Virtual Forum: Looking Ahead
Join us throughout 2021 for our Virtual Forum: Looking Ahead series of webinars that examine the themes and events of our past and how they apply to our present and future. We'll post upcoming events below, as well as recordings from previous forums. #TFC50
UPCOMING VIRTUAL FORUM EVENTS:
Stay in-the-know on upcoming virtual forum events by subscribing to our YouTube Channel!
Subscribe to #TFC50 on YouTube
PREVIOUS VIRTUAL FORUM EVENTS:
Evolving Representation in the Gaming Industry
Air Date: May 20, 2021
The spotlight on opportunities for women and people of color within the gaming industry has largely grown in recent years, but where does the progress stand – and how do we continue to improve? Join us for a conversation with industry professionals, leaders and organizations who are creating opportunities for positive change within the video game industry. Learn more about emerging best practices, what is currently being done and what that means for the industry’s future.
View a list of industry resources from the discussion.
Featured Panelists:
Minh Vu, Director of Strategic Programs, Notley (Moderator)
A native Texan, Minh was born to refugee parents in West Texas and raised in Central Texas. At an early age, he quickly learned how to navigate white and heteronormative spaces while finding refuge in television and art. His passion for storytelling and giving back fueled his education and career path. Minh currently leads Notley's racial justice focused initiative, Notley Tide which supports visionary nonprofit organizations fighting for racial justice, while activating and educating a community of aspiring allies. Prior to joining Notley, he oversaw the Programs team at Capital Factory, where he focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy and programming for the organization. He also helped lead marketing efforts for over four years on behalf of the State of Texas at the Texas Film Commission to promote the state as a premier production destination for the moving image production industries. Connect with Minh on LinkedIn
Mayet Andreassen, Assistant Instructional Professor and Internship Coordinator, Texas A&M University
Mayet Andreassen is currently working as a full-time Assistant Instructional Professor and Internship Coordinator in the Visualization Department at Texas A&M University. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, with a focus in games and animation. She previously worked as a game and front-end artist prior to becoming an educator. Connect with Mayet on LinkedIn
Donald Harris, Founder, ATX Game Makers
From successful startups like Chaotic Moon (acquired by Accenture), Honest Dollar (acquired by Goldman Sachs), and FarBridge to global corporations like Electronic Arts (EA Games) and Dell, and Goldman Sachs, Donald has helped to build and grow diverse teams to address diverse situations. Learning from these experiences, Donald now helps organizations to build and maintain diversity programs.
Bryan “Myo” Strongoli, Freelance Character Artist
Bryan "Myo" Strongoli (He/Him) is a Character Artist who has worked in the Austin game industry for 7 years. He is a queer, first generation American-Argentinian originally raised in Miami, Florida with experience advocating for diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices in the corporate space. Myo has created and implemented policies, led employee driven groups, and has organized countless events and panels with a DE&I focus. Connect with Myo on LinkedIn
Representing the Texas Rodeo Community in ‘Bull’
Air Date: April 21, 2021
Texas has long explored the stories of the cowboy, particularly in the 1980s with productions like Urban Cowboy and Lonesome Dove bringing both modern and historic examples of what “cowboy” identity means. The film Bull explores the unlikely friendship of a wayward teenage girl and an aging bull rider in the Houston area, challenging the ideas of age, race and gender within the rodeo community. Join us for a discussion with the Texas-based creative team of Annie Silverstein (writer, director); Monique Walton (producer); and JW Rogers (stunts) on the evolution of the story and themes of identity in the film.
Backstage with Austin City Limits
Air Date: Feb. 9, 2021
Since that first night in 1974 when Willie Nelson kicked off what would be a historic set with a freewheeling rendition of ‘Whiskey River’, Austin City Limits has been and continues to be a genuine cultural sensation, helping to shape not only the worldwide perception of the Texas music scene, but the foundations of the Texas film and television industries as well. Join us for a conversation on the enduring legacy of the program and its future in the Lone Star State.
Featuring: Brendon Anthony (Director, Texas Music Office); Terry Lickona (Producer, Austin City Limits); Tracey Laird (Author, Austin City Limits: A History & Austin City Limits: A Monument to Music)