It’s not a sequel or a prequel, but it’s the fourth time student filmmakers are bringing their energy ideas to the silver screen. TXU Energy and the Dallas Film Society have launched the 2013 TXU Energy Light Up the Red Carpet Student Film Contest, inviting high school and college filmmakers across Texas to write, direct and produce short films about energy for the chance to share more than $30,000 in prizes.

Participating high school and college student filmmakers are challenged to explore energy conservation, efficiency and management, to answer a simple question through their films: What does energy mean to you? In a new twist, entrants will first submit a written, original film concept to compete for the chance to work with film or video production industry mentors as they create their films.

Students can submit their concepts now through Nov. 23 via txu.com/studentfilmcontest. Finalists competing for top honors will have the opportunity to walk the red carpet and see their film on the big screen at the 2013 Dallas International Film Festival.

This year, the grand prize of $7,500 goes to the top film in both the high school and college categories. First-place winners from each category will receive $3,000, and the films from each category that receive the most online votes will win $1,000. Prizes will be split evenly between the winning students and their schools’ audiovisual departments. Full details about the contest, including the official rules and a brief video overview can be found at txu.com/studentfilmcontest.

KEY DATES FOR STUDENT FILMMAKERS

• Now -Nov. 23  Written film concepts submitted
• Dec. 3-14   Public online voting for concepts held
• Dec. 17 -Feb. 15   Finished films submitted
• Feb. 20 – March 29 Public online voting for finished films held
• Early April  Final six films announced
• April 12   VIP evening for the final six:  Awards reception, red carpet event and awards ceremony (where winners are announced)
  

About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retail electricity provider, powering the lives of more Texans than any other retailer. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit txu.com for more information about TXU Energy. REP #10004.

About the Dallas Film Society
The Dallas Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Dallas Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today's world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city. For more information, call (214) 720-0555, or visit dallasfilm.org.