In 1998, several movies were filmed in the Metroplex, providing some relief for the industry. Chuck Norris' son, director Mike Norris, shot his first feature, The Rage Within, in 1998. Oliver Stone returned in 1999 for Any Given Sunday. Otherwise, the decade ended with a whimper. Mike Norris' Bells Of Innocence is the only movie currently under way in the Metroplex and the only feature made locally so far this year. None of the scenes are being filmed in Tarrant County, although Norris vows to stay in the Metroplex for future projects. "My goal is to bring back film here like it was in the late 1980s and early 1990s," he said. "We need to figure out something quick or else people get out of the movie business or they move." Unlike those of his Austin counterparts, Mike Norris' projects and persona have not yet captivated Hollywood's imagination. Fort Worth needs more filmmakers to reach the critical mass that will keep the industry breathing here. Austin's popularity isn't the only reason for the Metroplex's wilting production. Canada has attracted many film crews in recent years because of favorable exchange rates, close proximity to the United States, cheaper labor, and rebates for filmmakers, who migrate north to save 30 cents on the dollar. In the U.S., a struggling economy, threatened industry strikes, and the Sept. 11 tragedy slowed production. Despite these factors, blame and frustration have fallen at the feet of film commissioner Burke. Opponents are circulating a petition calling for his ouster. On March 2, location scout Kim Davis wrote a scathing e-mail that was posted on a local film web site, accusing Burke of mismanaging the commission, failing to market the area to film producers, souring Fort Worth and Dallas officials on funding, and filling the commission's board with non-industry types who are "clueless" about the film business' needs. Prominent industry leaders supported the ensuing petition, including Panavision's Schrimpf. "When you think of a film commissioner, you think of a marketing arm meant to attract business to our region," he said. "There is no doubt that Austin has picked up the lion's share of product recently." Mike Norris, while on location March 6 in Grand Prairie, said he had not signed the petition but he agreed with its call for Burke's resignation. "I don't think he's doing what needs to be done to bring film to this area," Norris said. "We need somebody who is aggressive." Burke, a former Massachusetts Film Commission assistant director, defended his 14-year tenure with the local board and vowed that better days are ahead. The DFW commission, always scrambling to find funding among its 22 member cities, might soon find a home and funding at the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, which could ease money woes and allow Burke and his staff to more aggressively pursue productions. Burke is dismayed at the venom cast his way and said he feels like a fall guy. Factors beyond his control are challenging the industry, he said. "It's not pleasant to be blamed for stuff like this," he said. "If someone is out for you, they'll use any excuse. I think a lot of (Davis' e-mail) was libelous. It's a factor of the desperation that is happening. People have been flailing about trying to figure out what we can do." Canada, Austin, the economy, Sept. 11 -- Burke refers to them all. But even he agrees that there's a major local factor: a shortage of funding. The film commission's budget is $285,000, about half of what Texas cities of comparable size spend. Dallas contributes $135,000, compared to Fort Worth's $45,000 -- and this year the city has delayed paying even that relatively small sum. "What has happened over the years is we have been outspent," Burke said. Charles Acosta, president of Blue Thunder Films, moved to Irving two years ago and filmed Pendulum with Rachel Hunter and James Russo. Acosta lauded the commission's friendly assistance and hard work, and praised Burke. The petition is off target, he said. "Everyone is frustrated because of the current economic situation and the downturn in film production," he said. "It seems that some of what's going on is coming out of that frustration. What's disappointing to me personally is when people make allegations that they have no way to substantiate. We might not have a film commission today if it weren't for Roger being there." City Councilman Jim Lane, Fort Worth's representative on the commission, said the city's delay in funding stems from uncertainty about whether the commission will move under the auspices of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau. Should that occur, Fort Worth will want to re-evaluate its funding, he said. Lane said Burke's performance is satisfactory and has nothing to do with the funding holdup. "It's a highly competitive business," Lane said. "There are a lot of problems in the industry across the state." The state's top film commissioner, however, lends credence to Burke's detractors. "There are people who feel like it is time for a change," said Tom Copeland, Texas Film Commission director. "There needs to be some new blood and some vitality. It's not there anymore." He described how a Hollywood production company recently sought a Texas location, and the state film commission found comparable sites in Dallas and Austin. The filmmakers visited both cities, and chose Austin, citing a "vitality and buzz and excitement," Copeland said. "There needs to be a presence in Los Angeles from the Metroplex saying, 'We got our shop in order, we were a great film center in the 1980s, and we're still here and want your business.' "
What's a horror flick without young campers being stalked by a slasher? In 2001's American Nightmare, a deranged woman slices and dices a young woman amid a landscape of mesquites and oaks that look a lot like northwest Tarrant County. No wonder -- the scene was filmed at Fort Worth Nature Center near Lake Worth, where a more typical stalking and killing involves a hawk and a field mouse. |
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