Emerging Filmmaker Program

What's the EFP?

The Tallgrass Film Association Class of 2023 Emerging Filmmaker Program (EFP), is headed by Education Manager Thane Chastain and Technology Coordinator, Naythan Smith. Candidates for the program range from 8th grade through seniors in high school. Age range runs from 13 – 18.

Our 2023 EFPs will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with professionals in the film industry, covering a wide range of topics including: film criticism, directing, producing, screenwriting, audio production, lighting, camera technique, video editing and more.

Our EFPs will be provided hands-on learning opportunities, including:

Screening and reviewing more than 125 movies submitted by their peers to the 21st Annual Tallgrass Film Festival (Oct 5-8). These reviews will help shape the Joel Fein Emerging Filmmakers Shorts Program at the festival
Producing promotional videos for the Tallgrass Film Festival
Producing a short film to be submitted to the festival

Successful students will receive an all-access TALLPass in exchange for their participation in the program, as well as an additional all-access pass for a parent or guardian.

Important Dates

Applications will be accepted at this site from March 1 – March 31, 2023.

Accepted applicants will be notified on April 15, 2023.

Orientation session will be held in May. Students will only need to attend one of the orientation session. Dates TBD.

Classes:

Classes will start on June 3rd and are held Saturdays from 2-4 pm through Saturday, August 12.
Students selected for the 2023 session will have a good deal of influence over the topics covered each week.
Classes will be held at the Tallgrass Film Center (120 East 1st North, Suite 113)
Production dates will be provided to class members during orientation

NOTE: The program used to be called the Emerging Programmer Apprenticeship program (EPA). We are rebranding this year, but we think video this helps explain a portion of what the program demonstrates.