James Spann—Alabama’s Weather Man

James Spann—Alabama’s Weather Man

When Birmingham’s top meteorologist James Spann speaks, viewers run for cover. Alabamians depend on him during severe weather events. During Spann’s broadcasts, he stands in front of a green wall and looks into a monitor for site placement. What viewers see is Spann in front of the 33/40 doppler weather map that shows the latest updates on severe weather and its current trek through Alabama.

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Independent Movies Made in Alabama

Independent Movies Made in Alabama

It’s not just the blockbusters rolling film in Alabama. The State of Alabama values the economic impact that the film industry brings and, therefore, Act 2001-975 provides for a sales and use tax exemption and a lodgings tax exemption for qualifying film production companies that have received approval from the Alabama Film Office (AFO) and meet certain established criteria. It’s incentives like these, as well as a great environment for movie making, that is providing more opportunities for the smaller independent production companies.

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Alabama Artist Bruce Larsen Makes Movie Magic

Alabama Artist Bruce Larsen Makes Movie Magic

Since this article was originally written in 2005, Bruce Larsen has continued to create art. In 2009, he was named the United States Sports Academy Sport Artist of the Year and is a member of the inaugural class of the Alabama Center for the Arts Hall of Fame. His works have been collected by the likes of former President Bill Clinton, singer Robert Plant, and actor Mark Ruffalo, as well as royalty and heads of state around the world.

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