For 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.