The Oklahoma Film and Music Office (OF+MO), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, is proud to be a returning partner of the 24th annual deadCenter Film Festival. The festival will host screenings, panels, networking events and more throughout various locations in downtown Oklahoma City June 6-9, 2024.
As part of their partnership, OF+MO will co-present both the festival’s invitational Filmmakers Distribution Brunch as well as deadCenter University’s Youth Camp, which provides free, multi-day training to nearly 20 high school students on the film production process, including the creation of a short film using the digital media facilities at Oklahoma City Community College.
Additionally, as part of the festival’s Continuum Programming, OF+MO has helped curate the following film-focused educational panels, which are FREE and open to the public at deadCenter’s hub located at Oklahoma City’s Fordson Hotel:
Behind the Scenes: Crafting ‘The Last Rodeo’ – A Journey in Filmmaking
Friday, June 7 / 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Presented by XR Extreme Reach, step into the world of filmmaking at the deadCenter Film Festival as we delve into the artistry and production of “The Last Rodeo,” a western-themed film recently produced in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Panelists will share their insights, experiences and creative process in bringing this captivating film to life. From script to screen, discover the intricate details and challenges faced during the production journey. We’ll explore how incentives shape the landscape of modern filmmaking in Oklahoma and contributed to the success of “The Last Rodeo.”
PANELISTS
- Jeanette Stanton, Oklahoma Film + Music Office Director
- Kip Konwiser, Producer
- Chris Freihofer, CSA Casting Director
- Kathleen Thompson, XR Extreme Reach VP of Production Incentives & Sales (moderator)
Beyond the Screen: Evolving Actor
Saturday, June 8 / 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Presented by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, “Beyond the Screen” will feature working actors whose careers have also evolved to include a myriad of additional production roles, including producing, directing, coaching/training, motivation speaking, music and more.
PANELISTS
- Rachel Cannon, actress/producer (“Fresh Off the Boat,” “Big Bang Theory”)
- Deonna Marie, multi-faceted actress and vocalist (“Cricket,” “The Deonna Marie Experience”)
- Ryan Francis, director/producer/actor (“Calculated Obsession,” “Hook”)
- Kate Melton (Kate Melton Coaching, “Scooby Doo” Franchise)
- Cody Mayo (Cody Mayo Studios, “Runaways”) (moderator)
OF+MO will also help present a first look at Universal Studio’s forthcoming theatrical release, “Twisters,” a new chapter following the blockbuster success of the original 1996 film. This exclusive sneak peek will be presented on Saturday, June 8, at 8:30 p.m. ahead of the free outdoor screening of the music documentary “This Is a Film About the Black Keys.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with deadCenter Film Festival and offer a variety of robust educational film programming and resources to attending filmmakers, our local film workforce and community members and students,” said OF+MO Director Jeanette Stanton. “This annual event is truly special in how it brings so much of the state’s film, television and music industries together, and we really hope audiences will take advantage of the valuable opportunities to be found here.”
An Oscar-qualifying film festival, deadCenter is the largest event of its kind in Oklahoma promoting, encouraging and celebrating independent films both through the organization’s annual film festival and educational outreach. This year’s film festival received over 1,800 submissions, and has confirmed nearly 160 films with numerous standouts from local moviemakers, including the local premiere of the Oklahoma film “Cricket,” which utilized the state’s film incentive program administered by OF+MO.
For a complete schedule of screenings and events as well as information on purchasing all-access passes, visit deadcenterfilm.org.
###
About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
