OK2BX Film Festival - WORKSHOPS

Come to the OK2BX Filmmaker Futures Lab

Get the tools you need to take the next steps in your journey as a filmmaker.

Workshops and College Fair will be at

Southern Methodist University
Umphrey Lee Center

3300 Dyer Avenue

Dallas, TX 75205

10:00AM

CREATIVE STORYTELLING – Get your film seen: insider festival strategies / REBEKAH LOUISE SMITH

The leading expert in independent film submissions to film festivals, Rebekah will cover everything from choosing the right festival to crafting the perfect submission to mastering the art of networking to maximize your chances of success.

TECHNICAL & CAREER SKILLS- pocket cinema: filmmaking on your phone / BART WEISS

– Learn how to turn your smartphone into a powerful filmmaking tool in this hands-on workshop led by Bart Weiss, founder of the Dallas Video Festival and former film professor. Discover practical techniques for shooting, storytelling, and creating compelling films—right from the device in your pocket.

11:00AM

Creative storytelling: screenwriting – STORY TO SCREEN: writing films that matter / john weirick

– Veteran screenwriter John Weirick, based in Los Angeles, joins us to share his knowledge about how to develop story ideas, how to structure a story and how a screenplay comes to life. A former Gospel songwriter, John set out to change the world writing the 1990 anti-apartheid release Bopha!. After that, he spent 20 years writing sitcoms and then co-wrote the 2002 Emmy award-winning The Matthew Shepard Story.

TECHNICAL & CAREER SKILLS: hear the film: the power of cinematic sound / SMU FACULTY

– Explore the art of cinematic sound in this hands-on workshop led by SMU faculty in the Film Sound Lab. Learn how dialogue, effects, and sound design bring stories to life using professional tools and techniques.

12:30PM

CREATIVE STORYTELLING: create, collaborate, complete: the indie film process / JOSH JORDAN & JULIAN SOL JORDAN

– Filmmakers Josh and Julian Jordan – a father-and-son duo – have each created their own independent films and have also collaborated on films. In this session, they share insights on storytelling, creative partnership, and bringing projects to life both individually and as a team.

TECHNICAL & CAREER SKILLS: Cinematic Lighting Lab: Shape the Scene / SMU FACULTY

– Discover how light transforms a scene in this hands-on workshop led by SMU faculty. In the Film Lab, students will experiment with professional lighting setups to create mood, depth, and cinematic style.

1:30PM

CREATIVE STORYTELLING: lights, camera, accepted! / DEREK KOMPARE (SMU) & MAVERICK MOORE (BAYLOR)

– Get insider tips on applying to film schools from professors at SMU and Baylor. Together, they’ll guide you through creating a standout portfolio and preparing for interviews to increase your chances of acceptance.

TECHNICAL & CAREER SKILLS: unlocking the DALLAS FILM RESOURCES / DALLAS FILM COMMISSION

– Get the inside scoop on filming in Dallas in this workshop led by the Dallas Film Commission. Learn how to secure locations, access equipment, hire local crew, and navigate the resources available in Dallas to bring your production to life.