30 Classic Archetypes to Help Your Story Pop

There is nothing new under the sun. And these character archetypes are in everything you watch and read. If’ you’re stuck trying to make one of your characters more interesting, maybe changing who they are and what motivates them will take your story to a...

DAI on Local Memphis 24

DAI Founder and Executive Director, Robb Rokk, recently went on Local Memphis 24 to discuss the DeSoto Arts Institute Film Program with Amy Speropoulos. He’s joined by Marketing Director Samantha Frey and DeSoto Arts Institute board member Nannette Sandy. Check...

Truth Lies Upstream Screening at Memphis Film Prize

At the 2019 Memphis FIlm Prize, the top ten finalist films were shown on Friday August 2, 2019 and Saturday August 3, 2019 Each ticket holder sees all ten films in a block then is allowed to vote for their favorite three films. Five judges account for 50% of the vote...

X Number of Words Official Winner

We are very excited to announce that our film, X Number of Words has won Best International film at the Airdrie Film Festival in Alberta, Canada. X Number of Words was developed from a story from our very own Kadi Loughman who was thirteen at the time. The film was...

Memphis Film Prize Top Ten Announcement

We are excited to announce that our latest film, Truth Lies Upstream, has been officially selected as a Top Ten Finalist in the Memphis Film Prize! Our crew consisted of students and adults that ranged from 13 to 60+ years of age. This is DAI’s fourth year in a...

Desoto Arts Institute Film Summer Camps

Rise and shine campers! Desoto Arts Institute is staying busy this summer with two, week long filmmaker’s workshops. Students will learn from DAI Founder and writer/director, Robb Rokk, to craft great stories with excellence and professionalism while learning to...

DeSoto Arts Institute – Officially a 501c3

DeSoto Arts Institute is now officially a 501c3 not-for-profit teaching filmmaking, acting, writing, dance, music, STEM, and literacy. Our web site is being updated to share our new programs and very talented leadership. If you want to help make arts education...

Outside Arcadia LTN Film Festival Nominations and Awards

Outside Arcadia was an official selection at the Low to No Film Festival in Las Vegas. The film received multiple nominations for Best Short, Best Director, Best Sound, and Best Cinematography with Best Supporting Actor nominations for Dan Michael, Roman Kyle, and...

Desoto Arts Institute in Click Magazine!

Big thanks to Click Magazine for covering DAI in their September edition. They were kind enough to visit us on one of our weekly Filmmaker’s Workshops to see how we operated. Head over to their website to read the full article. And if you want more information...