Texas State Film

09/30/2024

Texas State Film is proud to announce the Inaugural speaker for the Tom Copeland Speaker Series: Jeff Nichols!

JEFF NICHOLS is an American film director and screenwriter. His films are characterized by their Southern United States backdrop and ambience. He is known for his critically acclaimed films “Take Shelter” (2011), “Mud” (2012), “Midnight Special” (2016), “Loving” (also 2016), and “The Bikeriders” (2023).

We will be holding a screening of “The Bikeriders” immediately followed by a Q&A Writer/Director Jeff Nichols. This event is free and open to the public! To RSVP, visit txstatepresents.com or use the link in our bio.

🗓️: Tuesday, October 8
⏰: 7:00pm
📍: Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall | 405 Moon St

09/23/2024

Who's doing this with me?

Wes Anderson lists twenty-four short films and anthologies that he recommends screenwriters and directors must watched watch.

06/14/2024

A Life Celebration for Tom will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The details are below. We hope you will join us in celebrating the life of our dear Tom.

05/24/2024

🕯️Tom Copeland Memorial Film Scholarship🕯️

This scholarship will continue Tom's commitment to the next generation of filmmakers by making an education at Texas State more accessible to aspiring students.

How to donate:
Visit: https://buff.ly/4bRdmqJ
In the “Search for Specific Fund” field, type “Tom Copeland”

Tom Copeland attended Southwest Texas State University from 1968 -1972. In 1983, he joined the staff of the Texas Film Commission where he quickly moved up the ladder enjoying a 22-year career with 11 of those years as the director. He retired in 2005 and returned to his alma mater Texas State to teach film classes in the Theatre Department. Over the ensuing years, he built the foundation of the Texas State film program, creating a full curriculum and hiring various faculty members before retiring in May of 2018. Emblematic of his deep commitment to Texas State students and the art of filmmaking, after his retirement, Tom maintained a strong relationship with the film program through the remainder of his life.

05/24/2024

Are you an Alumni of our Film Program, even pre-concentration?
If so, please fill out this survey.

The information we collect will help us!
1. Convince Texas legislators to fund production in State through our collaboration with the TXMPA!
2. Convince University higher ups that we deserve expansion!
3. Fund alumni groups throughout the country!
4. Formalize our Bobcat film and TV networks throughout the country!
5. Improve the vision, diversity and reach of our film program!
6. Much more besides!

05/01/2024

https://universitystar.com/26075/life-and-arts/txst-film-club-debuts-new-short-film-soapbox/ #

Texas State University’s Film Club debuted one of its new short films, “Soapbox,” on April 22. The screening is one part of the Film Student Outreach’s (FSO) new project: Texas State Film Celebration. The club creates a short film every year as a project for members. Writers submit their sel...

04/12/2024

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/04/11/tom-copeland-obit-texas-film-commission-longest-serving-director-movies-theater/73273740007/

Tom Copeland, who died Sunday at 74, helped build the Texas film industry as an agency leader and a university educator.

04/11/2024

https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2024-04-10/tom-copeland-behind-the-scenes-powerhouse-of-texas-film-dies/?fbclid=IwAR2tpQ9Ie8NuD7Vclobe5vFkUzQcpUeH7hCZXwywf6qINu22vfU1TcNgvAw_aem_AZtLItVeEQJpYIY2yP7ou2RHoLCu2UWI-4HMtMcdwwGUtqoRTxd20A7iXyw_Sc37jSOrnDSjGm2IF0Gz0QVZIZKr

Former Texas Film Commission executive director passed last Sunday

04/10/2024

It is with profound sadness that the Bobcat Film family received the news of Tom Copeland's passing over the weekend. Throughout his long and varied career, Tom Copeland gave so much of himself to so many of us, as a film professional, as the Texas Film Commissioner for many years, and as a teacher and founder of the film program at Texas State.

It is impossible to count all the lives he has touched through his work with young filmmakers and the wider Texas film community. His warmth and generosity felt boundless yet he could always be relied upon to tell you the truth. It was no small part of the joy one felt when we saw him strolling down the halls of Live Oak Hall. Tom would always give it to you straight while still holding firm to his belief that we could each manifest our dreams through hard work and dedication. Thank you for everything, Tom. We will miss you so much.

04/09/2024

We at TXMPA are incredibly saddened by the tragic passing of our dear colleague, Tom Copeland. Tom was not just a prominent figure; he was a cornerstone of our industry, dedicating his life to nurturing and promoting media production in Texas.

As the former Texas Film Commissioner with a career that spanned over 40 years, Tom's leadership and tireless advocacy played a pivotal role in fostering growth and innovation within our industry. Tom was also instrumental in establishing the film program at Texas State University in San Marcos, imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to aspiring filmmakers.

Tom's commitment to professionalism earned him widespread respect. Despite challenges, Tom remained optimistic about the future, tirelessly advocating for incentive programs to keep Texas competitive. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and his absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tom was the perfect Texas - a warm-hearted, passionate leader full of the Texas 'can-do' spirit. Tom's dedication and unwavering belief in the power of film will continue to inspire generations of Texas filmmakers to come.'

03/21/2024

Even though she misses the feeling of rushing to class in between breaks at the river and baking goods for her residence hall, Texas State University performance and production alum Dannie McCallum (’16) is finding early career success in Los Angeles.

02/13/2024

Join us at Vista Brewing on Saturday, March 23 for a very special screening of the film "The Stars at Night" outdoors, under the stars!