Editor's blog

Producer and Director Emily Lou will attend the Tallgrass Special Screening of her supernatural comedy film THE SELLING on July 13 at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum.

THE SELLING (trailer here) follows Richard Scarry, a too-honest-for-his-own-good real estate agent who buys a property to flip for a profit...only to discover the house is haunted. “It’s a comedic story about ghosts, demonic possession, and real estate that is fun for both kids and adults,” explains producer/director Emily Lou. THE SELLING is Lou’s first feature film, and has now been selected to over 25 film festivals across the world, winning multiple awards, including Best First Time Dir ector at Irvine International Film Festival and Best Feature at L.A. Comedy Film Festival.
Though a native of California, Lou has close ties to Wichita. “My husband's (John Friend, a co-producer of the film) family is from Wichita and he grew up coming here every summer. It's honestly one of my favorite places to visit; the art scene, architecture and culture of the Midwest is fantastic and refreshing.  Out of all of the festivals I've attended, Tallgrass was one of my all time favorites by a long shot.”
About the Special Screening: Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online or at the door. Seating is limited so advanced purchase is recommended. Doors open at The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum (204 S. Main) at 7 p.m. Admission includes screening, Q&A and a 45-minute walking ghost tour of downtown Wichita.

Documentary Film Producer Director Chris Metlzer will teach the Tallgrass Filmmakers Lab "I Have This Great Idea: Documentary Production 101" July 21 at the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation.

With a degree from USC in business and film, Metzler made his way in the Nashville country and Christian music video industries, before finally forsaking his soul to commercial LA rock n’ roll.  These misadventures eventually culminated in him winning a Billboard Magazine Music Video Award.
He eventually fled to San Francisco to join the independent documentary film scene and start work on his feature length directorial debut the offbeat environmental documentary, PLAGUES & PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA (trailer here), which was narrated by legendary counterculture filmmaker and "King of Trash" John Waters. Premiering at the Slamdance Film Festival, the film went on to win over 35 awards for Best Documentary, was named by Booklist as one its Top 10 Environmental Films, and was released theatrically in the United States and broadcast nationally on the Sundance Channel. He currently travels to promote Tilapia Film's documentary, EVERYDAY SUNSHINE: THE STORY OF FISHBONE (trailer here), which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, screened at SXSW, Tallgrass Film Festival and aired nationally on PBS.
About the Filmmakers Lab: I Have This Great Idea: Documentary Production 101 takes place July 21, 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. at the Innovation Center at WDDC (507 E. Douglas.) This one-day workshop will introduce students with minimal or no experience to the crucial issues of producing and directing a documentary, including selecting a provocative topic, researching the subject, writing a proposal, fundraising, pre-production, casting, directing, shooting, interview techniques, ethics, editing and distribution.  Students are encouraged to bring a one-page description of their ideas for feedback. Registration is $25, or $20 for students/teachers/seniors/military/TFA members (with valid ID.)