Panel Moderator - Tom Copeland

A South Plains native, Tom Copeland grew up in Meadow and began his theatre career in high school under the direction of drama coach, Noyce Burleson. His technical skills took him to film and television production and a 30-year profession that has more than its share of highlights. He was a crew member on the first five seasons of AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, and after several years a freelance film technician, he joined the Texas Film Commission as a location scout in 1983. Beginning in 1995, Tom was the Film Commission's director until he left in 2005. His work included marketing Texas' statewide locations, workforce and support services to local, national and international producers; researching and recommending film locations; cutting red tape; and finding whatever filmmakers need to make Texas locations their first choice. Mr. Copeland has worked with hundreds of films made in Texas, including FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, LONESOME DOVE, COURAGE UNDER FIRE, LEAP OF FAITH, THE ROOKIE, THE ALAMO (2004), the SPY KIDS trilogy, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW and SECONDHAND LIONS.