NEWS/RECENT EVENTS
Sunset Blvd. 7 Tony Nominations and more
Sunset Blvd. received 7 Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Leading Actress for Nicole Scherzinger. Tune in - June 8th CBS The production also received major honors at the Drama League Awards, winning Outstanding Revival of a Musical and Distinguished Performance Award for Nicole Scherzinger. With additional nominations from the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, this groundbreaking revival directed by Jamie Lloyd continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Bill Damaschke President of Warner Bros. Animation Speaks at UT
As part of the Buckman Center Speaker Series, the University of Texas at Austin proudly welcomed Bill Damaschke, President of Warner Bros. Animation, for an inspiring evening of insight and conversation. Speaking to a packed house of students, faculty, and industry guests, Damaschke shared stories from his career spanning DreamWorks, Skydance, and Warner Bros., and offered valuable advice on storytelling, leadership, and navigating the world of animation. This special event was generously sponsored by Nelda and Karl Buckman, whose ongoing support continues to bring leading voices in entertainment to The School of Design and Creative Technologies.
Takeshi Yamada of teamLab Visits UT for Buckman Center Speaker Series
As part of the Buckman Center Speaker Series, the University of Texas at Austin welcomed Takeshi Yamada, head of recruitment for teamLab, the internationally acclaimed art collective known for its immersive digital installations blending art, animation, and engineering. Flying in from Japan for his first visit to Austin, Yamada presented teamLab’s groundbreaking work to a packed audience in the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center. Hosted by the School of Design and Creative Technologies, the event offered a behind-the-scenes look at teamLab’s collaborative process, work culture, and signature exhibitions—ranging from immersive gallery experiences to large-scale outdoor installations like their light and wind-responsive botanical garden display in Osaka. This dynamic evening of innovation and inspiration was made possible through the generous support of Nelda and Karl Buckman.
Sigourney Weaver’s Triumphant Return to the Stage in The Tempest
Legendary actress Sigourney Weaver wowed audiences as Prospero in this bold new production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, directed by Jamie Lloyd at London’s iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With Lloyd’s signature vision and a powerhouse performance from Weaver, this production reimagines Shakespeare’s final play through a modern, electrifying lens. Nelda Buckman was delighted to be a part of bringing this to the stage. "A thunderous, hypnotic storm of emotion and spectacle" – The Guardian
Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell Star in Jamie Lloyd’s Much Ado About Nothing
Two of Britain’s most celebrated actors, Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell, ignited the stage in this dynamic, razor-sharp revival of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Jamie Lloyd. Set in a world crackling with wit, tension, and modern flair, this production brings a thrilling edge to Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy. Nelda Buckman and her team played an integral part in bringing this incredible production to London. "Sexy, smart, and devastatingly funny" – Evening Standard
Titel: Evita Returns to London – Directed by Jamie Lloyd
Rehearsals are underway for the highly anticipated revival of Evita, coming soon to The Palladium Theatre in London. This marks a bold new chapter for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this reimagined production promises a visceral, visually arresting take on the rise and fall of Argentina’s most iconic First Lady. Starring Rachel Zegler, this production is set to be one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the year. This is a must see! Evita at The Palladium starting June 2025.
TRAILER – Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
The first trailer and poster for the new Liza Minnelli documentary, “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story,” has debuted. Check it out!
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
So proud to be a part of the producing team for "Liza; A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story". The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival 2024 to rave reviews! The documentary masterfully weaves a compelling and intimate narrative of the life of iconic performer Liza Minnelli and the mentors and collaborators she credits with her success.
Muraling Austin Wins Telly Awards
We are thrilled to announce that Nelda Studios has won two Gold Medals at the Telly Awards! Our "Muraling Austin: Episode 1, Pride of Place" has been honored with: Gold Winner for Culture & Lifestyle — Television and the People’s Telly Gold Winner: Television Series, Shows & Segments
Touching The Sun
Touching The Sun, a PBS documentary in production sponsored by Nelda Studios, probes our closest star – its mysterious origins, savage power, and lifeforce energy – and follows the people who uncover its scientific secrets and celebrate its symbolic meaning. It captures the visually stunning and transformative 2024 total solar eclipse, dives into the science of the Sun’s influence on the Earth and solar system, and examines the current and historical cultural context of Sun watching and Sun worshipping across time and cultures.
All Illusions Must Be Broken
Using the framework created by Ernest Becker, celebrated American anthropologist and Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Denial of Death, the film examines unexpected consequences that stem from denaturing children’s formative years. Increasingly, cultural & virtual environments are replacing our actual, natural environment. Part film essay, part verité study, the narrative interleaves Becker’s profound insights, contemporary interviews on the re-patterning power of screens, and scenes from a boyhood ages birth to 13.
Lone Star Emmy Winner
Congrats to Executive Producer Nelda Buckman, co-founder of Nelda Studios, and the Nelda Studio and PBS teams on winning a Lone Star Emmy for Muraliing Austin.
Buzzfest 2023
We're once again proud to sponsor BuzzFest, an award-winning annual tech-art festival featuring nationally acclaimed electronic music performers and immersive light and sound art installations.
Projection Artist Sven Ortel
Sven Ortel takes projection art to new heights. He blends traditional lighting and projection with the latest technology to create stunning original imagery for live performances. His work enraptures audiences and has landed him multiple Tony Award nominations.
Our Buckman Speaker Series brings Grimes to UT
Screaming, the kind that makes you sit up in your chair, and thunderous clapping greeted the artist as she arrived for the university's Buckman Speaker Series. The series is part of the still-to-be-opened Buckman Center at UT.
Cory Doctorow @UT
Renowned science fiction author and activist Cory Doctorow visited the University of Texas as part of the Buckman Speaker Series to share his vision for a tech-driven future that prioritizes user empowerment and autonomy.
Nelda Studios highlights Austin murals on PBS
Muraling Austin showcases the city's public art and the cultural infrastructure that makes it a part of daily life. Produced by Nelda Studios in collaboration with Austin PBS, the series will highlight large-scale murals and the stories behind them.
Immersive Experiences Rock Austin
We celebrate many area artists who create interactive works and immersive art experiences. We believe exploring the frontiers and convergence of design, sound, and technology creates wonderous expressions of the human experience.
Paola Antonelli @UT
Design touches everything, according to celebrated curator, author, editor and architect Paola Antonelli. As Senior Curator for Architecture and Design at the MOMA in New York City, Antonelli focuses on the intersection of art and design.
The Buzzfest Founders
Nelda Studios sponsored the Bee Cave BUZZFEST 2022! This award-winning tech-art street festival showcases edgy immersive light and sound art installations alongside performances from nationally acclaimed electronic music artists.
A Visit with Steve Roach
Steve Roach, the twice-Grammy nominated electronic musician and ambient music pioneer, dropped by Nelda Studios to chat about his artistic process, inspirations from his natural surroundings, and how music can lead to deeper self-awareness.
Chat with Claude S (Anything Box)
While synths can be found in the tracks of most pop songs today, synth-pop is still a distinctive genre that has been around for decades, and Anything Box founder and synth musician Claude S. has been along for the entire ride.
Celebrating Street Art
Look up—there's art happening all around you! Next time you’re strolling through downtown, stash your phone, unplug your earbuds, and take in the public art being created all over Austin.
Meet Nelda Buckman of Nelda Studios
My husband Karl and I have been longtime philanthropists supporting grassroots arts education. We have now taken that to a much higher level. Nelda Studios is a production house as well as a philanthropic organization focusing on the arts and creativity.
Press: A Foundation for a Dream Realized
Philanthropists Karl and Nelda Buckman created an incredible resource for artists to fully commit to their passions.
Announcing the Buckman Center
Karl and Nelda Buckman are igniting creativity through immersive, experiential art at The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Fine Arts.
Buzzfest 2022
Bee Cave Buzzfest 2022 blasted lights and sound across The Hill Country Galleria! As a first-time sponsor of the event, Nelda Studios was excited to support all that the tech art street festival had to offer. Under the night sky, crowds filled the plaza enjoying a variety of immersive tech art installations. The festival featured towering light structures choreographed to innovative soundscapes, a 360 tech art booth with psychedelic patterns, interactive LED artworks that responded to touch, and an open metallic stage with shooting fog to dance around. At the center of the plaza, people of all ages lounged on a wide lawn for performances from some of the hottest electronic music performers in the country and local contemporary dancers, all backed by huge projected digital art and laser lights. You won't want to miss the next Buzzfest 2023!
OUR FOUNDERS
Karl and Nelda Buckman have translated their personal success and innovative legacy into a force for creative empowerment. Their journey began with grassroots initiatives, such as funding arts programs for disadvantaged Texas schools and nurturing small-town theater, laying the groundwork for their larger vision. The creation of Nelda Studios marked a significant leap, aiming to produce diverse and meaningful content across various media platforms. In parallel, they established The Karl and Nelda Buckman Fund in 2021 to further champion creativity and the arts. A testament to their commitment is the upcoming Buckman Center at the School of Design and Creative Technologies at The University of Texas at Austin, poised to be a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration among educators and creators. Together, the Buckmans stand as benefactors of the arts, weaving their philanthropic work into the fabric of underserved communities, with the belief that access to the arts is not a luxury, but a necessity for all.
