Friday, June 2, 2023

Music with Film presented by Apex

The Apex Arts League and the Texas Chamber Music Project (TXCMP) will present Music and Film on Sunday, March 27, at Southlake’s White’s Chapel UMC. The performance starts at 3 p.m.

The TXCMP will feature a Charlie Chaplin classic film accompanied by the orchestra performing Brahms Hungarian Rhapsody, conducted by Thomas Connely.

Connely will also conduct other works by Haydn and Mozart featuring Minjung Park on piano.

The Texas Chamber Music Project of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex is a 501c3 community-driven orchestra founded by veterans of the North Texas classical music scene specializing in music written for smaller ensembles.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at  www.apexartsleague.com.

(This event has been canceled.)

Lights, Camera, Action: Southlake Film and TV Production Company Hosts Workshops, Screenings and Outdoor Movies

Muller EntertainmentFor a city that is often in the spotlight for its champion football team, award-winning development and high quality of life, it makes complete sense it is now home to a professional film and television production company. Muller Entertainment  ̶  which recently relocated to Southlake after selling The Studios at Las Colinas to political television and radio host, Glenn Beck  ̶  is bringing Hollywood to Southlake with film production workshops for students, movie screenings for seniors, and possibly a film festival in 2015.

Founded in 2002 by Justin Muller, a film industry professional and advocate for bringing projects to Dallas-Fort Worth, the company’s primary focus is creating and managing filmed entertainment projects, as well as management of studio facilities for motion pictures and television productions. Serving Hollywood studios, independent producers, and all members of the entertainment community, past clients of note include E! Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting, Harpo Productions, NBC News, PBS, Touchstone Television, and Twentieth Century Fox Television.

“The location and economy of this area make it very attractive for the film industry,” stated Muller.

In addition to Muller Entertainment, a nonprofit branch of the company was created for the purpose of film education. The Muller Film & Television Education Foundation seeks to inspire youth, educate students and enhance the creative community through offering a variety of programs.

Workshops and summer camps are offered to aspiring young filmmakers, where they are introduced to all aspects of the filmmaking process. Former participants have followed paths to work on television projects for the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

In addition to offering educational opportunities for students, the Foundation also seeks to offer cinematic opportunities to the senior community. The Senior Movie Club is an organization that will provide monthly screenings of classic films to individuals over the age of 60.

As a way to gain greater interest from the local community, the Foundation will hold an outdoor film experience. The Southlake Grassy Knoll Screening is scheduled for September 27 at Summit Park (film TBA). Guests may bring their own picnic baskets or enjoy the gourmet food trucks on site.

For those seeking a more in-depth film making experience, the Foundation will host an educational trip to Hollywood for young, aspiring filmmakers (ages 17-20) in summer 2015. The five-day trip includes exclusive workshops with high-profile casting directors. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Howard Meltzer, director of “Hannah Montana” and “Girl Meets World,” as well as Peter Pappas, director of “The Big Bang Theory” and “Mom.” VIP studio tours of Warner Brothers and Paramount will also be held.

Muller is currently organizing the Southlake Cinema Arts Festival. The festival is tentatively planned for the fall of 2015 in a portion of Southlake Town Square. Harkins Theatre will serve as the screening venue for studio films, indie films, foreign films, documentaries, and animated films.

“The scope of the festival depends on community participation and sponsorship,” stated Muller, noting the need for 15 committee members and at least 75 volunteers.

The event will begin with a pre-event mixer and filmmaker check-in on Thursday, followed by a weekend of hand-selected films chosen from hundreds of submissions. Following Friday’s opening screening, public and private after parties will be held, attended by producers, directors and actors from around the world. Saturday’s showcase lineup will begin with children’s films, followed by a variety of films from different genres, and a tribute to Texas films, including Texas short films. After a day cinema on Sunday, including special honorary films, the event will end with a closing night party.

If you are interested in participating in the Southlake Cinema Arts Festival, contact Justin Muller at Justin@mullerentertainment.com. For additional information, visit MullerEntertainment.com or www.FilmTVEducation.org.

Carroll Film Student Advances to State Semifinals

A Carroll student has advanced in the UIL’s inaugural pilot program for young Texas filmmakers. Students may submit original works in three categories: narrative, documentary and animation.

Wyatt Hall’s film “Color” recently advanced to the semifinal round of the competition. The feature was submitted in the narrative category.

Wyatt wrote, directed, edited and produced the film. He received help from classmates including both actors and technicians. They are Mark Elliot, Tyler Springs, Sean Choate, Jake Nelson, Bailey Waldie, Spencer Lankford, Nate Shoupp and Alex Schindler.

Wyatt is a Sophomore theatre student in Carroll ISD. He assisted with last semester’s production of Les Miserables. Wyatt’s contributions included filming extra scenes from the musical that were projected onto the set during the performance. This is Wyatt’s second year as a member of the Carroll Theatre Department.

“He has always wanted to be a film maker since I have known him,” said Roald Martinsen, Carroll Theatre Department Co-Director. “We look forward to great things from him in the future.”

Click here for a complete list of State Semifinal Qualifiers. Results for State competition will be announced March 28.

For more information about the Texas Film Commission and the UIL Focus Film Festival, click here.