Houston, TX - From 2010 to around 2017, the Houston amateur independent film scene [or industry if it makes you happy] was captivated by some talented people who had the luckiest time making their names prominent in virtually every new indie film that was in production. They seemed to have all of the right connections, knew the ins and outs of producing indie films, and were wrapped up in some wild drama. Being “the best” in local indie films it certainly didn’t matter to most that some of these “legends” either still lived with their mommy, a few were honestly homeless, some running from paying child support, some helped run scam indie film festivals, some couldn't afford the cheapest medical insurance, and even a few divorced their partner for another actor. At the time, they were all part of a main stream movement...
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COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG - Many are flowing in, telling the same story. Here are some of the best words from the local Houston community.
VS_Desarge - 9/30/23 @2033 - One of the best blog articles that I've ever read about the Houston film industry. There is no shame in presenting the truth about all of the local actors and "industry know-it-all's" who staked their claim to real success. You presented some outstanding facts in each case and you went out of your way to show links to many articles and videos that show that no one really stood out at all. My hats off to you and I eagerly await the October edition of your magazine to find out more about what little white lies the local industries have hidden away about success and what everyone tried to do to breakout into the world of Hollywood.
David Q - With the plethora of actors in the indie film scene who believe that "playing the part of being successful" is the first step in breaking through, has both it's benefits and obscure, but intense failures that no one wants to admit can and will happen. It's a damn shame at times.
Olephie_377 - 9/27/23 @1538 - Great article! I spent so much time working with half of the 22 actors you previewed on your blog and I am astonished that someone actually went through so many histories and investigated where their success and failures truly landed. I'm not one that wanted to be a star or actually make a living off of being an indie actor, but I do like that you presented many facts that everyone on the list of 22 were normal people who had to work real jobs to stay alive. I kind of figured that no one was really famous, but finding out that many are now considered infamous within the indie film scene is a real relief since I left the "film industry" to the idiots in charge.
David Q - For a long time during the period presented in the article, many of the actors and producers were being exclusively interviewed and presented in Hector Luna's C47 Magazine that highlighted a ton of local "successful people" while passing over actors and directors who were genuinely making the real mark in entertainment where it counted most.
D_Alsfor - 9/21/23 @1944 - Your background on Larry Carrell was spot on! As much as I know him for being slime, he did work his ass off to try and make his way out. But like life does, he tried to move to California, moved in with friends, and found out it was harder than anything he imagined. In the end, it was a sweeter deal just sticking around in Houston; working as an extra and making a little cash. Yes, you did a great job investigating the other slime-balls that tried to buck the system locally. They were successful for a while when things were being presented as a glorious lifestyle working with the best this and that. I'm a super subscriber now. Thank you!
Alter_Mn44 - 9/20/23 @0717 - At one time during the 2015 timeframe there was so much hope that Houston was going to be the epicenter of the new film industry. Even thought much of the talk was centered around the industry being established in Austin, people felt that Houston had the capital, the locations, and the talent to create the biggest industry ever thought of. I was part of the groups - or cliques - mentioned in the blog and I can attest that many of the indie actors that were entrusted to help develop this city into the next industry were filled only with talk and well wishes. Houston was never intended to be the mecca of a film industry, just a location. It's nobodies fault. This was an informative blog. Thank you!
David Q - Houston will never be the epicenter of a film industry until Harris County changes it's leaning political atmosphere. The failure for this to happen has nothing to with the local indie film scene or the actors previewed on this blog.Rob_Dvore - 9/22/23 @1119 - No slander, just good reporting. Each and every one of the 22 locals list themselves as public figures and deserve what they get. Most of the people had huge egos and now they dive for scraps, working as extras, making films amongst themselves, and going nowhere. I like that you investigated Shawn Welling who has directed and produced several low budget "B" films and tries to ride the train of success when most of his films truly suck and have plots and stories that make no sense except to the people who are cast as actors and the production teams that work on them. If you haven't seen Narco Sub, DON'T!
David Q - I reviewed Narco Sub and Welling wrote me an email once over my review of another film project that was both horrible and a possible huge legal gamble as he stole ideas from several movies and created a spoof film called "The Legend of Darkhorse County" starring Nick "The Tuba" Nicholson.
Larr_Rivas - 10/3/23 @0233 - Such a pathetic and obvious insight into a large group of people who thought the "local world of Hollywood" revolved around them! The local acting agencies didn't help build the hype, using local contacts to reel in cash with expensive and non-certified acting classes, photographers and videographers who didn't have any real experience in the big game. You should know David, you worked with these assholes!
David Q - I only worked with one of the people on the list of 22 and any other list that is planned for release in October. I am often vetted through some of these actors who claim that I am difficult to work with, but the real truth is that I've worked with well over 250 local actors and have never been accused of any wrong doings as listed in the blog article. If anything, I am guilty for not following the norm of many of these people and openly presenting my work on a platforms that anyone can see at any time.
