The first four in a series of 10 short films on energy from the director and producer of “Haynesville: A Nation’s Hunt for an Energy Future” (see Shale Daily, Nov. 23, 2010) debuted at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado this week.

Gregory Kallenberg, who hails from Haynesville Shale town Shreveport, LA, directed and produced the “Rational Middle Energy Series.” The series, sponsored by Royal Dutch Shell plc, apparently is intended to demonstrate that cool heads can prevail when they come together to work constructively on energy issues. Kallenberg said he had creative control of the project.

“Through our travels with ‘Haynesville,’ no matter where we were in the world, we saw a striking commonality from community to community: the need and desire for a balanced discussion about today’s energy issues,” Kallenberg said. “We realized that more often than not, people wanted to leave behind the noise and extremes to build an energy future that is environmentally sound, economically viable and ensures energy security.”

Released at the festival in Colorado were the first four of 10 films in the “Rational Middle” series. Titles are “What’s the Rational Middle Energy Series?;” “Energy 101;” “A Day in the Energy Life of the Corders;” and “What’s at Stake?” The remaining films are to be released through the summer. After release, the films would be available at www.rationalmiddle.com.

The Aspen Ideas Festival, now in its eighth year, is presented by the Aspen Institute and “The Atlantic” magazine.

Kallenberg has also spoken about the future of energy at engagements across the globe including TEDx, Bucknell University’s Environmental Symposium on Shale Gas and Rice University’s Distinguished Speakers Series. Kallenberg’s background includes writing and story editing for production house Bluefield Productions. He has also written for “Esquire Magazine,” “The New York Times” and the “Austin American-Statesman,” among other publications.

“Haynesville,” released in 2009 chronicled the discovery of the Haynesville Shale and followed its impact on local people’s lives. DVDs of the film are available online.