Shendopen Films

10/29/2024

Throwback to our Hollywood premiere of OzLand!

Fancy a trip down memory lane? Go behind the scenes of the making of our first feature:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqJFY6qTpoL8XqITbiRpwJdIbvTK5dhYK&si=9ln0yt12OW076U84

09/18/2024

This just landed in your inbox (if you subscribe to our mailing list).

If not, check this out:

In addition to the logo announcement video we posted last night, we just released a longer and more personal/emotional video that further defines Shendopen, explores why filmmaking is important to its founder, and addresses the past, present, and future of Shendopen.

"What does SHENDOPEN mean?" Well, 20 years after founding Shendopen, I have finally defined the word with a new logo and brand identity.  This rebrand has been long overdue, and I am thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary by ushering Shendopen into a new era of storytelling.  Check out the log...

09/17/2024

What is Shendopen? To celebrate our 20 year anniversary, we finally have a definition, a fresh logo, and new brand identity.

Check back tomorrow for a longer, more personal (and emotional) cut of this video where Michael Williams digs deeper into what Shendopen means to him.

08/13/2024

Time for an updated draft of my screenplay Out in the Open and diving back into some new and old projects.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/110052464

07/08/2024

Today, I found out that I received a $4,250 fellowship through the Mississippi Arts Commission to support my efforts in creating new work. I will be using this opportunity to write a new feature script that I’ve been developing since 2018-ish but haven’t had the dedicated time and creative space in my brain to tackle it. But now I will! Additionally, these funds will help me develop other film/writing projects that have been needing attention.

If you aren’t already, please follow and support MAC! Mississippi artists and art organizations are beyond fortunate to have such a supportive and generous organization to uplift and champion Mississippi artists and storytellers. These grants are life changing for artists and help keep arts sustainable within the state.

Thank you Mississsippi Arts Commission and all those who support this organization!

***r ***rstories

06/08/2024

We’ve been shooting commercial and promotional footage of Tupelo Elvis Festival for Downtown Tupelo!

Major thanks to b-cam operator Caleb Hall!

If you’re at the festival tonight, watch for the downtown Tupelo commercials Shendopen produced on screen prior to the show!

05/26/2024

We recently had the pleasure of producing a short documentary for Make-A-Wish Mississippi to showcase the story of Luke, a wish kid whose dream was to become a Mississippi State Bulldog.

Consider support this organization and help them grant more wishes!

04/02/2024

Yessssss

The official Don't Die poster has arrived!

03/28/2024

Well, this year is the 20 year anniversary of me creating Shendopen 🥳

I've been intending to rebrand my company for the last 4 years, but the inspiration never found me until now. Thanks to some creative flows during the Spring Equinox, the rebrand has finally begun with a new logo for Shendopen just in time for the 20 year celebrations... coming soon-ish.

Check out this video on Patreon for the logo reveal and the story behind it. Patreon subscribers get the whole story and the logo reveal before everyone else because of their support for my creative journey.

The official logo and branding will not be released until the full rebrand is finished and ready to launch. However, I will post sneak peaks and updates on my Patreon along with all my other life/career/project updates.

Stay tuned or consider joining my Patreon to get the scoop and stay in the loop.

Get more from Michael Williams - Filmmaker and Aspiring Hobbit on Patreon

03/03/2024

02/26/2024

I didn’t get pictures with everyone at this year’s The Magnolia Independent Film Festival but here is a sampling of the beautiful souls that joined us to spend the weekend celebrating indie film

02/21/2024

Thanks to the Mississippi Film Office for this article on the The 27th Annual Magnolia Independent Film Festival!

 The Magnolia Independent Film Festival has built a strong reputation as being an intimate and interactive event for filmmakers and film fans alike.

02/18/2024

01/28/2024

More of our cinematography work premiering soon at The Magnolia Independent Film Festival.

As a cinematographer, Michael adapts his style to serve the story, the director, and the logistics of the set. For this southern gothic tale, the set and tone of the story highly dictated the lighting on this one.

01/25/2024

Check out these gorgeous stills from Don't Die!

Cinematographer : Michael Williams of Shendopen
Camera operator: Konnor Megginson
Camera Assistant: Cash Matlock
Gaffer: Chad Burkhardt
Key Grip/AC swing: Tristan Hallman
Gaffer (pickups): Howard Rochelle
Colorist: Kelsey Harrison Lanuzzi

Mississippi Premiere — Feb 24th, 2024 @ The Magnolia Independent Film Festival

01/23/2024

Check out this Mississippi State University Story State presentation by Shendopen’s storyteller Michael Williams.

Learn why motivation is key to filmmaking and how you can propel your storytelling to new levels.

The filmmaker explains how every creative choice should be intentional.

09/18/2023

Check out another one of the commercials we produced for Downtown Tupelo!

If you want cinematic storytelling for you, your business, or your organization, contact us today!

www.shendopen.com

08/28/2023

Yessss! Don't Die is an award winner!

The people have spoken. We’re honored to receive the Audience Award for Best Alabama Film at this year’s Sidewalk Film Festival! We had a packed house at one of the festival’s largest venues, and we’re eternally grateful for this seal of approval from such an amazing audience. Thank you for a wonderful weekend, Sidewalk.