citykid09 Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 What's up with the Entertainment Industry in Texas?I have always wondered why the 2nd largest State in both population and size, is not really big on the entertainment industry. When I say "entertainment industry," I don't necessarily mean theater arts, etc, I mean the music industry, film industry, etc. Texas has lots and lots of talent, in television music movies, etc, but the talent seems to always have to move out of State to be successful. Why can't this State retain its talent and even attract talent? The reason that I asked this today is because there is a nationally syndicated urban radio show out of Dallas called the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, well today he announced that he is moving his show to Atlanta because that is where the entertainment industry is, all the artist, award shows, media outlets, etc. Well he is telling the truth, there is a new nightly talk show being taped in Atlanta called the Mo'nique Show, there are cable networks and television, movie and music studios based in that city. Georgia is a smaller State, but has some how found a way to attract and retain its talent. So why not in Texas? Our talent leaves for California, New York, Florida, etc, because there are no options for them here. What are your thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 that's talent? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Share Posted September 24, 2009 (edited) that's talent?Uh, yeah.The point that I am trying to make is Texas can't retain its actors, musical artist, etc because there is no infrastructure.Just wanted to add, that some in the Houston area have tried to have some form of the industry in the city. Fox 26 studios tapes 2 courtroom shows, and the Debra Duncan show tried to go national. There is also the Astrodome studios plan and Jarvis Johnson of I'm Ready Productions is making at least 5 movies in Houston within the next 4-5years. Edited September 24, 2009 by citykid09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Uh, yeah.The point that I am trying to make is Texas can't retain its actors, musical artist, etc because there is no infrastructure.It's all about market,sugar: This is from Mr Crunch, who is not a HAIFer but I consult with him on occasion: He has a lot of knowledge about the local 'entertainment' market.A common misconception is that raw landmass and population affects mediaoutlets. Your message seems to blur the line between states and cities.Ironically, it is the size of broadcast TV markets that dictate terms. Whilethere are 210 TV markets in the U.S., I'm only bothering with the top 50.U.S. TV markets are highly concentrated. The top ten representing 29.5% ofthe country, while the top 50 represent 67%.Yes, Texas is the second biggest state (41% the size of Alaska, 62% thepopulation of California). However, The best Texas can do for a single TVmarket is 5th (DFW). Houston comes in 10th, with the next appearance of aTexas market being San Antonio in 37th, followed by Austin at 48th. That'sit for Texas and the top 50.Those Texas markets represent 5.4% of all U.S. households. To put that insome sort of perspective, NYC is the number one market in the country with6.5% of the U.S. market, followed by Los Angeles with 5% of the market. Youmentioned Atlanta GA. They are 8th, with 2.1%.I'm going on about TV markets because that's were the advert dollars settle.Another reason for the lack of presence in Texas is the film businessconcentrating in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago (3rd biggest TV marketat 3%). I don't know about you, but I think I am beginning to see apattern...The next bits of this are anecdotal, meaning it's me not using immediatelyverifiable stats. I'm having to remember Ancient School Stuff (mr. crunch has multiple degrees and used to teach mass com and tv production at UH and used to do free-lance film and TV work here in Houston) 90% of the film biz is centered in the top 3 TVmarkets, with 90% of what's left going to Dallas.Then there's the music business. Well, what's left of it. I worked on thewholesale and retail sides of things for a number of years. And here's whereTexas _really_ shines.Texas has a history of, well, being Texas. Sure, Texas had exported many ablues and country artist back in the very decentralized good ol' days.However, for Rock 'n' Roll, Texas hadn't broke much national: Doug Sahm gotlegendary, Janis Joplin went like a meteor, Steve Miller split for SanFrancisco (Um, yep: SF-Oakland-San Jose is the 6th biggest market at 2.2%),and ZZ Top became that Little 'ol Band From Texas.In the late 70s and early 80s the Locusts of The Rock Machinery had Texas ontheir minds. Specifically, Austin. Stevie Ray Vaughn got big, but that wasabout it. To make a long story short, Austin told The Machine to go poundsand. The Machine was not happy, and left sulking. All the way to Seattle...We could scope down a little further, and move into a wandering story arcabout Houston and Third Coast Rap/Hip Hop. I'll just over simplify and saythe Geto Boys got big, DJ Screw was left for dead, and we still have to dealwith the taint of what South Park Mexican did.Looking the rest of your post over, I see you mentioned Florida. I'll stayaway from some weird Molly Hatchet / Marilyn Manson tangent (even though Ido have an MM story involving a blue chicken) and simply end with this:Florida has the 14th, 17th, 19th, 38th, and 47th largest markets for acombined total of 5.5% of the U.S. Market. In other words, Florida (22ndbiggest state with the 4th biggest population) has a little bit bigger sliceof the Top 50 pie than Texas.I think what he's saying is, you're right, Citykid--the Houston market is not all that big. It really is all about advertising dollars. The talent (and where it's based) is largely irrelevant for radio and tv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 It's all about market,sugar: This is from Mr Crunch, who is not a HAIFer but I consult with him on occasion: He has a lot of knowledge about the local 'entertainment' market.A common misconception is that raw landmass and population affects mediaoutlets. Your message seems to blur the line between states and cities.Ironically, it is the size of broadcast TV markets that dictate terms. Whilethere are 210 TV markets in the U.S., I'm only bothering with the top 50.U.S. TV markets are highly concentrated. The top ten representing 29.5% ofthe country, while the top 50 represent 67%.Yes, Texas is the second biggest state (41% the size of Alaska, 62% thepopulation of California). However, The best Texas can do for a single TVmarket is 5th (DFW). Houston comes in 10th, with the next appearance of aTexas market being San Antonio in 37th, followed by Austin at 48th. That'sit for Texas and the top 50.Those Texas markets represent 5.4% of all U.S. households. To put that insome sort of perspective, NYC is the number one market in the country with6.5% of the U.S. market, followed by Los Angeles with 5% of the market. Youmentioned Atlanta GA. They are 8th, with 2.1%.I'm going on about TV markets because that's were the advert dollars settle.Another reason for the lack of presence in Texas is the film businessconcentrating in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago (3rd biggest TV marketat 3%). I don't know about you, but I think I am beginning to see apattern...The next bits of this are anecdotal, meaning it's me not using immediatelyverifiable stats. I'm having to remember Ancient School Stuff (mr. crunch has multiple degrees and used to teach mass com and tv production at UH and used to do free-lance film and TV work here in Houston) 90% of the film biz is centered in the top 3 TVmarkets, with 90% of what's left going to Dallas.Then there's the music business. Well, what's left of it. I worked on thewholesale and retail sides of things for a number of years. And here's whereTexas _really_ shines.Texas has a history of, well, being Texas. Sure, Texas had exported many ablues and country artist back in the very decentralized good ol' days.However, for Rock 'n' Roll, Texas hadn't broke much national: Doug Sahm gotlegendary, Janis Joplin went like a meteor, Steve Miller split for SanFrancisco (Um, yep: SF-Oakland-San Jose is the 6th biggest market at 2.2%),and ZZ Top became that Little 'ol Band From Texas.In the late 70s and early 80s the Locusts of The Rock Machinery had Texas ontheir minds. Specifically, Austin. Stevie Ray Vaughn got big, but that wasabout it. To make a long story short, Austin told The Machine to go poundsand. The Machine was not happy, and left sulking. All the way to Seattle...We could scope down a little further, and move into a wandering story arcabout Houston and Third Coast Rap/Hip Hop. I'll just over simplify and saythe Geto Boys got big, DJ Screw was left for dead, and we still have to dealwith the taint of what South Park Mexican did.Looking the rest of your post over, I see you mentioned Florida. I'll stayaway from some weird Molly Hatchet / Marilyn Manson tangent (even though Ido have an MM story involving a blue chicken) and simply end with this:Florida has the 14th, 17th, 19th, 38th, and 47th largest markets for acombined total of 5.5% of the U.S. Market. In other words, Florida (22ndbiggest state with the 4th biggest population) has a little bit bigger sliceof the Top 50 pie than Texas.I think what he's saying is, you're right, Citykid--the Houston market is not all that big. It really is all about advertising dollars. The talent (and where it's based) is largely irrelevant for radio and tv.Houston is a top 10 market, that seems pretty big to me. You did some good explaining, but it still doesn't balance out. The City of Atlanta has given incentives for much of its media empire. And much of it is home grown. CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, The Weather Channel (which was founded by a Texan), etc. Many record labels are based there or have offices there, many celebrities live there or have 2nd homes there and its really become known as the black Hollywood. Now if your theory of market size is correct how do you explain Atlanta having all of that when Dallas doesn't?I look at it by state, Texas is 2nd to California, yet it has a very small presents in national media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Houston is a top 10 market, that seems pretty big to me. You did some good explaining, but it still doesn't balance out. The City of Atlanta has given incentives for much of its media empire. And much of it is home grown. CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, The Weather Channel (which was founded by a Texan), etc. Many record labels are based there or have offices there, many celebrities live there or have 2nd homes there and its really become known as the black Hollywood. Now if your theory of market size is correct how do you explain Atlanta having all of that when Dallas doesn't?I look at it by state, Texas is 2nd to California, yet it has a very small presents in national media.Bottom line: media is driven by market. Numbers don't lie. If your point is that Tyler Perry didn't make his latest embarassment of a movie here, then whatever. Do you seriously want to own that sort of crap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 (edited) Bottom line: media is driven by market. Numbers don't lie. If your point is that Tyler Perry didn't make his latest embarrassment of a movie here, then whatever. Do you seriously want to own that sort of crap?Honestly, YES! And I hope that Je'Caryous Johnson is able to do for Houston what Tyler Perry has done for Atlanta, tv shows, movies and all! Edited September 25, 2009 by citykid09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Honestly, YES! And I hope that Je'Caryous Johnson is able to do for Houston what Tyler Perry has done for Atlanta, tv shows, movies and all!I am almost afraid to ask, but just what has Tyler Perry done for Atlanta? Your post is the first time I ever heard that he was even in Atlanta, much less doing anything for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 The Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whgcdohB2aMHe tapes all of his movies there and all of his TV shows. His latest movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" was the #1 movie in the nation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 That's it?I think Coca-Cola did a bit more for the city. Hell, the Olympic bomber did more for the city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 (edited) That's it?I think Coca-Cola did a bit more for the city. Hell, the Olympic bomber did more for the city.Constructing it added jobs, had to hire actors, producers, writers, etc. He is bring millions of dollars and some of those dollars come from the Houston area when people go see his movies. By the way his signature character (Madea) is based on his Aunt who live in Houston.Coca Cola is the most recognized brand in the world period. Sure its done more. Edited September 25, 2009 by citykid09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Honestly, YES! And I hope that Je'Caryous Johnson is able to do for Houston what Tyler Perry has done for Atlanta, tv shows, movies and all!are these more talented people too? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 are these more talented people too?http://www.imreadyproductions.com/indexsite.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 http://www.imreadyproductions.com/indexsite.htmi guess that's a no. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Constructing it added jobs, had to hire actors, producers, writers, etc. He is bring millions of dollars and some of those dollars come from the Houston area when people go see his movies. By the way his signature character (Madea) is based on his Aunt who live in Houston.Coca Cola is the most recognized brand in the world period. Sure its done more.He didn't construct that building. If we're talking about the building on Continental Colony Parkway, that building used to be owned by Delta and housed some of their offices. He did have another studio, but he had to leave those facilities behind. If you want to know why Tyler Perry has been able to do so well in Atlanta is because Atlanta is well, "different" than Houston. Houston has always been run by the "good ole' boys" and will continue to be run by them. A development like that in Houston wouldn't be looked upon kindly by the good ole' boy crew down here. And while Tyler Perry may be a nice guy, a great rags to riches story and a philanthropist, his material isn't of high caliber. I'm hoping he can finally break out when he gets to work on the film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." That's a serious departure from what he's doing now. Hopefully he hasn't bitten off more than he can chew. If it's a success, it may garner him his first Emmy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Constructing it added jobs, had to hire actors, producers, writers, etc. He is bring millions of dollars and some of those dollars come from the Houston area when people go see his movies. By the way his signature character (Madea) is based on his Aunt who live in Houston.Coca Cola is the most recognized brand in the world period. Sure its done more.Why don't you open a studio here and start a trend? You can be the Tyler Perry of Houston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimberlySayWhat Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 I don't want the entertainment industry in Texas unless it's in Houston specifically and only. :evil laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 He didn't construct that building. If we're talking about the building on Continental Colony Parkway, that building used to be owned by Delta and housed some of their offices. He did have another studio, but he had to leave those facilities behind. If you want to know why Tyler Perry has been able to do so well in Atlanta is because Atlanta is well, "different" than Houston. Houston has always been run by the "good ole' boys" and will continue to be run by them. A development like that in Houston wouldn't be looked upon kindly by the good ole' boy crew down here. And while Tyler Perry may be a nice guy, a great rags to riches story and a philanthropist, his material isn't of high caliber. I'm hoping he can finally break out when he gets to work on the film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." That's a serious departure from what he's doing now. Hopefully he hasn't bitten off more than he can chew. If it's a success, it may garner him his first Emmy.So when you say "good ole' boys" who are they? And when you say Houston is "different" than Atlanta, what do you mean, less progressive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 If you are an entertainer who lives in Texas or Canada you are probably best advised to get out ASAP, if history has any lessons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 If you are an entertainer who lives in Texas or Canada you are probably best advised to get out ASAP, if history has any lessons.Why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanS Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 ...how about this: ...this... ...this... ...not exactly the "Entertainment Industry" types... not really into "retaining talent." This is Texas. No more needs to be said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Why?Because there is more industry support in other cities, and more gigs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 So when you say "good ole' boys" who are they? And when you say Houston is "different" than Atlanta, what do you mean, less progressive?To answer the first question, just look at BryanS's post. Entertainment does not interest them. They'll only put favor toward things that they believe will benefit them, as is the game of politics. To answer the second question, Atlanta has a different clique running things up there. I wouldn't call them more or less progressive, but they have different priorities and interests than the good ole' boy clique down here, with entertainment and tourism being the big things. It works well for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share Posted September 25, 2009 To answer the first question, just look at BryanS's post. Entertainment does not interest them. They'll only put favor toward things that they believe will benefit them, as is the game of politics. To answer the second question, Atlanta has a different clique running things up there. I wouldn't call them more or less progressive, but they have different priorities and interests than the good ole' boy clique down here, with entertainment and tourism being the big things. It works well for them.So would like to see more of the entertainment industry in Houston? And LOL! I already knew who the "good o'le boys" where, I just wanted to make sure we were thinking the same thing. Why do these stuck up goons fix with all their might to make Texas as dull as possible? I think K Bailey Hutchinson is a little more progressive then the those others, she says she is for rail transportation at least. I guess things won't really change until those people are pushed out of their positions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 I am almost afraid to ask, but just what has Tyler Perry done for Atlanta? Your post is the first time I ever heard that he was even in Atlanta, much less doing anything for it.Oh, and in addition to what I said before he has started a domino affect. One of the new shows taped in Atlanta now is "Drop Dead Diva"Check out this article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2134781/has_atlanta_become_the_new_black_hollywood.html?cat=2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Oh, and in addition to what I said before he has started a domino affect. One of the new shows taped in Atlanta now is "Drop Dead Diva"Check out this article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2134781/has_atlanta_become_the_new_black_hollywood.html?cat=2Do you remember when they had The Stellar Awards here a few years back? There's a reason why they haven't come back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 Do you remember when they had The Stellar Awards here a few years back? There's a reason why they haven't come back.I heard the Stellar Awards went good here, but other cities offered better incentives. Last year the Ozone Awards was in Houston as well as the Latin Grammys. Houston has had some good stuff come to town but it has failed to keep a momentum to make these type of events permanent fixtures. I remember in the late 1990s early 2000s, almost all of those VH1 movies were taped in Houston including the MC Hammer movie. Having the astrodome studio I think will help start off the entertainment industry in Houston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I remember in the late 1990s early 2000s, almost all of those VH1 movies were taped in Houston including the MC Hammer movie. no wonder they're not made anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 If hosting awards shows becomes a priority for Houston I am leaving. Those are even more useless than reality tv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 If hosting awards shows becomes a priority for Houston I am leaving. Those are even more useless than reality tv.I've just read the Emmys are hosting a separate awards show for reality TV, and they're hosting it in Houston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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