to my RGV Film Society Community, Filled with Gratitude

Dear Members of the RGV Film Society,

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude. Together, we were able to accomplish some extraordinary things for the RGV film community, some of which I could only have dreamt of a few years ago. Thank you you for believing in our organization, our vision, and my leadership. As my two year term as the first president arrives to its completion, I am grateful that we have crossed paths and look forward to more great film happenings. I am confident that this organization will continue to grow with the next set of leaders.

I will carry on my service to the board as the “Past Director,” and will continue to advise and help as needed. Of course, I am always available to talk about film production, the arts, and culture.

I encourage everyone to get more involved with the RGV Film Society, serve as a leader, join the brainstorm new ideas, and contribute your skills and talents to the table. There is an abundant of work to continue, more people to connect with, and a wealth of talent to showcase. Do it for your community, your support of independent film, and your love of the arts.

In the spirit of filmmaking,

Laura Lilia

Founding Director 

RGV Film Society

KNIFE short film by James Johnston, Script Supervisor 16mm magic

I still remember the day I met the director and producers of this project. We had Egyptian & Mediterranean food, great restaurant. I stepped in to help with their continuity for the short film KNIFE that had already began production.
I must mention that shooting on 16mm again was magical. The sound when we begin rolling,  the level of attention I noticed from DP & Director, the workflow, I loved it. Last I had done this was in college but we did that project as professional as possible. As a script supervisor the timing of shots is a task that becomes way more important than when filming digital.
It was an exciting short film project to be a part of. A bit experimental in style but very raw and engaging story. I feel we really get to see James M. Johnston' creativity as a director and writer.

James M. Johnston is an accomplished producer to learn more about his films take a look at his site.

Here is a very cool behind the scenes interviews on the project:


KNIFE: Behind the scenes interviews from Knife Movie on Vimeo.

THE WHOLE, feature film shot in South Texas, Official Trailer

Official trailer for the feature film I produced in 2016, THE WHOLE



Genre
Psychological Thriller

Studio
Pink Ape Media

Plot Outline
The son of a famous writer finds a portal to become famous in some way. In his attempts to harness that power, he gradually loses his mind

Starring
Javier "Andy" Zavala
Carmen A. Garcia

Directed By
Rodrigo Moreno

Written By
Joel Moreno
Rodrigo Moreno

Produced By
Rodrigo Moreno
Joel Moreno
Laura Lilia Torres

Music Video Project - Djamila - Brickwall

Just about a month ago we wrapped work on a brand new music video for the Youtube star Djamila. I was the Production Coordinator on this shoot and helped out with casting. Major shout out to the awesome skaters that participated, Marcus, Sophie, Brandon Moore, Gerry and Seth. They helped make the look of this video extra special.

For similar filming locations in Texas please visit my page and film work at www.lauralilia.com and our producers' work www.enriqueleal.com

Congrats Djamila and the production crew the video is amazing!

Behind The Scenes Photography for Puras Ilusiones Feature Film

I recently had the opportunity to join director Caitlin Diaz on set of her first feature film, PURAS ILUSIONES. The feature film project is filming all around the Rio Grande Valley including Brownsville, Harlingen and Pharr, Texas. The project is using an Arri SR3 camera and kodak film. I'm shooting the behind the scenes stills and my photo was recently included in Kodak's facebook posts. Glad they noticed our work.

My Philosophy on Education - Abriged, majorly

Here's a brief overview of my personal philosophy on education.

My personal philosophy on education puts the students’ interest as top priority and is also conscious of the long term impact an education can make in an individual’s life. As a former teacher I have learned to truly understand why students come first.

For example, in decision making whether in instruction or career paths the decisions made must be rooted in what will best impact the child. The way we educate and the content we educate all goes towards shaping a child’s mind. An education system is in place so that the child may grow in knowledge, character, and skills so therefore all that is done in education must be with the student in mind. The teachers, principals, professional aids, counselors and administrators all contribute to the education and directly impact the quality of it.

There are countless long term benefits to receiving a quality education. Education can make the difference on whether an individual feels motivated and confident to face the world. An education is extremely important and I’m honored to have been a single part of giving a child an education.

Feature film in RGV - pre production - location scouting

As we continue with pre production for the project and I keep seeing & walking  more and more locations I continue to be reaffirmed that we have a excellent array of locations to choose from (we as all filmmakers) in the Rio grande valley.
One location we are pretty excited about is a college that has some beautiful buildings
Today we were able to walk quite a few of the locations we weeenconsidefong for our story

When location scouting factors to always keep an we for;
Times of low traffic vs high traffic (pedestrians and cars)
Nearby trains/ airports/ ambulances/ fire departments
Know the logistics of parking especially if it's a big company and or calling for a lot of extras
Electrical considerations
a/c eléctrica Hunms considerations
Craft devices set up
Holding room, talent holding room, hair and make up/ room, mobile production office room availability
And if exteriors -  sunlight direction at x time of day



If ever in the Rio grande valley area (cities of Brownsville harlingen mcallen Edinburg mission) I'd be happy to lend a hand to find the right look for the sake of the story.

For the love of the craft,
 laura

Reflecting on Volunteerism, Ready for Weekend of Film #wkendoffilm

There have been countless of strictly volunteer hours put into this Rio Grande Valley non profit organization, RGV Film Society also known as FiSo. It is something that I had a vision for 6 years ago that has taken a while to form but is finally positioned to grow into the next phase. All of this volunteer film society work that was punched into the last 2 years has helped propel our organization.
It is very rewarding to see this list that only encompasses events we produced/ created/ hosted beginning with 2014; the year we decided to go big and go public with the organization. Prior to 2014 since Jan of 2010 several key meetings in the valley, Austin and Dallas were held to begin to plan and shape the organization. In 2012 we gained our official logo and began forming the rest of the board, by Jan 2014 we were ready with a calendar of events for the year.

Since then we have accomplished;

24 hour race Panel Discussion "A Day in the Life - filming your community" October 2016
Despierta Film Screening Documentary October 2016
Table Read at Sombrero Meeting Room August 2016
Mixer Russos July 2016
Holiday Posada  December 2015
Weekend of Film November 2015
Mixer Half Moon July 2015
Community Brainstorming Meeting Galassi Cafe May 2015
Holiday Posada December 2014
1st Table Read at Green Screen Studios October 2014
Ciclo Documentary Film Screening August 2014
Mixer Cine El Rey July 2014
Ciclobia Film Screenings June 2014
Top 10 Movie List 2014
Film Screening A Night in Old Mexico May 2014
Panel Discussion at private screening May 2014
Introductory El Hueso Meeting January 2014

Much of this couldn't have been possible without the generous support of community businesses, leaders, organizations and my very own family and spouse. I am grateful for my mother and father for enabling me to follow my vision, my passion, my dreams. They have helped with odds and ends and most recently with big ticket items (as I was pregnant and now caring for my newborn). My spouse for understanding my drive to serve my community in the arts sector.

Growing up in my household serving our community was normal, expected, respectful and a rewarding fulfilling task. So for me, dedicating time and contributing my skills and expertise for a greater vision that will impact my community was totally OK with me and something I participated in my entire life- even during college and the first years out of college- when you can say- it was hard to afford to volunteer my time.
For my husband, the volunteerism duty was different but I am grateful that he has been on the sidelines the whole way.

RGV Film Society's 2nd Annual Weekend of Film

As we get ready to present our biggest film society event of the year, I must take a moment to count our blessings for we have been able to do very much with what most consider "nothing." I am proud to say that we have been able to gain traction for the film industry in the RGV. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude for all the help along the way. Thanks to God who has always guided and protected me, please stay with us.


I am very much looking forward to this Saturday's Weekend of Film and I hope that this event production is yet another example of why we need to keep cultivating organizations, events, activities, that inspire us, that contribute to the local arts enrichment, that empower filmmakers and the creative community. Support the arts, local film culture, filmmakers, and the film industry of the Rio Grande Valley. #rgvfiso

New Feature Film filming in Brownsville - Back to Work!

Yes sir,
And just like that I'm back on production work.

Feeling grateful that work on a show came up before the end of the year; the news alone is exciting. I didn't think an opportunity would come up so soon, given I just about 8 weeks ago I left my full time teaching job, and just about 4 weeks ago I had my baby but ... however.. opportunities are meant to be seized. As my Tshirt from my high school youth group says, "I can do all things through Christ." :) amen. I'm looking forward to filming an entire feature film the Rio Grande Valley, mostly in Brownsville but locations are still TBD.

I am joining the team as the Producer of the film- and the work begins right away.

Looking to shoot in December latest Jan, will need to recruit cast & crew, aiming for mostly local but willing to negotiate with out of town talent.

As the project continues, the plan is more concrete I will be able to share more details. Tentative title of the film "THE WHOLE" with the production company "Pink Ape Media."

Exciting #filming. Sorry I can't share more at this point, but stay in the loop and more will unfold.

Image by JOhn Kissee - I really like the interpretation of a producer especially because I love and practice mediation and yoga now if only it was a female producer :).

Welcome mi vida, Alicia Maria

I like the way my good friend Lynne Moon put it- "You're greatest production yet," my daughter Alicia.
Here is the photo I took during her 1st month photo shoot with mommy.

Parenthood is a total life changer. Not only does it change your schedule completely around, but major things like; the meaning of life, the impact of a mother's care, unconditional love, quality of life, a new found meaning of stress... all begin to unfold in the rapid first 2 weeks. Giving birth to my daughter felt like the bravest thing I've ever done. God is good, God is great, he works wonders and is always by my side. Our little blessing Alicia is finally here.

Welcome to world corazon.

All Rights Reserved, Laura Lilia, 2016.