UPDATE:
After contacting the Texas Film Commission to get a comment on the status of Rodriguez’s funding for “Machete” this was their reply….

The Texas Film Commission only gives funding to projects that have been completed. Troublemaker Studios has applied for funding for three projects: the first, called Shorts, has been completed and is in the audit process in our office. The other two, Machete and Predators, are still in production. Determinations regarding state funding are not made until the Film Commission reviews the final product. At this time, no funds have been released to Troublemaker Studios.

Original story below. Check back for more updates.

May 2010 — The news this week has been buzzing about the new Robert Rodriguez film “Machete.” On May 5th, also referred to as Cinco De Mayo, a trailer featuring the main character of the film (an ex-Federale called Machete) calling out a warning to Arizona about their recent anti-immigration legislation was illegally released. Very soon after the trailer was available online, it was taken down by Fox Entertainment (the distributor backing the film). If you google the “Arizona” version of the trailer on youtube the message in place of the video is: “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Twentieth Century Fox.”

Members of Rodriguez’s crew have come forward on a local Austin radio show claiming to be Hispanic and being very concerned about the radical tone of the film, especially in light of the controversial immigration debate in the US. However, this individuals did not give names. The fears they stated were that it would make Hispanics look bad and cause the public to fear them and cause derision.

The trailer available for viewing is very violent and is not something that should not be viewed by minors. The individuals that contacted the local Austin radio show claimed that the actual film is far worse than the trailer. The murders in the film take place in the Texas Capitol in Austin.

Further problems with the film from a funding issue is that apparently Machete was supported by Austin Film Studios which receives taxpayer money in the State of Texas through Texas Film Commission. The purpose of allotting money for Austin Studios is to promote Texas filmmakers. Does Machete and its “anti-white” message pose a problem, since it is taxpayer funded? Devil’s advocate here, but what about the Texas Hate Crimes laws? Does this film fall into hate speech or is it protected speech guaranteed by Rodriguez’s First Amendment Right of free speech? Technically, constitutionally speaking, Rodriguez is protected in this regard of free speech, unless someone disagrees in the DA’s office. This opens up an interesting conundrum. If the film is designed to insight violence and sedition against the government… The situation is a bit muddy and Rodriguez is hopefully considering all of this in his final cut of the film.

Rodriguez has been a respected director, for his talent and his struggle through adversity to become a huge success, for years.

Watch the Arizona Version on Ain’t It Cool News Beware. Ain’t It Cool News uses explicit language.

98.1 KVET’s FREE Texas Music Series at Hill’s Cafe

Wednesday, July 7 6:00p
at Hill’s Cafe, Austin, TX
Website

Every Wednesday night, Texas Country’s biggest stars will be performing at Hill’s Café in South Austin. All shows are open to the public and absolutely free. On April 7th, the event will be kicked off by Roger Creager and Ryan Beaver. Through the 26 week series, artists such as Walt Wilkins, Corry Morrow, Wade Bowen, and Reckless Kelly will be performing their hits on the stage

The DREAM: A Midsummer Night’s Dream with A Rock ‘N Roll edge

Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater
2206 William Barton Dr., Austin, TX, 78783
5/20, 8:00p , 5/21, 8:00p

Experience Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a 1960s rock ‘n roll edge as Austin Shakespeare presents the 25th incarnation of free Shakespeare in Zilker Park. The show, featuring a four piece rock band live on stage, will enliven and entertain the audience at Zilker Hillside
Event Website

Sun, Jun 6 2:00p Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX

Star Wars: In Concert, a unique multi-media event featuring music from all six of John Williams’ epic Star Wars scores, begins its worldwide arena tour on October 1, 2009 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Monday, May 31 7:15p
at University of Texas at Austin: Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is the parent company of the popular professional wrestling shows Raw, Smackdown, and ECW. The WWE for a long time was known as the WWF (World Wrestling Federation), but changed their name to World Wrestling Entertainment in 2000.

Austin, Texas from Automotive Recyclers Association on Vimeo.

The Austin Civic Orchestra is one of Austin’s best kept musical secrets. Want to hear great live classical music but don’t want to pay out the nose for great seats? Catch one of the ACO’s concerts right here in Austin!

Concert Dates:
May 15, 2010 – Bethany Lutheran Church, 7:30PM
June 11, 2010 – ACO Annual FREE Zilker Pops Concert, 8:00PM
June 12, 2010 – ACO Annual FREE Zilker Pops Concert, 8:00PM
Sept. 18, 2010 – Location TBA, Fall Pops Concert, 7:30PM
Nov. 21, 2010 – Long Center, sharing the stage with the Austin Symphonic Band, Peter Bay Guest Conductor, Jessica Mathaes on violin, 4:00PM(?)
Feb. 5, 2011 – SU Alma Thomas Theater, 7:30PM
Mar. 25, 2011 – Location TBA, Pearl Amster Concerto winners, 7:30PM
May 14, 2011 – Location TBA, 7:30PM
June 10, 2011 – ACO Annual FREE Zilker Pops Concert, 8:00PM
June 11, 2011 – ACO Annual FREE Zilker Pops Concert, 8:00PM .

Visit the ACO Website

Celebration Church in Georgetown, Texas off of Westinghouse Road has been expanding their multimedia experience in their services. If you are looking for a church where media is appreciated this church is a great place to be. They have a full media suite and are creating new content each week with film shoots and graphics. About 5,000 to 8,000 people show up to their four weekend services each week. The media production each week is filmed in HD by a volunteer crew and simulcast to their Cedar Park satellite location. It is truly amazing to see that much quality media experience accomplished by church members that were trained by the church to run the equipment. If you are artsy, this church seems to really care about that and definitely is Austin.

May 2010 — The news this week has been buzzing about the new Robert Rodriguez film “Machete.” On May 5th, also referred to as Cinco De Mayo,  a trailer featuring the main character of the film (an ex-Federale called Machete) calling out a warning to Arizona about their recent anti-immigration legislation was illegally released. Very soon after the trailer was available online, it was taken down by Fox Entertainment (the distributor backing the film). If you google the “Arizona” version of the trailer on youtube the message in place of the video is: “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Twentieth Century Fox.”

Members of Rodriguez’s crew have come forward on a local Austin radio show claiming to be Hispanic and being very concerned about the radical tone of the film, especially in light of the controversial immigration debate in the US. However, this individuals did not give names. The fears they stated were that it would make Hispanics look bad and cause the public to fear them and cause derision.

The trailer available for viewing is very violent and is not something that should not be viewed by minors. The individuals that contacted the local Austin radio show claimed that the actual film is far worse than the trailer. The murders in the film take place in the Texas Capitol in Austin.

Further problems with the film from a funding issue is that apparently Machete was supported by Austin Film Studios which receives taxpayer money in the State of Texas through Texas Film Commission. The purpose of allotting money for Austin Studios is to promote Texas filmmakers. Does Machete and its “anti-white” message pose a problem, since it is taxpayer funded? Devil’s advocate here, but what about the Texas Hate Crimes laws? Does this film fall into hate speech or is it protected speech guaranteed by Rodriguez’s First Amendment Right of free speech? Technically, constitutionally speaking, Rodriguez is protected in this regard of free speech, unless someone disagrees in the DA’s office. This opens up an interesting conundrum. If the film is designed to insight violence and sedition against the government… The situation is a bit muddy and Rodriguez is hopefully considering all of this in his final cut of the film.

Rodriguez has been a respected director, for his talent and his struggle through adversity to become a huge success, for years.

Watch the Arizona Version on Ain’t It Cool News Beware. Ain’t It Cool News uses explicit language.