We are going to make a full-length independent film in Lubbock and the surrounding area, using all-Texas resources, an all-Texas crew, and, to the extent possible, an all-Texas cast. In addition to partial local financing, we're going to rely on donations of goods and services in kind, volunteer labor, discounted or waived fees, and then we're going to donate part of the profits to local charities and non-profit organizations.

While movies require a lot of specialized labor and equipment, much of what goes into a film's budget is actually rather ordinary, and can be donated, volunteered, or loaned.

How will this work?

In a typical investor-financed independent film, produced outside the Hollywood studio system, investors would put up the financing and receive 100% of revenues until they recoup their investment. Then they would split the profits 50/50 with the producers.

We propose a hybrid structure, with investors providing about 50% of the total budget, and donations of goods and services in kind, volunteer labor, and discounted or waived fees providing the other 50% of the budget. As a result, the designated charities and non-profits will actually own 50% equity in the film, and receive money from the first dollar in revenues just as the cash investors do.

Who are the designated charities and non-profit organizations?

These will be selected by a committee. Most of them will be local. Some will be designated by negotiation to attract investors, stars, or other major contributors. Since film is an art, and the arts will be producing the revenues, it seems only fair that the arts be one of the primary beneficiaries of our collective work and donations.

How else will this benefit the community?

When a production company comes to any town to shoot a movie, they tend to stay to themselves, reach out only when they need something, and then leave when they're done. We will do the opposite.

Our goal is maximum community participation, both in Lubbock and the surrounding area. Many young people leave this area, and the state, every year following their dream of getting into the movie business, in various capacities. This project will provide an opportunity for many of them to get their start right here at home. While nearly any film production uses interns, we propose to take on large numbers of interns, hopefully coordinating with local school districts and colleges.

In addition to shooting the movie, we will also utilize local schools and production facilities to produce the behind-the-scenes documentary following the project from inception to release, further expanding local involvement, benefit to students, recognition for the Lubbock area.

There are also many adults who may have dreamed of going into the movies, or entertainment industry, but then married, raised a family, built a business, or had a career. Now that the kids are out of the house, why not live out that dream right here in Lubbock? Years from now, you might see our movie on TV, or pick up the DVD at Blockbuster or a flea market, smile, and say "I made that!"

What is the movie?

The movie is Every Mother's Son, written by David Stephens, a Texas native, who grew up in and around Lubbock before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the movie business.

What is the movie about?

It's a coming-of-age drama set in 1969 in a small town near Lubbock. It's about a high-school girl whose boyfriend goes to Viet Nam. See a synopsis here.

Why this movie?

Every Mother's Son was originally written to be set in the Lubbock area, and represents local values. The country is once again at war, and many of the movie's themes are just as relevant as they were in 1969.

What do we need?

Crew

We will hire the core crew from Texas professionals, but will be looking for volunteers, either full- or part-time for all departments. Whether you are a full-time film professional, a student or someone wanting to get into the industry, or just a soccer mom looking for an adventure, we need your help.

Actors

We will cast all the principal roles from professional actors, all Texans to the extent possible. We will fill in all the smaller roles locally, so here's your chance to be a star. Full Cast list.

Locations

Our film will require a lot of locations. It doesn't really cost you anything to let us use your house, school, commercial building, or farm, but it will save us tens of thousands of dollars.  Full list of locations.

Vehicles

Our film is set in 1969, so we need a variety of cars and trucks from that era. If a Hollywood studio came to town to make a movie, they'd spend thousands of dollars renting period cars. Again, it costs you nearly nothing to let us use your lovingly-restored vehicle, but it can save us thousands of dollars, all of which will end up as a donation to charity.  Full list of vehicles.

Other Stuff

In addition to the specialized equipment used by movies, we also need motel rooms, airline tickets, courier service, cars and trucks, RVs, office space, computers, phone and two-way radio equipment and service, Internet service, printing and copying, advertising and publicity, legal and accounting service, catering, food, drinks, building materials, wardrobe, dry cleaning and laundry, flowers and greenery, generators, fuel, and on and on.

The Legislature just provided part of our budget!

The Texas Film Incentive Act has been passed and signed into law by the Governor. 

How can I get involved?

If you have anything to offer, whether volunteer labor, locations, vehicles, or anything else, get in touch with us.