Southwest Alternate Media Project is a Texas-based media arts organization dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and nurturing a vibrant creative community. We promote regional film and video arts, provide resources for local artists, and cultivate an audience that values stories reflecting the cultural, social, and political diversity of the area.
Women’s Grip and Electric Workshop
Saturday, August 22, 2026
10:00 AM 1:00 PM
Discover the fundamentals of professional Grip & Electric work in a workshop designed specifically for women entering or advancing in film production with Instructor “Jaclyn “Jax” Peralez-Fleming guiding participants through practical lighting, rigging, and problem‑solving techniques used on set every day.
2026 Houston
Media Conference
Breaking Silos. Building Stories.
Now in its fourth year, the Houston Media Conference brings the region's film and media community together for four days of learning, connection, and creative exchange. Presented by the Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) and the Houston Cinema Arts Society, the conference is where Houston's storytellers come to sharpen their craft and grow their careers.
Attendees gain access to hands-on workshops led by working professionals, panel discussions with industry experts, and dedicated networking opportunities designed to spark real creative collaboration.
September 17-20, 2026
Hilton DoubleTree Greenway Plaza
Narrative Short Film
Screenwriting Workshop
From Idea to Finished Script
A four-week hands-on workshop
This four-week hands-on workshop takes writers from the first spark of an idea to a completed narrative short film script. Led by filmmaker, screenwriter, and educator Randee Ramsey, the lab focuses on what makes short-form storytelling different: creating compelling characters quickly, establishing stakes, building conflict, writing visually, and crafting an ending that resonates.
The lab emphasizes writing through rewriting, digging into character, structure, dialogue, visual storytelling, pacing, theme, and how to build a short film that connects emotionally with an audience. Every participant leaves with a completed, revised narrative short screenplay.
Teen Screenwriting Workshop
Just bring your ideas and be ready to build a story together.
In this hands-on three-hour workshop, teen writers join a writers' room and build a short film together from scratch. Led by filmmaker, screenwriter, and educator Randee Ramsey, students will pitch ideas, create characters, build conflict and stakes, and work together to break a story scene by scene. Along the way, they'll learn the fundamentals of story structure, character development, visual storytelling, dialogue, scene construction, and screenplay formatting.
Calling All Houston Filmmakers!
Submit your work for the Houston Filmmaker Showcase, presented in partnership with Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) and River Oaks Theatre. This monthly showcase highlights local talent, fosters community connections, and celebrates Houston’s vibrant film scene.
Our Community Partners
