Holly Herrick on Film Programming, Moving to Austin and Charles Durning's Little Sidestep

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Holly Herrick

Holly Herrick joins the staff of Austin Film Society this week as Associate Artistic Director. Herrick's most recent work was with the Hamptons International Film Festival where she served as Programming Deputy Director. She has also written for film site Hammer to Nail (her filmmaker husband Michael Tully, also new to Austin, contributes to the site as well).

She took a break during her move from Brooklyn to Austin over the weekend to answer some questions for us (via email).

Slackerwood: What drew you to Austin and this new position with the Austin Film Society?

Holly Herrick: The Austin Film Society always stood out to me as an organization that took an original, creative approach to developing local and regional film culture. As a festival producer and programmer, I was positioned between the film industry and communities that felt they could benefit from a greater emphasis on film programming and filmmaking in their region.

At festivals, we look for ways to align the interests of both groups, with the majority of those efforts taking place during the festival dates. As a year-round organization, I think the Austin Film Society has made remarkable headway with the development and execution of innovative programs that serve many interests for the benefit of all. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.

Can you explain a little about what you'll be doing at AFS?

Herrick: In short, I'll be involved with all of AFS' artistic programs, though I'll be spending a great deal of time on AFS' wonderful Artist Services programs. These are the the programs that serve and benefit Austin and Texas-based filmmakers on a number of platforms, including the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund and the Travel Grants, Fiscally Sponsored Projects, Works-In-Progress Screenings and Moviemaker Dialogues. I'll also manage the programming department, and work closely with the other leaders of the organization on strategic and future planning.

In the past, you have worked on film festival programming (Sarasota Film Festival, Newport Int'l Film Festival and the Hamptons Int'l Film Festival). Do you have a favorite aspect of film programming? A particular focus, perhaps?

Herrick: I have been lucky to work at festivals small enough that all of the programming is collaborative. I have always programmed across all sections, which has allowed me to keep up with a lot of different artists, genres and styles. One thing that I love about festival programming is that it keeps you very up to date with the current year in movies, allowing you to notice the emergence of themes and trends, as well as to discover artists very early in their careers.

Because I've seen so much diverse, great work, I don't have special preferences when it comes to form or genre. Films can be riveting for many different reasons, and that's one reason that this medium is so amazing. However, I should mention that I think ultra-low-budget narrative features are very special to American cinema. They tend to be the most highly personal and creatively risk-taking films. Even if a movie like this fails in the end, it's not for lack of love and belief.

What are some of your early ideas/plans for working with Austin filmmakers/the Austin film community?

Herrick: I'm looking forward to meeting many of the filmmakers who I haven't met, and getting to know the film community better. I'm new to Austin and to Texas, and so I plan to spend a lot of time learning more about the landscape and understanding some of the needs. I do believe that at the center of any thriving film community is the capacity for filmmakers and cinephiles to come together to watch great films. I look forward to supporting the success of Austin film programming however I can.

Do you have any interest in being a filmmaker yourself?

Herrick: I've always felt a strong calling towards curation and artist development. On the filmmaking side, I have worked on the producing teams of two feature films. In general, I enjoy the process of supporting and assisting artists so that they can do the work necessary to develop and define their vision. I also find film and educational programming to be very creatively satisfying.

Outside of your new job, what are you looking forward to doing in Austin?

Herrick: Austin is such a terrific place and I can't wait to participate in its film culture. I am also really, really looking forward to an abundance of good tacos.

What's your favorite movie set in Austin or Texas, or from a local filmmaker?

Herrick: That's an impossible question! There are so many great filmmakers living in Austin -- I mean, Terrence Malick is a local filmmaker! There are so many Texas films that I love and that have been special or influential. The Last Picture Show and Blood Simple were huge for me. In terms of personal history and Texas films, I remember piling into a living room with 15 other girls in my class when somebody got their copy of Dazed and Confused. It was an event. I think everyone has a story like that when it comes to Linklater's movies!

For some reason since I read this question, I can't stop thinking about a recent trip to Anthology Film Archives where I watched a 35mm print of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I had never seen it before. That is a must-see for anyone who wants to be stuck in a room for a really extended period of time while Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton share innuendo-laden banter. These scenes seem to go on literally forever, it's great. I think most of us need a little bit of that in our lives, in addition to an epic musical number featuring flaming football-playing cowboys and a jaunty little jig by Charles Durning (!).

[Editor's Note: After Holly Herrick mentioned one of my favorite Texas-set musical numbers of all time, I had to embed the video below. Enjoy!]

[Photo courtesy Holly Herrick]

Brooklyn to Austin

I just love that another Brooklynite has brought her talent and enthusiasm for film to Austin. Welcome Holly!

holly

great to have you on board Holly. Now use your pull to get my aging ass into a major film :)
be well
ED