Gregory Kallenberg
Executive Director
Kallenberg has mastered the Zen art of bocci ball, been detained for protesting non-alcoholic tequila and is the founder of Louisiana Film Prize. He moved to Shreveport, LA from Austin, TX to make his last film “Haynesville.” Gregory not only decided to make Shreveport, LA his home, more importantly, he has taken on the task of building an indigenous film community in northwest Louisiana. To the Film Prize, Kallenberg is caring mother, stern father, needy uncle and eccentric aunt. Prior to filmmaking, he wrote for Esquire, The New York Times, Texas Monthly, Austin American Statesman’s XL magazine and other publications. Kallenberg attended the University of Texas and received a Bachelor of Science in film. Kallenberg also attended the film program at the University of Southern California. Prior to his breakout documentary Haynesville: A Nation’s Hunt for an Energy Future, Gregory directed Eating Levi, an internationally successful film about Levi Oliver and his quest for competitive eating fame.
Dave Merrill
Filmmaker Liaison
Dave approached Hall of the Film Prize Foundation much like many questing suitors before him. He and his organization FuelFilm wanted to partner up help create an indie film capital in Memphis much like we had done in Shreveport. “Really?,” we said thunderously (and with a dramatic echo). “First, you must pass a series of tests of the soul, spirit and mind.” To our surprise, he made it through and asked, “Is that all you got?” At that point, we knew we had a worthy hero and leader for our new effort. David the Brave and the FuelFilm staff will be assisting the filmmakers as they are creating their shorts and helping beat the drum for the Memphis Film Prize.
Chris Lyon
Associate Director, Artist Liaison
chris@prize.foundation
Chris will help you find cast, crew, locations, facilitate communication with the local film office about your production for the Louisiana Film Prize. As a film producer who has worked on of shorts, features, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and documentaries in Northwest Louisiana. If you’re a filmmaker and have a question about shooting for the Film Prize, email Chris and he’ll get you headed in the right direction. He is also the technical guru for all things Prize – working on graphics, video, website, and will ultimately be responsible for a quality screening experience during the festival. Chris is also an avid commuting biker, community activist, enjoys nursing a whiskey neat while chatting up friendly faces at the local tavern.