Short Cuts

Got a short film or video you'd like to have seen by a mass, countrywide audience? Sure, you could pay some recalcitrant egghead to develop a highly illegal, massive, pirate satellite link-up for you, or you could just submit it to The Territory and take the simple way out. And if you've never seen this PBS program, well, we really don't know what to do with you. As "the longest running (25 years) showcase of independent short film and video in the country," they're constantly in need of new material to air and, lucky you, they've just issued the call for more content. Toward that end, the Houston-based Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) is accepting submissions on their behalf. They're looking for VHS/NTSC tapes of "works in any genre" under 30 minutes in length. Licensing fees are paid on this one so you even stand to make some scratch to put toward your next audio-visual feast. Information is available by writing to SWAMP, 1519 W. Main, Houston, TX, 77006, Attn: Territory, or you can check out the specifics on the Web at http://www.swamp.org, or by calling 713/522-8592. Deadline for submissions is April 14 (coincidentally the same day Lincoln was assassinated, the Titanic set sail, and the first commercial motion picture was shown in New York City, just so you know) ... The Austin chapter of the Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals (TAFTP) is hosting what appears to be a giant networking party of sorts this Sun., April 2, 3-6pm, at the Pier on Lake Austin, 1703 River Hills Rd. (just off Bee Caves between Barton Creek Blvd. and Cuernavaca). The e-mail we received stated that the gathering would bring together such local film- and video-related groups as the Texas Film Commission, Reel Women, IATSE local 484, Austin Film Society, Cinemaker Co-op, and pretty much anyone else you can think of for "a few hours of fun." Music will be provided by Lisa Tingle and friends, and attendees should "come prepared to speak for a moment about your organization and bring any informational handouts, press releases, newsletters" you might have. More info at 327-4562... Screenwriter Bonnie Orr will be teaching a course in Marketing for Screenwriters starting June 1, 7-9pm, at GSD&M (828 W. Sixth). Those interested must have a completed script to bring to class and be ready to become professional screenwriters, dammit. Skills such as polishing, loglines, marketing, and query letters will be discussed. Deadline for applying is April 25, 2000, and the course cost is $250. Contact Bonnie Orr at 473-8614 or borr@jump.net for more info... Dept. of SuperCool: aGLIFF head Scott Dinger has announced the return of the drive-in movie experience with a screening of camp classic Valley of the Dolls, Tue., April 4, at dusk (around 8pm). "But there aren't any drive-ins left!" I hear you sob. Not so, woeful one. For this occasion, the massive parking lot of the MACC (600 River St. -- River Street is the same as Holly Street, located two blocks south of Cesar Chavez) will take over for the late, lamented Rebel Drive-In. Dinger promises an FM radio broadcast (which means no speaker posts to gore your T-Bird), car hops, the requisite popcorn and candy, and assorted surprises. $5 admission ($4 for aGLIFF members). More info at 302-9889 or online at http://www.agliff.org.

Send film and multimedia news to: shortcuts@auschron.com or "Short Cuts," PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765.