By: Ciara Suesberry
Courtney Glaudé and Tyler Perry Studios unite to mentor and showcase emerging filmmakers and actors.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Houston will transform into a hub of cinematic energy, storytelling magic, and red-carpet opportunity as writer and director Courtney Glaudé brings the second annual Rise of the Storyteller Film Conference to the Anderson Center for the Arts. Running from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, this immersive, day-long event offers a unique blend of hands-on workshops, industry access, and media moments—all culminating in the Houston premiere of Glaudé’s newest film Old Gray Mare, presented by Tyler Perry Studios.
A proud Houston native, Glaudé has made his mark in Hollywood as a creative at Tyler Perry Studios. But he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. “Houston is full of brilliance,” he says. “This conference is about giving our homegrown talent real access—tools, knowledge, and people that can help them advance.”
His words reflect his dedication.
The conference kicks off with a Pitching Workshop led by Antoinetta Stallings, an executive at Tyler Perry Studios. Stallings will guide attendees through crafting a strong pitch, building effective pitch decks, and understanding what it truly takes to get a project greenlit in today’s highly competitive industry.
Next, creatives can split off into two paths: acting or writing. On one side, actors will work directly with Deancé Wyatt, a producer and casting executive at Tyler Perry Studios, alongside entertainment lawyer and producer Jalene Mack. Their Acting Workshop and Showcase go beyond technique—it places participants directly in front of casting directors, managers, agents, and directors who are actively casting projects across film and TV. It’s a valuable opportunity for local talent to be seen and possibly booked.
On the other side, writers will learn from Denisha “DeDe” Hardeman, an award-winning screenwriter known for her powerful voice and industry insights. Her workshop will touch on everything from breaking into a writer’s room to the future of AI in screenwriting.
The afternoon heats up with the “Get Ish Done” Filmmaking Panel, where studio executives, entertainment lawyers, and indie veterans will provide an unfiltered look into fundraising, contracts, distribution, and the challenges of getting your vision onto the screen.
Of course, no film conference would be complete without community and celebration. The Industry Mixer—running from 4:00 to 6:00 PM—will feature music, vendors, food trucks, and a step-and-repeat for content creation. It’s the perfect chance for creators to collaborate, network, and expand their circle in a casual, high-vibe atmosphere.
As the sun sets, the spotlight shifts to the Short Film Showcase, highlighting the work of rising filmmakers Justin Bones, Tiffany Abney, Michelle Mower, and Justin Williams. Each screening will be followed by a filmmaker talkback, allowing audiences to dive deeper into the creative process behind the lens.
Finally, at 7:30 PM, Tyler Perry Studios presents Old Gray Mare—a haunting and heartfelt film written and directed by Courtney Glaudé. Inspired by the quiet devastation of dementia in families, Old Gray Mare captures a moment when forgetting becomes irreversible. Following the screening, Glaudé will lead a Q&A with cast and crew, offering personal insight into a story that’s as intimate as it is universal.
Powered by MPAC, the Rise of the Storyteller Film Conference is more than an event—it’s a platform, a classroom, a red carpet, and a celebration rolled into one.
If you’re an actor, writer, director, or film lover, this is your moment to step into the room where the stories are rising—and perhaps, your own will be next.
- Location: Anderson Center for the Arts, 13334 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049
- Date & Time: Saturday, July 12 · 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
Follow @storytellerfilmconference on Instagram for tickets and updates.
