Dr. Phil or Dr. Do-Little?

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.