Today we’d like to introduce you to James Wallace.
James, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, I loved movies as long as I can remember! That’s all I ever wanted to do – be a part of movies somehow. But I was always more fascinated with the behind-the-scenes stuff. So I began to pursue it seriously in high school and then went to UNT for film, where graduated with a degree in RTVF.
Then went into film journalism out of college, writing for national online outlets as well as local online & print outlets like Central Track and The Dallas Observer. And through that also started hosting a lot of advance screenings, moderating Q&As for films and at comic cons, etc.
I had long been a fan of Alamo Draft house in Austin so when I heard they were finally opening a theater in DFW, I was like “Just get me in front of whoever I need to beg for this job!” The role of a Creative Manager / Programmer was like a dream job to me that combined my experience and everything I loved doing with this part of the industry. And here we are 5 years later!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. But nothing worth it ever is! Just initially getting in the industry out of college is tough. Freelancing for all of those years was at times tough. But we live in a time where, if you want to do something, you just make your own opportunities instead of waiting for someone to give you one. And then you build off that and pretty soon hopefully people start paying attention and that leads to bigger things.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alamo Draft house Cinema – what should we know?
Alamo Draft house is known as the movie theater for movie lovers by movie lovers! We’re a theater with a heart, that’s run with a passion for movies and people who love movies. Each location kind of feels like an independent neighborhood theater, even though we have locations all over the US. But that’s why we have programmers and a creative team in each market, to give all of our theaters their own unique personality. Along with the national programming we do every month, which you can experience at any location you go to. And of course we also have all the latest new releases, indie films, etc.
Just about the only thing we take seriously is good food, good drinks, and the movie watching experience (we’re known for our “No Talking / No Texting” policy). Other than that, everything else we do is all about having fun with film and enhancing the movie going experience!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh man, well for me personally…I mean everyone that’s close to me that has supported me over the years. My wife for sure 100%. She’s been an amazing source of encouragement, support, compromise, and even sacrifice at times. My mom and dad, who always emboldened me to be creative and follow this dream I’ve had since I was a kid. And introduced me to movies in the first place! All the people who took a chance on me and gave me a shot. And of course all the movies and filmmakers that inspired me and made me want to be a part of that magic in the first place.
For Alamo Draft house, it’s very simply all the movie goers and movie lovers that have supported what we do, not only in DFW these past 4 or so years but for the brand in the past 20 years.
Contact Info:
- Address: 100 S Central Expressway #14 Richardson, TX 75080
1005 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75215 - Website: drafthouse.com/dfw
- Instagram: @AlamoDFW
- Facebook: facebook.com/AlamoDrafthouseDFW
- Twitter: @AlamoDFW
Image Credit:
Eli Luna
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