Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a thriving film industry.
But theres something big cooking in the state, and the Cherokee Nation is at the helm.
So I hopped on a plane to the Sooner State to see it for myself.
Cherokee FIlm
This is a story that needs to be told.
Cherokee Film Studios offers a homegrown, infrastructure for filming, editing and other post-production needs.
From Native American talent and crew directories, the ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable careers for Native storytellers.
Director Erica Tremblay, Casey Camp-Horinek, Jennifer Loren, Lily Gladstone and Keysa Parker on the set of indie dramaFancy Dance.
The creation of this ecosystem stems from the lack of representation for Indigenous people across the board.
Were represented at less than 1 percent, Loren said.
We had to do something about it.
Loren feels the lack of visibility and inclusion can make marginalized groups feel excluded from society.
Representation matters because it signals who is valued in a community.
To join these directories, individuals must provide documentation or proof of membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe.
The Institute provides training in such areas as on-set etiquette, screenwriting, camera and lighting techniques, etc.
This training builds a bridge to sustainable industry careers connecting people with productions.
Well rebate based on what studios and productions spend here, Sofsky says.
She sees the rebate program as a way to attract films to operate within the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
However, qualifying for these incentives requires, what Sofsky describes as a rigorous utility process.
This is why vetting is crucial.
Confirmation is necessary to ensure that the work stimulates economic growth in the region.
Once approved, Sofsky explains, productions are eligible for rebates from 10-25 percent.
The highest rebate level is awarded to a Cherokee citizen who works and lives within the Cherokee Nation.
Weve done all the legwork, so that there isnt an excuse for Hollywood anymore.
Chief Hoskin Jr. is referring Cherokee film studios, a 27,000-square-foot soundstage in Owasso, Oklahoma.
Cherokee Film Studios has produced Cherokee language lessons following each episode of the latest Osiyo TV season.
Virtual Production Manager Michael Lister breaks down capabilities that made the shoot possible.
Production brings us files we can project on the LED wall.
The LED wall and cameras enable virtual production, eliminating the need to physically move vehicles and equipment.
The motion capture capabilities greatly expand the studios creative possibilities.
The sound stage can also hold practical sets.
We can make anything we want out of it, Lister said.
Its big enough to create a five room apartment.
The space is big enough to move around like Lego pieces.
The virtual production manager adds that this is another way to make money.
Its a unique business model thats served us well.
This experience underscores the Cherokee Nations commitment to nurturing a thriving, responsible, and representative Indigenous film industry.
