About Us
Our Mission
We are artists, filmmakers, actors and fans interested in film. Our goal is To encourage local (Permian Basin/Eastern New Mexico Area) filmmaking by providing the following:
1.) A way to build the local filmmaking community,
2.) A creative outlet for completed and work-in-progress films and screenplays, and
3.) To support local filmmakers with contacts and other services facilitating the making of an independent film or television program.
Our Leadership
Barney Welch - President
Jeffrey R. Johnson - Vice President, Executive Board Member
Stephen Smith - Secretary
Leah Johnson - Treasurer
Shari Hamrick - Executive Board Member
Sean Stringer - Executive Board Member
Our Original Founding Circle
In February of 2001 the Basin Film and Video Society which would eventually become The Basin Film Society was founded by the following:
Roger Coughlin - Owner, AV Workshop Productions
Jeffrey R. Johnson - President, El Jefe Media, inc.
Sean Stringer - Owner, G12 Productions
Our History
Since they first met, Midlanders Roger Coughlin and Jeffrey R. Johnson had always talked about the challenges of making and sharing their own films with others. It was these conversations which gave birth to the idea for the Basin Film Society (BFS).
In February 2001, Roger and Jeffrey sent out flyers to people they knew would be interested in a meeting to discuss these film goals.. Originally dubbed the Basin Film and Video Society, the respondents met 2 times each month at the AV Workshop to discuss various plans for furthering the careers/exposure/network of filmmakers in the area. Many of these ideas evolved into the projects of today’s Basin Film Society.
In July 2003, Jeffrey R. Johnson and Melanie Nicholas began discussing a possible joint project between their two organizations, The Basin Film Society and ArtWalk Midland. This joint project eventually became the Desert Reel Film Festival. The goal was to bring independent film to the Permian Basin area as well as to provide educational opportunities for local filmmakers and the general public. After assembling over 30 volunteers for the first year, Jeffrey and Melanie co-chaired the 2004 Desert Reel Film Festival. It was a success; films from all over the country were showcased in Odessa’s Ector Theater, drawing attendance beyond expectations. In addition to the films, panel discussions, question/answer sessions with filmmakers, parties, and filmmaker-led workshops made the event remarkable for its inaugural year.
Because of the Desert Reel Film Festival, The Basin Film Society grew. What was once a tiny group of filmmakers discussing plans became a larger group of filmmakers, artists, and film fans who were making things happen. The film society was meeting monthly now with increasing membership.
In January of 2006, the BFS began the process of becoming a non-profit organization. With the help of Attorney Mary Rowe, the society was incorporated in March 2006 and Shari Hamrick, Jeffrey R. Johnson and Sean Stringer were named as members of the Board of Directors. These three initiated the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) non profit. In September 2006, Barney Welch, a community leader and aspiring actor, joined the Basin Film Society and was ultimately voted President.
As the Society’s current President, Barney reaches out to theater and visual arts associations in order to create a dynamic group that serves the numerous people involved in BFS projects and events today.
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