Austin Filmmaker: You don't need to go to NYC or LA to get things done

AUSTIN (KXAN) — For one local Austin filmmaker, this city has everything he needs for independent film.

David Reyes, co-owner of X Horn Productions, has worked in local film since coming to Austin in 1982. He adds that all of his films have been shot in Austin.

"You can do what you need to do here. You don't have to go to Los Angeles or New York or Atlanta to get things done," Reyes said. "The quality of people that live here and work here is amazing. We try to include Austin as much as we can into our set and movie."

"Our budget has been under $8,000 for all our films, and all our money goes into cast. It's always astounds us how great the acting pool is here in Austin," Reyes said. "The only downside is once they get enough in their resume, they move off, but there's always a steady stream of fresh faces and people moving back."

Reyes' film up for 6 awards

Reyes wrote and directed "Paw Mama," the story of an animal advocate who moves home after life spirals out of control.

"It's about her trying to get back and rejoin the world," he said.

The film premieres Thursday at the Austin Revolution Film Festival, where the film has six nominations for awards.

"We don't know how it's been already received. But we have another screening in Huntsville, Texas, on the 29th of February," Reyes said.