Picture's Up!
Tulsa Film Collective
A Tulsa Film Collective Workshop Series–In this panel series from the Tulsa Film Collective's first 'Pictures Up' event, industry professionals share their journeys and insights into the film industry everywhere from hair & makeup, grip & lighting, producing, and more!
Episodes
Camera, Lights, Sound!
Moderator Dylan Brody hosts a Tulsa Film Collective panel with The Lowdown’s crew—sound mixer Royce Sharp, camera loader/DIT Andromeda Johnson, operators Joe Hernandez and Charles Elmore, 1st AC Chris Coppins, 2nd AC Jenna Palermo, gaffer Jake Besnett, grip Jeremy D’Apolito, key grip Tyler Plant, and DPs Chris Norr and Mark Schwartzbard—who introduce their roles and share origin stories and advice on moving up (be early, stay quiet and anticipatory, advocate for yourself, take chances, keep hobbies to avoid burnout). Tyler describes rising from PA to key grip, working on major units, returning to Oklahoma, and forming Westlane Grip. The panel walks through filming a complex diner-to-street “oner,” detailing blocking, motivated lighting, wind/reflection challenges, safety, monitoring, focus pulling, and sound coverage; both DPs explain differing approaches while maintaining continuity. Timestamp Menu: 00:00 Meet the Moderator00:38 Crew Introductions02:03 Origin Stories Begin11:41 Breaking In and Moving Up17:02 Staying Inspired Between Gigs19:13 Best Early-Career Advice22:44 Work Life Balance on Set24:18 DP Continuity Thought Experiment26:13 Mark’s Oner Plan and Lighting28:49 G&E Execution in Prep30:44 Building The Bounce31:43 Blocking And Safety Dance33:47 Camera Team Hide And Focus35:12 B Cam Coverage Strategy36:19 Steadicam Oner Mindset37:54 Utility Monitors And Loading39:44 Sound In A 360 World44:02 Alternate DP Noir Plan46:45 Dreams Versus Budget Reality49:05 Q And A Recording Mistakes50:51 Q And A Burnout Survival52:20 Q And A Finding Style56:37 Closing Thanks And Events
Freelancing in the OK Film Industry
This video features Charles Elmore, co-founder of the Tulsa Film Collective, and a panel of experienced film industry freelancers discussing the realities, challenges, and strategies of pursuing a career in film. They cover topics such as networking, setting rates, balancing workloads, handling feast-or-famine periods, marketing oneself, and the importance of community support. The panelists include a sound mixer, a camera department professional, a publicist, and a producer, offering diverse perspectives on successfully navigating and sustaining a freelance career in the evolving film industry of Oklahoma.Timestamp Menu 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements01:11 Series Overview and Purpose02:33 Freelancing in Oklahoma03:01 Panelist Introductions08:25 Freelancing Challenges and Insights33:55 Navigating Multiple Roles in the Industry34:49 Freelancing Realities and Financial Strategies35:59 Avoiding Crisis as a Freelancer38:42 Understanding the Industry's Ebb and Flow41:25 The Importance of Saying Yes53:55 Setting Rates and Negotiating01:07:42 Marketing Yourself Effectively01:12:24 Curating Your Resume for Success01:12:54 Building and Using Your Reel01:13:32 Networking and Film Festivals01:14:19 Film School vs. On-the-Job Learning01:15:00 Freelancing vs. Agency Work01:16:01 Specializing in Your Craft01:24:34 The Importance of Unions01:28:56 Networking and Community Building01:43:35 Gear and Equipment: What You Need
Set Design
The third installment of the Pictures Panel series features a discussion led by producer and production manager Dylan Brodie, focusing on various aspects of production design and props. Panel members Tafv Sampson, Brandon Tonner-Connolly, Neosha Pendergraft, and Joe Hagg share their experiences and insights into their respective roles, including set decoration, budgeting, and problem-solving. They discuss the importance of creating emotionally charged environments, overcoming challenges such as losing a set warehouse to fire, and how they prepare and collaborate with directors, actors, and other crew members. The session concludes with advice for those looking to break into the industry and a Q&A session with the audience on maintaining a collaborative and organized set.Menu: 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements00:38 Meet the Panelists01:02 Production Design Overview02:44 Props Department Insights03:46 Origin Stories09:53 Navigating the Industry13:34 Interacting with Talent16:43 Creating Immersive Sets27:13 Overcoming Adversity41:10 Memorable Creations and Collaborations41:33 Sentimental Projects and Emotional Connections43:04 Special Projects and Behind-the-Scenes Insights47:28 The Challenges and Rewards of Film Production49:15 Surprising Aspects of Set Decoration52:03 The Hard Parts of Working in Film57:32 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers01:01:17 Creating a Collaborative and Friendly Set Environment01:10:07 Q&A Session with the Audience01:22:01 Closing Remarks and Announcements
Hair & Makeup
A Tulsa Film Collective Workshop Series–In this second installment of the 'Pictures Up' panel series, moderator Dylan Brodie guides a deep dive into the vital roles within the hair and makeup departments for film and TV production. Featuring industry professionals Sharon Tabb, Dalton Spence, David Atherton, Amy Wood, and Kasey Cooper, the panel covers the intricacies of their jobs, the collaborative process with other departments, and their career journeys. They also provide valuable advice for those aspiring to join the industry, emphasize the importance of continuous learning, and share their favorite project experiences, all while highlighting the significance of creating a positive working environment for actors.Menu: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:56 Meet the Panelists: Hair and Makeup Experts02:19 The Vital Role of Hair and Makeup in Film08:23 Panelists' Origin Stories: From Passion to Profession33:34 Creating Characters: Techniques and Challenges42:34 Collaboration Between Hair and Makeup Departments43:50 Advice for Aspiring Hair and Makeup Artists46:15 Learning and Staying Humble47:46 Working with Talent55:03 Family Support in the Industry58:17 Favorite Projects and Stories01:05:53 Challenges on Set01:10:20 Choosing Your Focus in the Industry01:12:01 Supporting Hair and Makeup Departments01:15:03 Finding Inspiration and Mentorship01:22:25 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks
Camera Operations
A Tulsa Film Collective Workshop Series–In this panel discussion from the Tulsa Film Collective's first 'Pictures Up' event, industry professionals share their journeys and insights into the film industry. Moderated by Dylan Brodie, the panel includes Mark Schwartzbard (Director of Photography), Joe Hernandez (A Camera Operator), Charles Elmore (B Camera Operator & Oklahoma Filmmaker), Chris Geukens (First Assistant Camera), Genna Palermo (Second Assistant Camera), and Rex Kenney (Dolly Grip). They discuss their unique paths into the industry, challenges faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and the evolving film market in Oklahoma. The conversation covers technical tips, the necessity of hard work, and the balance of maintaining a personal life while following one's passion in film.Menu: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:49 Acknowledging Sponsors and Panelists02:01 Mark Schwartz Bard's Journey10:44 Joe Hernandez's Path to Film17:09 Charles Elmore's Local Film Experience25:05 Chris Gogans' Career Beginnings31:00 Jenna Palermo's Film School and Early Career33:41 First Union Job and Career Progression35:02 Introduction to Rex Kenny: Dolly Grip35:54 Rex's Journey from Iron Worker to Grip37:38 Challenges and Rewards in the Film Industry42:11 Working on Reservation Dogs and Community Impact53:29 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers01:06:46 Balancing Work and Family in Filmmaking01:08:10 The Reality of Making a Living in Filmmaking01:11:15 Networking and Opportunities in the Local Film Industry01:13:15 Getting Started in the Film Industry01:22:26 Technical Tips and Lessons Learned on Set01:25:42 The Importance of Local Film Community and Growth01:33:03 Shaping the Look of 'Reservation Dogs'01:35:52 Challenges and Triumphs of Women in the Film Industry01:37:12 Closing Remarks and Future Events–Produced by Citizens of Sound