Katy House Blog

Ernie Hudson and Doonby

katyhouse — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:47:06 +0000

Here is an interview with Ernie Hudson, a star that stayed here at the Katy House Bed and Breakfast, in Smithville, during the filming of “Doonby”.

The interview was from: www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

Recently we got the chance to interview the great Ernie Hudson. Being the huge Ghostbusters nut I am, naturally the interview got pushed on me. Currently Mr. Hudson is involved with a film titled Doonby:

Sam Doonby, a mysterious, handsome drifter gets off a Greyhound bus in a small Texas town and finds work at Leroy’s Country Blues Bar where his great musical talents make him very popular, especially with Laura, the beautiful but spoiled daughter of successful doctor Cyrus Reaper. Sam always seems to be in the right place at the right time to avert disasters befalling the town and its people until suspicion and jealousy drive folks to ask who he is and where he comes from. Even Laura starts to question him so now he disappears as quickly as he came and things start to go badly wrong. His rejection results in terrible shocks for the whole town, not least for the doctor and his family as Cyrus’ past comes back to haunt him.

Below is the conversation Ernie and I had about Doonby, as well as a few other things:

BSR!: What’s new in your life right now?

Ernie Hudson: Right now things are going well, obviously the film Doonby that John Schneider and me that we did in Texas. That’s the that’s happening most relevant right now. I also do have a reoccurring on the Secret Life of a Teenager, and you know, just staying busy doing Law & Order last season. I didn’t get picked up this season. And I’m always looking for something fun and exciting to be a part of.

Sure, so you play Leroy in this upcoming Doonby movie, correct?

Right, yah. He’s a blues musician who decided to settle down and runs a night club. I hire Jon’s character and it’s about friendship and the music. To me he’s an interesting character because he’s a guy just trying to reconcile that thing of which you love to do and how do you make peace with the woman that you love. And how do you hold things together but still be who you are. And somehow be responsible for all these people who surround your life. I really liked the character a lot, it was a great character.

That’s wonderful. How soon does this movie come out?

I think they are looking at the Fall. They haven’t given me any exact dates. I think they are shooting for a Fall release, I’m told. I’m not totally sure yet.

This Weekend in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:29:53 +0000

Friday, July 23, 2010 – opening night for Playhouse Smithville

Saturday, July 24, 2010 – Casino Night

It’s almost here….Casino Night 2010! Thanks to all our generous donors who have not only supported us with sponsorships but also by contributing some wonderful silent auction items! We can’t wait for the event this Saturday at the Smithville Recreation Center! We are again using Casino Connection for our equipment and dealers so that we can bring our attendees the closest experience to Vegas within the borders of Texas.

It’s not too late to buy a ticket! They are still on sale at the pre-sale price of $25 each by calling the Chamber office at 512-237-2313. Come enjoy the Italian buffet, adult beverages, and gaming excitement.

The Katy House still has rooms available. Give us a call (512) 237-4262

So You Want to be an Innkeeper?

katyhouse — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:17:14 +0000

So You Want to Be an Innkeeper?

Here is some information for all of my guests that someday want to be a ‘Bed and Breakfast’ owner.

If you would like to talk to me about the class, please call: Sallie Blalock, Katy House, 512 237-4262

Aspiring Innkeepers Workshop to Be Held September 13 in San Antonio, TX

The Texas Bed & Breakfast Association (TBBA), the state association of inspected inns, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses and distinctive hotels, will hold its Aspiring Innkeepers Workshop in San Antonio on September 13, 2010

Often referred to as “America’s Most Envied Profession,” operating a bed & breakfast is a serious business that requires personal commitment, business acumen and high standards to be successful. TBBA offers the “Basics” workshop to help people who are interested in entering the profession. The day-long seminar covers topics such as Getting Started, Financial Realities, Marketing & Advertising, Standards and Quality Assurance, Industry Resources, and insights about what the lifestyle is really like from seasoned professionals.

This is the only workshop of its kind in the State of Texas offering aspiring innkeepers a chance to develop the necessary skills to be leaders in their industry. With travelers becoming more sophisticated and discerning, successful inns must continually strive to meet and surpass the travelers’ expectations. TBBA provides the resources to help inns meet this goal.

The workshop will be held at: Alamo Street Victorian Inn

951 S. Alamo Street

San Antonio, TX

800-630-3722

Cost of the workshop is:
Basic & Full Member – $100 per person plus $37.50 for basic manual

NON Basic or Full member $225 per person includes basic manual
The cost includes breakfast, lunch and all materials other than the manual.

If you need reservations for Sunday night, please call:

Aaron Pancoast Carriage House – 800-225-4045 – stay@nobleinns.com

Alamo Street Victorian Inn – 800-630-3722 – stay@alamovictorian.com

Arbor House Suites – 888-272-6700 – arborhaus@aol.com

Brackenridge House B&B – 800-221-1412 – brackenridgebb@aol.com

Gardenia Inn – 800-356-1605 – relax@gardenia-inn.com

Ruckman Haus B&B – 866-736-1468 – theruckmans@earthlink.net

The Inn at Craig Place – 877-427-2447 – stay@craigplace.com

For more details contact the TBBA Administrative Office at 1-800-428-0368 or info@texasbb.org. A printable registration form, is available at www.texasbb.org.

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Smithville, TX is a busy little town!

katyhouse — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:20:16 +0000

The production crew filming “Doonby”, with John Schneider, Ernie Hudson, Will Wallace, and Robert Davi, has now left Smithville. But, word is, two more smaller production crews are coming soon. You can become a “fan” of Doonby and the Smithville Film and Music Commision, on Facebook.com We still are waiting for “The Tree of Life”, with Brad Pitt, to open. I think it’s getting close to being in the theaters! I will keep you posted if we hear a date.

Smithville has a busy weekend coming up. The new Playhouse Smithville will have its opening and first performance on Friday, July 23rd, 2010. The opening show is “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.” The show will run from July 23 to August 7, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at www.playhousesmithville.com. Seating is limited and tickets are selling fast.

Bruce and I already have our season tickets. Playhouse Smithville, 110 Main Street, Smithville, TX 78957, 512-360-7397 playhousesmithville@yahoo.com

On Saturday, July 24^th, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Casino Night. It’s a really fun night. Here is more infor on this annual event:

Smithville’s “Little Las Vegas”Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM Smithville Recreation CenterThe gambling action at Casino Night is hotter than the July temperatures outside as Smithville’s Recreation Center is transformed into a Vegas-style venue. Featuring such games as blackjack, Texas Hold Em, roulette, craps, and the ever-popular slot machines, it’s a sure bet that there’s no more exciting fundraiser around! Always on the fourth Saturday in July, it’s a can’t miss event.Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Italian buffet and some fun, before the action starts at 7 p.m.Tickets are $25 each prior to the event (purchased through the Chamber of Commerce) and $30 at the door. Ticketholders must be at least 21 years of age to be admitted. Price includes admission to gaming floor, a trip through the Italian dinner buffet, adult beverages, and $10,000 worth of chips. At night’s end, turn those chips into chances at great prizes! Silent auction prizes are also available for bidding upon (to donate prizes, please call the Chamber).For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 512-237-2313. And remember to save the date. You can purchase tickets in advance below.

We hope to see you there!

Smithville- Film Making 102

katyhouse — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:15:49 +0000

Smithville Music & Film Commission

512/216-2645

SM & FC Offers June Educational Series

As Smithville continues to reap the benefits and thrill of the movie-making process with the on-going filming of “Doonby,” the Smithville Music & Film Commission announces its latest in a free monthly series of industry-related educational programs on Sunday, June 6^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

“Film Making 102” will be presented by Danny Cameron and Miranda Smith, who under their production company, Zobest Pictures, haelted Smithville as their filming location for “Under the Western Sun” in October 2010. Their extensive knowledge and skills in the process of film making is shared with enthusiasm and a straight-forward approach that will provide knowledge to those interested in creating their own films. Whether it’s a short or feature, or the family reunion this summer, this is a great opportunity to hone better film skills.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity, made possible by the Smithville Music & Film Commission in cooperation with 1^st ACT! Academy, where the workshop will again be held. Seating is limited, so call 512/216-2645 and leave your name to ensure space is available.

Doonby filming in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:53:12 +0000

Movie Filming Takes over Downtown

Updated: Thursday, 27 May 2010, 10:27 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 27 May 2010, 10:27 PM CDT

This story was on Fox TV, by James Irby, in Austin, Texas:

9th street, between Brazos and Congress is looking a whole lot like Memphis in the 1900’s. The makeover is for True Grit, an adaptation of the 1968 novel, which was also made into a movie in 1969, the latest 2010 version stars Jeff Bridges Josh Brolin and Matt Damon.

An hour east in Smithville there was lots of action to be filmed as John Schneider and newcomer Jenn Gotzon star in Doonby, the story of a mysterious stranger who rolls into town, changing it for the better helping a woman recovering from alcoholism. He even foils a robbery.

Then he suddenly disappears, much of the good he’s done, falling apart with his exit. Schneider says no one can quite figure out where his character, Sam Doonby is from or what his intentions are.

“Like a good painting, this movie evokes different emotions from everybody who’s involved. Everybody who reads it everybody who’s in it and hopefully everybody who sees it.”

Taken by its small town charm, Schneider says Smithville has the kind of authenticity you just can’t get on a hollywood set.

Doonby’s producer, Mike Mackenzie, adding that Smithville is the ideal small town to create movie magic.

“It’s a very film friendly town. We’re the third production coming through and we understand there are two that are following us. Everything is five minutes walk away which is hugely beneficial to us shooting.”

Not all about acting, Schneider, star of the late 70’s, early 80’s television series The Dukes of Hazzard and more recently Smallville had time to help start the Children’s Miracle Network in 1982.
Schneider says they’ve raised close to 4 billion for children’s hospitals throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

“All the money that’s raised through the Children’s Miracle Network stays in the area where it was raised. You don’t have to wonder when you call up and make a donation where it’s going to go.”

Doonby is set for release at the end of the year or the beginning of 2011. “True Grit” has a release date of Christmas Day.

For questions or comments about this story, email james.irby@foxtv.com

Doonby in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:34:06 +0000

Here is a blog that one of the actors wrote about the movie Doonby. They used our parlor as a “green room’, so we visited with the cute group for a few days. This was written by Jolyn Janis.

ON SET: Doonby

Film: Doonby

Location: Smithville, TX

Synopsis: Sam Doonby, is a happy-go-lucky drifter who takes up residence in a small Texas town but seems suspiciously immune to the misfortunes that beset the other townsfolk.

I have a supporting role in a feature film called Doonby, shooting this month. The film was written and is being directed by Peter Mackenzie. The cast is an amazing group of actors - John Schneider, Robert Davi, Will Wallace, Jenn Gotzon, Joe Estevez and, of course, many others talents!

Here is a photo from our last “crowded bar scene” and Ernie Hudson’s last day on set.

Doonby Castorama! From left: Myself, Tom Lagleder, Dwayne, Lizabeth Waters, John Schneider, Jenn Gotzon, Ernie Hudson, Brandi Blevins

Below is the Katy House, run by Sallie and Bruce, the most generous couple one could hope to find wandering on location. Sallie hosted the principal cast at the house so we didnt need to wait in trailers or tents the whole day. It was good to have a ‘home front’ to camp out for most of the day. Thanks again, Sallie and Bruce!

Katy House

Katy House owner: Sallie (with a friends on the porch)

Katy House: Living Room “Home” for three days of shooting

In the film, I play a swinger who is intrigued with Sam Doonby’s charisma as well as integrity. Below is myself and my on-screen hubby, Tom Lagleder in full costume.

Swingers on set

Sallie always gets pictures with the cast of films that come through her house. This is our token “fireplace mantel” shot with her

Myself, Sallie and Tom

There’s a lot of meandering and waiting to shoot on any set. Smithville has a particularly interesting vibe, a small town chill that can only be felt, not described. I’m quite happy to slow down and wait around in Smithville, TX.

Smithvillery

Waiting in my trailer, I often took off my red heels, which then became interesting subject matter.

Red Hells, i mean Heels

And this is the woman who put me in those shoes

Wardrobe department (extraordinaire)

I found out at the end of the day why people were asking Scotti (below) for guitar picks while we chat. He is co-guitarist for Skid Row (and an awesome dude as well!)

Scotti Hill, co-guitarist for Skid Row

Skid Row (Scottie on left)

After the bar scene wrap, there was a small afterparty at the Tamble’s House, the location where I’ll shoot my next scenes May 31, June 1. Im ready to go back to Smithville and see everyone again!

Afterparty! From left: Chris Armstrong, Jenn Gotzon, Tom Lagleder (who got shafted by a mystery shadow) and Myself

Look for the film early 2011!

Hummingbirds are here in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:04:25 +0000

Hummingbirds are here in Smithville and here are some interesting information on them.

Hummingbird FAQs
By Bill Thompson, III
Editor | Bird Watcher’s Digest

The hummingbirds are back all across North America after their absence during what felt like a long, cold winter. Now that the backyard feeders are abuzz with hummingbird activity again, many avid watchers are reminded of lingering questions about these remarkable little acrobats. Here are just a couple of the commonly asked hummingbird questions we hear at Bird Watcher’s Digest each year.

Q: Is it possible to estimate how many hummingbirds I feed each day?

A: Hummingbird experts Nancy Newfield and Bob and Martha Sargent generated a formula whereby you count the number of hummingbirds you can see at one time at your feeders and multiply this number by six to determine how many birds are visiting your feeder. They arrived at this number based on years of banding and color-marking hummingbirds at feeders.

At our feeders here in southeast Ohio, we feed a half-gallon of solution a day, and we have calculated by the above formula that we get 139 hummingbirds during the busy part of the summer. Thus each of our hummingbirds is consuming 0.46 ounces of nectar per day. There are 64 ounces in our half gallon of daily solution, so if we divide 64 (the number of ounces consumed) by 0.46 (the per-hummingbird daily consumption), we get 139 hummers at our feeders. Wow!

Although this is not strict science, it’s fun to do the calculations!

Q: How do I keep ants and bees out of the hummingbird feeder?

Select a hummingbird feeder with bee guards. These plastic devices allow the longer tongues of hummingbirds to reach the nectar. Bee guards prevent shorter insect tongues from reaching the nectar. Replace any dripping feeders.

You can also do things to discourage ants from getting to your feeders. Laundry detergent applied with a paintbrush will work. Paint whatever surface the ants use to gain access to the feeder (but not the feeder itself). The solution interferes with the ants’ chemical navigation. Refresh the application several times the first day. After a few days you won’t need it anymore.

Q: Is it true that hummingbirds at my feeder will not migrate if I leave my feeder up in fall?

A: No. This is another in a long line of bird myths. Birds are genetically programmed to migrate when their internal “clocks” tell them to do so. They will depart when the time is right whether your feeders are up or not. Leaving your feeders up in fall and getting them up early in spring may help early or late migrants that are passing through your area.

Q: Why does our male hummingbird fly in a U-shaped pattern?

A: This is the pendulum display flight of a male to a perched female. He zips back and forth and flashes his ruby throat (gorget) at her, hoping to impress her into mating with him. It is common to see this behavior in early summer.

Q: How do I foil a “bully” hummer?

A: Most hummingbird species defend feeding territories, and assemblages at feeders usually develop hierarchies. The behavior exemplifies natural selection at work, and you should do nothing except enjoy it. If you’re worried about hungry hummingbirds, put up several more feeders near your original one. The bully will be overwhelmed by sheer numbers of other birds and will quit being so territorial.

Set of Doonby in Smithville, Texas

katyhouse — Sun, 23 May 2010 16:45:22 +0000

This is a post by Mark Joseph . He was here in Smithville because the movie Doonby is being filmed here. His group stayed at our BandB. Having them here in town is so much fun. Here is his blog. See what his cute nine year old daughter said about Bed and Breakfasts.

Today, May 23, 2010, 3 hours ago

From The Set Of Doonby

Yesterday, May 22, 2010, 8:01:47 PM | Mark Joseph

I’m in a grand old Texas town called Smithville, shooting my next movie Doonby with a great cast and crew. The cast is an amazing group of friends new and old-John Schneider, Robert Davi, Will Wallace, Jenn Gotzon, Joe Estevez, and others. On the flight out from LAX I ran into Joe and we had a nice chat. Add a few years onto his nephew Emilio Estevez and you have Joe. He’s a great guy who told me all about his great family of 10 brothers and sisters born into an Irish Catholic/Spanish family (including his brother Martin Sheen). His Mother was apparently told that she couldn’t have any more kids after the first two, but she ignored doctors’ orders and had eight more. Love that.

The film centers around a mysterious character named Sam Doonby, played by Schneider, who shows up in a small Texas town, Smithville, which is every bit as beautiful as when Hope Floats was shot here. John is cool under pressure, unflappable and above all a gentleman. He’s blogging here with updates on the film as well. Will Wallace plays a bad guy and is playing it to perfection-a character light years away from the nice guy who is on the set with his wife and two toddlers and their presence has really served to make the set family-friendly.

One of my roles as co-producer has been lining up talent and I brought a recent friend Jenn and an old friend Robert to the picture. Jenn plays John’s love interest and is very intense in her preparation and really delves into her character. Robert arrives tomorrow and plays the Sheriff.

We’ve all fallen in love with Smithville, which is a short drive from the Austin Airport. The town has just one hotel but a number of amazing B&B’s. I overheard my 9-year old daughter describing the situation to her sister in LA on the phone this way: “People pretend their homes are hotels and you can stay there!”

We’re at a great B&B called Katy’s where Sally is taking good care of us. The people are friendly, the barbecue is great, the hospitality superb, and from what I’ve seen of the dailies so far, the movie is going to be amazing.

Smithville Tx, Community Garden Tours

katyhouse — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:47:07 +0000

“Smitty’s Garden Tour”

Smithville Community Garden Fundraising Tour.
May 1, 2010
10AM to noon: Expert Talks at Selected Locations
Noon to 4PM: All Garden Locations Open
$10 for adults; children 12 and under FREE!

Most locations will feature experts in various fields such as bees, vermiculture (worms), landscaping, rainwater recapture, integrated pest management, and others. Some garden locations will include more formal discussions from 10AM to noon, and all locations will provide information and informal interaction with the experts.

Ticket sales will pay for plants and seeds for garden sites, educational programs, needed tools and equipment, and a building fund for the property at MLK and Hwy 95.

The Smithville Community Gardens turns vacant property into productive land with help from many volunteers.

We hope to see you there!
See http://www.ci.smithville.tx.us/ for more details.

Tickets can be bought at the Smithville Chamber or at the gardens on Saturday.