Hidden in plain sight inside The Shops at Willow Bend, behind a modern black archway that looks more like an Apple store than a classroom, is one of the most remarkable places in North Texas: The Movie Institute.
For 25 years, this nonprofit film studio and youth development organization has quietly empowered thousands of kids — many from underserved backgrounds, many neurodivergent — to build confidence, communication skills and even lifelong careers through the art and discipline of moviemaking.
Founded in 2000 by Keith Duncan, a veteran of the Dallas film and media industry, and his wife and co-founder Martha Duncan, the Movie Institute is likely the first nonprofit movie-making studio in the country, and it’s doing things no other program is.
“We’re not just teaching film,” Duncan says. “We’re helping kids discover who they are, what they’re capable of, and how to collaborate with others in a kind, respectful space.”
Not Just a Studio — A Mission
In 2023, the Duncans built a 6,500-square-foot production facility in Plano, complete with full stages, editing suites and top-tier gear. By day, it functions as a professional studio. By afternoon and evening, it becomes something even more powerful: a hands-on training ground for young creatives.
Here, students ages 8 and up learn every aspect of filmmaking: screenwriting, acting, cinematography, lighting, editing and even production management.
But beyond the cameras and scripts, something deeper is happening.
“We started out as an arts nonprofit,” Duncan explains, “but we’ve evolved into something more: a youth development organization. Film is just the vehicle. What we’re really doing is teaching leadership, resilience, communication and kindness.”
Kindness Is the Core
Ask Duncan what makes the Movie Institute different, and he doesn’t hesitate.
“We’re a kind place,” he says. “And kids feel safe in kind places. That’s when they take risks. That’s when they grow.”
There are no raised voices at the Movie Institute. No condescension. No rigid rules that stifle creativity. Instead, students are held accountable through mutual respect and earned trust. Older students mentor younger ones. Everyone is expected to contribute, and everyone is valued.
That approach has led to incredible results.
“We’ve had parents and kids reconcile at graduation," says Duncan. "We’ve had teens who were on the edge of dropping out rediscover their drive. One donor told me we helped save a student from suicide. That alone made everything we’ve done worth it."
A Haven for Neurodivergent Kids
The Movie Institute also has a long history of welcoming students with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent traits — not as exceptions, but as assets.
“Our autistic kids often gravitate toward stop-motion animation or camera work. They love the focus and detail,” Duncan says. “They become invaluable to the team. And suddenly, everyone sees their worth.”
“It’s not about changing who they are, it’s about helping the other kids see that thinking differently is a strength.”
Real-World Skills, Real Impact
Not every student goes on to become a filmmaker, and that’s okay. The skills they take with them — storytelling, teamwork, time management, technical know-how— translate into any career.
Still, some do. The institute has alumni whose films have played at the Dallas International Film Festival, and who’ve gone on to work in media, production and creative industries around the country.
“Whether it’s acting, editing, or just having the courage to speak up in front of a group, what they learn here lasts for life,” Duncan says.
And it’s all done on a shoestring budget. For years, the institute ran on less than $125,000 annually. Even after building the new studio (paid for largely by the Duncans' own retirement savings), the team still operates with only one full-time employee. Everyone else — mentors, instructors, support staff — is a contractor or volunteer.
“We’ve never been great at marketing,” Duncan admits. “But we’re really good at helping kids.”
How to Help
Now, the Movie Institute is seeking community partners, sponsors and donors to help sustain and grow its impact. From one-time donations to in-kind partnerships to recurring gifts, every dollar goes directly into training the next generation of creatives and leaders.
“We built this place to give kids what we didn’t have. We’re all in. But we can’t do it alone,” Duncan says.
With support from partners like Dallas College, Comerica Bank and the Dallas International Film Festival — and memberships with trusted organizations like the Plano Chamber of Commerce, American Camp Association and National Afterschool Association — the Movie Institute continues to grow its impact.
“If you believe in creativity, mentorship and giving kids a shot, this is your moment.”
Visit: The Movie Institute, inside The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano
Learn more: movieinstitute.org
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