East Texas Tourism Association Conference Focuses on “Movie Magic” with a variety of Texas filmmaking speakers in attendance.

45th Annual Tourism Conference
East Texas Tourism Association
May 6-8
LaQuinta Conference Center in Marshall, Texas

This year’s conference is titled “Movie Magic,” and speakers will share information about movie-making in the area and the state.

Conference Speakers:

Pam Minick, marketing director for Billy Bob’s Texas. She has appeared in more than 1,000 nationally televised rodeo, equestrian and country music specials and has worked with people such as George Strait, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Bo Derek, Larry Mahan, Walt Garrison and Reggie Jackson. She also appeared in the movies, “The Sacketts” with Tom Selleck, and “Rodeo Girl” with Katherine Ross.

Carol Pirie, deputy director of the Texas Film Commission. She will speak about Gov. Rick Perry’s Film Friendly Texas program, which emphasizes how on-location filming is good business for a community. Filmmakers and production staffs spend money on products from lumber to groceries to gasoline to hotel rooms to furniture rentals. Film Friendly Texas provides information to communities on how to effectively handle on-location filming for large or small film projects.

Jonathan de la Luz, an East Texas filmmaker, will present a case study on the economic impact of his recent production, “Agenda” which was filmed in Longview. His production company Aziza Pictures implemented several strategies to work with local business and governmental agencies to achieve their goals.

Website: www.etta.com

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