many thanks for the inclusion in your spread about some of Austin's film history ["Once Upon a Time in Austin," Screens, March 12]. One question though: Who else do you understand helped found our establishment, 501 Studios?
The only person(s) I can think of are the few bankers in this town who had the foresight to believe with us in our vision and abilities to be filmmakers, be business people, and do our art here. These same bankers bucked the traditional system of redlining areas or business ideas in this town then (the front men still deny such a practice exists), and gave us the loans and opportunity to prove our stuff; they are a credit to the city and this business, too.
Outside of that support, Richard [Kooris] and I have pioneered our film business and the studios ourselves. After 30 years and counting, we are proud to have established a firm foundation for the industry here and throughout the state. It is good to see the art and industry we love continue to thrive productively in such a desirable place to live as Austin.
I look forward to talking with you more on your film history endeavor as it develops.
Sincerely,
Laura Kooris
Laura Kooris