Austin Arts & Media Economic Development
On Wednesday, October 11th we are pleased to present a panel of speakers from the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department (EDD), led by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Assistant Director. Sylnovia has been the Financial Manager for Austin’s Economic Growth and Redevelopment Service Office. She and some of her staff will provide an overview of the department, particularly as it pertains to funding, incentives, and others services for film, television, gaming, and other arts & media. Other EDD staff filling out the panel:
Jim Butler has worked on economic development projects since the early 1990’s, including with the Texas Governor’s Office and the City of Austin. His focus has been on improving the economies of Texas and Austin by developing technology, entertainment, and arts sectors.
Erica Shamaly is the Music & Entertainment Division Manager for the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department. Erica has spent nearly 20 years in Austin working to develop its creative industries from visual arts, to film, to music. Her history includes stints at the Austin Museum of Art (now Contemporary Austin), Austin Psych Fest (now Levitation) and Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Erica also co-founded and led the Austin School of Film at Motion Media Arts Center for nearly 10 years ending in 2012.
Alyssa Zinsser is the Music Business Development Program Coordinator for the City of Austin’s Music & Entertainment Division. Alyssa works to build Austin’s industry through a Sector Summit Series, thus creating an opportunity for industry sub-sectors to meet and discuss pertinent issues. Data gathered at these events fuel new programs to better serve and connect the industry at large. She also addresses international needs by working to create new partnerships with organizations within Austin’s sister city network. Alyssa will also be heading up efforts for a revenue development program for both musicians and industry professionals.
Anna Bradley is an Art in Public Places coordinator with the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department. Anna holds a BFA from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and currently manages multiple public art Capital Improvement Projects and the TEMPO program, a temporary public art exhibition on city sites.
Austin is blessed with a vibrant arts community, as well as numerous directors, writers, producers, agents, actors, and others involved in the Film/TV/Media/Gaming industries. We also benefit from engaged city leaders and proactive programs to support the arts.
Learn more about getting support for the arts from the City of Austin’s EDD:
☆ Creative Content Incentive Program
And take a look at the City of Austin’s EDD long list of programs!
Last Month
We were thrilled to have Arnie Reyes & Ken Lewin as our guest speakers on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. The backbone of Rocket Media, they showed some clips from 3 short episodes of their half-hour, scripted TV series pilot, discussed financing, shooting, and promoting the series, and offered an excellent presentation. Thanks for your time and insights, Arnie & Ken. We are all rooting for you to get complete financing for your project!
If you are involved in the film/media/game/TV industries, then put this month’s mixer on your calendar and make use of this opportunity to get firsthand information about Austin’s support systems, applying for grants, accessing these programs and much more! So make plans to join us at Sherlock’s Pub & Grill on Wednesday, October 11th, and bring some friends. Arrive early for a cold libation, networking and meeting new folks with like minds!
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Mixing & Networking @ 6:00PM, Announcements @ 6:30, Speakers @ 6:45
Followed by More Mixing & Mingling and Networking
