Joel T. Mosman is a multi-faceted film industry professional, contributing to productions such as “Reservation Dogs,” “Twisters” and “Tulsa King” while also running the successful event company, Wheelhouse Productions. He has held diverse on-set roles, from background actor to transpo driver, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the industry. Mosman offers both creative and logistical expertise to film productions.
How did you get started in the film industry?
I’ve always been enamored by the magic of film. I got my first taste of set life as a background actor when my wife and I were on “Reagan” and then “Tulsa King” S1:E1. Not long after, I enrolled in a class called “Intro to the Film Industry,” taught by Oklahoma director Jordan Wilson, as a way to connect the emerging film industry with Wheelhouse Productions (my entertainment business). In that class, I learned about different occupations on and off set. I was also able to learn many of the fundamentals of working on set. Shortly thereafter, I was told about a class being held by Justin Clenard from Finn Studio Rentals via Francis Tuttle Technology Center on “Film Industry Transpo.” As both a commercial truck driver and a film enthusiast, I quickly enrolled in the class. The class was a life changer for me. I learned all about the mobile side of production and met some great people. Through the connections I had made in the vocational classes and my limited experience, I was able to land my first official job as a Stakebed Driver on the critically acclaimed TV series “Reservation Dogs” S3. That production was my gateway to a new career in film that I’m still growing today.
Did you have any formal education or training related to the film industry before starting?
I have taken two courses at Francis Tuttle and Meridian Tech that were key to starting in the industry.
Did you have any formal education or training related to your specific department on-set?
I have a commercial driver’s license and mechanical & maintenance experience.
What are some of your most recent successes (credits or accolades) related to your career in the industry?
“Sarah’s Oil,” “The Sensitive Kind,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Twisters,” “The One,” “Tulsa King,” “Reagan” and many others.
What has your career in the state’s film industry taught you?
I’ve learned so much about many different aspects of the industry in general. Witnessing the magic behind the making of a film is a gift that keeps on giving.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
Being a part of the crew for “Reservation Dogs” was monumental. I was honored to be a part of the important story being told by Indigenous Americans that was overdue for the global stage on which it was told. The pre-shoot prayers by tribal elders, Sterlin Harjo’s pep talks to the crew and heartfelt thanks after wrap were experiences that I was absolutely humbled to be a part of.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Oklahoma’s film and television industry?
In addition to the wonderful diversity of people involved and friends I have made, some of my favorite aspects are watching all of the moving parts happen behind the scenes and on camera: building a 1920s oil derrick; coming into a 21st-century community and turning it into a completely different place only for a few days before packing up and leaving without a trace; working with industry professionals that I grew up watching like Ethan Hawke, Sterlin Harjo, Dallas Goldtooth, Graham Greene, Stallone and many others. Also, watching a bus blow up for a scene (totally controlled) after watching the special FX team rig it up with explosives all day was something I will never forget.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone starting their career in Oklahoma’s film industry?
Three things: Sign up on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) directory; find a Career Tech near you and enroll in as many classes as possible; and get a job on set however you can. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the greater your chances of success.
How does someone in your field/department best promote/market themselves to those hiring in your industry?
Understand that you are your own business. You have a brand. While many might not have a logo or website for their personal brand, they do have more important branding credentials like personality, reliability, industry knowledge and problem solving skills. Our reputations are what make or break us in any industry.
Are there any local film organizations, resources or events that have been beneficial to you in your career?
There is always a tremendous amount of resources and information on the OF+MO website. Francis Tuttle and Meridian Technology Center, The Actor Factory, 48 Hour Film Project, deadCenter, Cherokee FIlms, Guthrie Tourism Office, The Arts in Guthrie and many more.
What’s the one item you can’t live without on set, and why?
Craft Services for sure. They’re always there when you need a snack!
Would your career be impacted without the state’s film incentive program? If so, how?
Absolutely, it would be impacted. Without the incentives offered by Oklahoma’s film incentive program, many of the bigger productions filming in Oklahoma would cease to exist. It’s important for every Oklahoman to understand that the film incentive not only lures amazing productions to film in Oklahoma but also provides GOOD jobs to thousands of Oklahomans. I have been on set in many different communities where the locals have asked if I was from L.A. or NYC, and I always enjoy seeing their reaction when I tell them I was born and raised in Oklahoma. The film incentive is what makes that possible.
Where do you see yourself – AND – Oklahoma’s film industry in the next five years?
I want to see the industry continue to grow and for other communities in Oklahoma to catch on and see the fruits offered by the industry. Many coastal Americans might refer to us as a “flyover state,” but we are so much more than that. We are a state that has the potential to rival other American cultural destinations in what we have to offer to the country. Oklahoma is unique and diverse, and I predict that in five years, our state will be an icon of the big screen. And I am going to hang on and enjoy the ride!
What are you working on now or next?
I’m over-the-moon excited about a new television series I’ll be working on called “The Sensitive Kind,” starring and executive produced by Ethan Hawke and created and executive produced by Sterlin Harjo. I probably shouldn’t give away any details, but I will say that it will be a show that will shine a new light on Oklahoma, our history and tell yet another story that is long overdue.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
