What’s the future of the film industry in the River Valley? – Times Record

2021 has been an exciting year for the film scene in Fort Smith and the River Valley.

From the first Fort Smith International Film Festival to the announcement of new projects coming to the area,the good news keeps coming.

Jason Pitts, awriterand director from Alma, is happy to see the region getting the recognition it deserves.

Theres so much untapped talent here in Arkansas a lot of people who havent had the opportunity to show what they can do, Pittssaid.

Officials with TGE Global Entertainment Inc. announced Dec. 17plans to build a $30 million,92,000-square-foot facility that will include 45,000-square-feet of film and television studio spacefilm studio in Chaffee Crossing.

The studio will includesix sound stages, a screening room, a backlot, editing suites, office space, cafeteria and an amphitheater.

This area of the state has a legacy of producing men and women who believed they could, so they did," saidGiovanni Jackson, TGE's chief executive officer, in a press release."Sam Walton didnt come from New York or L.A. And thats just one on the list. Theres no reason Arkansas cant be known for its contribution to entertainment, not after what we witnessed at the Fort Smith International Film Festival. Its your opportunity, Arkansas. Lets get it."

News about the studiofollows the November announcement that the company is looking to do a film on the famed Fort Smith lawman, Bass Reeves.

I think that this studio coming is just going to showcase the state, the talent thats here, and the amazing locations that Arkansas has, Pittssaid.

Pitts,41,who graduated with a radio,televisionand film degree from the University of North Texas in 2006, isin the process of showinghis most recent short film, Masqueradethroughout the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas.

Masquerade is the second shorthorrorfilm in a seriesPitts is creating.As he continues creating in theRiverValley, the group of supporters and those interested have grown, Pitts said.

Its become a family and its just a whole bunch of passionate people who love what they do, Pitts said.

The cast and crew for the filmarea testament to the people in Arkansas who love movies and want to see them happen in the state.

For some, it was an introduction to a newly found love.

I wasnt even really aware we had such a film scene here, said CrystalWoodham, assistant director for Masquerade.

Woodham, 45,originally met Pitts in 2019 and reached out after seeing he needed help with Masquerade. Shehas since enrolledonline inNYUs Tisch Film School and directed her first short film Ungathered.

For others, announcements like the proposed studio or movies being shot in the areajust make sense.

Alivea Disney, who plays the main character of Sylvia Darnell in the film, is not surprised that the movie scene in the region is starting to pick up.

Whosto say what the rules are? Why not film in Arkansas? Disney asked.

Disney, 27,has worked in themovie scene in the statesincehercollegedays at Pulaski Tech, where she fell in love with it after taking an acting class with the hopes it would be an easy A.

Shefilmedthree Lifetime movies while completing nursing school at the University of Arkansas LittleRock.

While it has not always been easy to find roles sherepresents, Disney has found success in her passion and wants others in the region to as well.

Weve got a really talented crew right here in the River Valley,Woodhamsaid.

There is alot of talent to offer on either side of the camera, from actors andactressesto those directing or working on set,Woodhamsaid.

Im really excited for what the future holds, for the state and for this area, Pitts said.

Abbi Ross is the business and featuresreporter at the Southwest Times Record.She can be reached at aross@swtimes or on Twitter at @__AbbiRoss

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What's the future of the film industry in the River Valley? - Times Record