Past Programs
Summer 2007 Filmmaking Workshop: Elgin, TX
We were extremely pleased with the success of our pilot workshop in Manor, TX. It helped us refine our curriculum, and more importantly, illustrated the MFS programming model is effective, comprehensive and basically, really works.
The Mobile Film School's second digital filmmaking workshop took place this July in Elgin, Texas, a sweet rural community located about 30 minutes from Austin. In partnership with the Elgin ISD, eight students, ranging in age from 16 to 18, participated in a one-week documentary workshop, lead by MFS' media professionals and staff. MFS and the students clocked in over 96 hours of production time in Elgin, which included presentations from industry professionals Gary Walker, Kevin Triplett, Nevie Owens and Barry Coffing, as well as intensive instruction on the digital film and editing equipment.
The students' short documentary, "Dr. Phil or Dr. Do-Little", focused on an errant visit to Elgin by the television icon in 2004, and the continuing effect on the community. Nearly 110 residents and friends turned up for the successful premiere screening, held at the Elgin ISD administrative building on July 28.
A wonderful, galvanizing result of the Mobile Film School's July workshop is the implementation of a year-long media program for Elgin High School students. Spearheaded by Dr. Duane Shaw, who acted as of our Elgin liaison, MFS will be available throughout the year as a consultant, and will beta test the curriculum we are creating for ongoing community media education.
MFS welcomed several Manor students to Elgin, who joined as volunteers, giving us another opportunity to connect with alumni and enhance their learning experience.
Elgin Workshop Media
- News Coverage of the Elgin Workshop: Local students to present documentary, "What Dr. Phil Got Wrong"
- Photos from the Elgin Workshop
Elgin 2007 Workshop Sponsors
- Bluebonnet Electric Coop
- Frontier Bank of Texas
Mealtime is a precious and nurturing time at the MFS workshops, and we are grateful for those that kept us well fed:
- Seattle's Best Coffee
- Chipotle
- Magnolia Café
- Soup Peddler
- Texas Honey Ham
- Austin Tamale House
- Einstein Bagels
- Phoenicia Bakery & Deli
- Sweet Leaf Tea
- Izze
- Garden Spot Café & Catering
- Jeannette Shelby Realty
- Kay Silkenson
- Sandy Smith
- Gracie Villarreal & Phil Goetz
- Jon & Debbie Harvey
- Dr. Duane Shaw
We couldn't have done it without our community liaisons and volunteers:
- Dr. Duane Shaw
- Gracie Villarreal
- Avan Allen
- Amy Bench
- Brittany Harmeyer
- Carson Cummings
- Phil Goetz
- Jeremy Van Doren
- Reed Penney
- Jordyn Wilfrey
- Lori Stammer
- Diane Forbes
And once again, thanks to our equipment heroes:
- Omega
- Mopac Media
- PACT
- Patrick Phillips
- April Melody Sanchez
February 2007 Filmmaking Workshop: Manor, TX
Manor ISD was a super partner for our first time out. These people care so much about giving their students any opportunities that could help them to become well rounded and succeed in life. I thank everyone in Manor for sharing that spirit with us.
Speaking of thanks, I want to thank the students, who put in extremely long hours and worked very hard. We hear often about the apathy and sense of entitlement among today’s youth. That was NOT the case with this group of students. These kids were motivated to get the most out of this opportunity. And they did a brilliant job. They produced a 13 minute documentary that rivals many that I see throughout the year by seasoned filmmakers. Kudos to them for an amazing final product in such a short time. And thanks to the Lutz-Carrillo family, who the documentary was about, for so generously letting us invade their lives for a week.
Manor Pilot Program Count Down
Jim Lutz and Alex Carrillo have lived on the outskirts of Manor, Texas for over thirty years. Their large, rambling farmhouse is more than just a happy home - it's a spiritual retreat, a place where children are born, friends and family celebrate birthdays, weddings...even the summer solstice. The 50 acres of land they nurture is home to chickens, goats, dogs and peacocks. After years of struggling to protect it, the area was officially certified as wildlife preserve.
Quicksand Farm, as the property is affectionately known, is also a local landmark. Lasse Hallstrom's awarding-winning "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," was filmed here, as was an episode of the "Simple Life." Each summer, the farm plays host to a rollicking summer square dance open to the entire town. Over the years, a cast of colorful characters has long gathered on the front porch - singing, strumming and sharing in the peaceful atmosphere that this place provides.
But the Lutz-Carrillo home is also a symbol of a laid-back, rural style of living that many fear will become obsolete. As cookie-cutter strip mails and rows of track houses invade small town America, the warmth and spirit of places like Quicksand Farm face an uncertain future. "In a Place Like This" is a pleasant reminder of the joys close to home...we may want to protect.
