This rated-R action film was shot at a River Oaks cigar lounge, and it’s part of a much bigger plan for Houston’s film industry.

HOUSTON — It’s lights, camera, action — right here in Houston.

In a cigar lounge in River Oaks, local director Andre Wiley is calling the shots on a new action movie titled Conflict.

“I’m extremely excited to be making an action movie in the city I grew up in,” Wiley said.

The Houston native says he’s thrilled not only to bring Hollywood-style production to his hometown, but also to provide opportunities for local cast and crew. And while the film may have a big heart for Houston, Wiley jokes that it’s not exactly a family film.

When asked if Conflict was something families could watch together, Wiley laughed. “No, it’s a conflict movie — a rated R movie,” he said. “Bring the bigger kids, not the smaller kids.”



A familiar face in a different role

One of the film’s stars is a face many Houstonians already know — criminal defense attorney Dan Cogdell. In Conflict, he plays a mob boss.

“In keeping with the criminal defense lawyer character, I play a mob boss,” Cogdell said with a grin. “My wife would argue that I very much understand the criminal mind.”



Houston’s film scene on the rise

Behind the camera, executive producer Joe Newcomb, also from Houston, believes the city is on the verge of becoming a major player in the film industry.

“A lot of films left Hollywood and went to Atlanta,” Newcomb said. “I think there’s no doubt Houston will be the new Atlanta — it’s already happening. People are coming in. I’ve heard Tyler Perry’s shooting a movie here in Houston, 50 Cent has moved his production company here, and I think many others will follow.”

Newcomb credits new state and local incentives for attracting productions like Conflict to the area.



More movies ahead

The producers say Conflict is expected to hit theaters in November. They also plan to shoot five films a year in Houston — a sign that the city’s growing film industry is here to stay.

“Quiet on set,” Wiley called out between takes. Conflict — coming soon to a theater near you.

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