Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine Nov 2009: Feature - Independent Satire Movie, Sucide Notes, Being Shot in and Around Katy Texas

By Sandra Meineke

Katy area residents will have an opportunity this month to “break into showbiz” as extras on a local movie shoot. Suicide Notes, a satire on reality shows and the entertainment business, was written by Houstonian Travis Ammons and produced by Katy businessman Tedd Dicus. The independent movie is being shot in and around the Katy area.

“Suicide Notes is a dark satire about where modern media and reality TV are possibly taking us,” said writer/director Travis Ammons, of Tick Tick Bang Productions. “ The story revolves around a struggling young playwright, who has just sold his first play and has to deal with a fanatical director as well as the moral dilemma of having some possible suicides among his cast members.”

The scenes using extras are being filmed on Saturday, Nov. 14, near Town and Country, “We’re offering Katy the opportunity to be extras,” said Dicus. Because of the dark subject matter of the film, extras must be at least 21. Contact Travis at ttbproductions2009@gmail.com to find out what to wear and where and when to show up.

Suicide Notes is Ammons seventh film and one of three that will be coming out next year, including The Great American Moon Rock Caper and The Long Grift.

Executive Producer Tedd Dicus, whose day job is VP and Director of Operations at Physicians ’ Hair Restoration Center and Medical Spa in Cinco Ranch, is a featured extra in the film. This is his second time to work with Ammons, and he will be on board again for the next film. As producer, his responsibilities incude raising funds and scouting locations.

Producer Wes Linnenbank has worked on four of Ammons’ films. “I like to work with Travis because his shoots are very professional,” Linnenbank said.

One Katy location where the movie will be shooting is Cafesito’s Restaurant Bar and Grill on Mason Road. Owner Mario Robau was recruited by Dicus to let the production crew use his restaurant for one of the scenes in the movie.

Other Katy venues are being considered as filming locations, and Dicus is hoping to see other filmmakers come to the Katy area. “This has been a whole new learning curve for me,” Dicus said. “I would love to see Katy grab hold of this and become a hot spot for movie makers. ” Katy mayor Don Elder has been very supportive of Dicus and Ammons in their efforts, as have the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and several local businesses.

Katy mayor Don Elder (right) sits in on a planning session for the movie. From left are Tedd Dicus, executive producer; Jennifer Dicus, director of Salon and Spa Services at The Solana —a location being considered for the film; Mario Robau, owner of Cafesitos; Wes Linnenbank, film producer; and Travis Ammons, writer/director. • Standing outside Cafesitos are: (l-r) Wes Linnenbank, Travis Ammons, Tedd Dicus, Jennifer Dicus, Mayor Don Elder and Mario Robau. • Writer and director Travis Ammons blocks out a shot for his new movie, Suicide Notes.