Now Available.

Visual Effects for Indie Filmmakers is now available wherever you buy books!  Designed for independent filmmakers at all stages, this book is a definitive guide to integrating visual effects into projects.  Featuring real life interviews and examples from filmmakers and VFX professionals alike. 
“This is a bang-up terrific book. If you’re doing indie film, every so often you hit a single moment that’s worth years in experience or film school. Reading Holmes and Powers-Going on VFX is exactly that. It’s got all the how’s and why’s and lays out very on-the-ground knowledge that’s real-life usable. A practical manual for indie filmmakers that will make you smarter, more skillful and show you all the tricks.”
―Ross Klavan, 
screenwriter, Tigerland et al
​“I wish this text existed before I ever attempted to make a film. So many young directors venture into filmmaking led solely by their creative drive while being completely in the dark on the technical aspects they will need to utilize to bring their visions to life. This book is their flashlight.”
―Kevin Kölsch, 
director, Starry Eyes, Pet Sematary
“Visual Effects for Indie Filmmakers brings all the elements of the visual effects process into focus for indie filmmakers and students. If you want to be a professional and/or wrap your brain around ‘how’ the magic is created you’re in the right place.”
―Matt Wallin, V.E.S. http://mattwallin.com/VCUarts

Now Showing

WILDCAT (short film)  was shot on location in Texas in November 2023.  Starring Brenda Hattingh Peatross and Adam Kitchen, this dramatic supernatural western is set in the early 1900s Texas oil boom.  Clara (Hattingh Peatross) blames wildcatter Otis (Kitchen) for this disappearance of her husband and daughter.  When her daughter returns mysteriously things take a dark turn as a long night of conflict takes a tragic turn. Also stars Elle Graper and Johnny Chops.

Accolades

A selection of awards garnered.
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Film

Female Filmmaker Award
Utah International Film Festival, 2025

Best Costume Design in a Short
Prison City Film Festival 2025
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Best Visual Effects in a Short 
Prison City Film Festival 2025

Best Texas Director
Austin Revolution Film Fest, 2025

Best Texas Short Genre
Austin Revolution Film Fest, 2025

First Place, Audience Award
WIFT Austin member showcase, 2023

​First Place, Best Homegrown Film
Lake Charles Film and Music Festival, 2017

Best Story
Mountain of Laughs Comedy Fest 2018

Best Produced Script 
​Austin Revolution Film Festival 2018 

Best Director
Southern States Indie Fan Film Fest 2017

​Best Comedy Short
Adirondack Film Festival 2018

Best Texas Film
Hill Country Film Festival 2017
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Best Director
Meters International Film Festival, 2018

Best Comedy Film 
Southern States Indie Fan Film Fest 2017
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Winner Best Southern States Film 
Southern States Indie Fan Film Fest 2017

Writing

Picture
First Place, Best Narrative Screenplay
San Angelo Revolution Film Festival, 2021

Best Feature Screenplay
Hill Country Film Festival, 2018​

​Best Dramedy Feature Screenplay
Austin Revolution, 2018

​Louisiana Jury Production Grant
Hollyshorts 2015  

​Best Short Screenplay
LA Comedy Fest 2014

Best Overall Screenplay
Sidewrite 2014

Other

​​Best Effects
Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival, 2022
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Best Editing
NOVA Fest, 2020
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About

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​Laurie Powers Going currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, three border collies and three cats.  She is the owner of Deacon Finn Films and Deacon Finn VFX, and is a former board member of the Texas Section of the Visual Effects Society,  is a member of the The Dramatists Guild, and mentor for Women in Film/TV Austin.