Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a thriving film industry. But there’s something big cooking in the state, and the Cherokee Nation is at the helm.
Over the past year, I’ve been captivated by the work of Cherokee Film, a media company ushering in a new era of authentic Indigenous storytelling. So I hopped on a plane to the Sooner State to see it for myself.
Stepping off the plane, I met Jennifer Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film in Tulsa. Her energy and passion for opening doors for Native talent were palpable as she gave me a thorough tour of everything. From cutting-edge production facilities to innovative training programs, Loren unveiled the inner workings of Cherokee Film’s four groundbreaking pillars. With each stop, I grew more excited about the future of Indigenous cinema and the careers Cherokee Film is helping launch.
Over the past year, I’ve been captivated by the work of Cherokee Film, a media company ushering in a new era of authentic Indigenous storytelling. So I hopped on a plane to the Sooner State to see it for myself.
Stepping off the plane, I met Jennifer Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film in Tulsa. Her energy and passion for opening doors for Native talent were palpable as she gave me a thorough tour of everything. From cutting-edge production facilities to innovative training programs, Loren unveiled the inner workings of Cherokee Film’s four groundbreaking pillars. With each stop, I grew more excited about the future of Indigenous cinema and the careers Cherokee Film is helping launch.
- 1/9/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts) is attached to co-star in dramedy The Book Of Jobs, which Concourse Media is handling for world sales.
Tom Nunan, founder of Bull’s Eye Entertainment and executive producer of Best Picture Oscar winner Crash, and The Illusionist, has started prep on the movie, which is due to start production next month in California and Oklahoma. The film was granted a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement in August.
Described as a rite of passage film, the story follows a girl growing up in Silicon Valley in the shadow of Steve Jobs’ triumphant return to Apple, and his outsized influence on her imagination, ambitions and relationships. Ambudkar co-stars as ‘Mr. Shine’, an off-beat mentor who guides the obsessive millennial. Additional casting is being firmed up.
The movie will mark the feature debut of Kayci Lacob who writes, directs and produces alongside Nunan.
The producers are working with Tava Sofsky...
Tom Nunan, founder of Bull’s Eye Entertainment and executive producer of Best Picture Oscar winner Crash, and The Illusionist, has started prep on the movie, which is due to start production next month in California and Oklahoma. The film was granted a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement in August.
Described as a rite of passage film, the story follows a girl growing up in Silicon Valley in the shadow of Steve Jobs’ triumphant return to Apple, and his outsized influence on her imagination, ambitions and relationships. Ambudkar co-stars as ‘Mr. Shine’, an off-beat mentor who guides the obsessive millennial. Additional casting is being firmed up.
The movie will mark the feature debut of Kayci Lacob who writes, directs and produces alongside Nunan.
The producers are working with Tava Sofsky...
- 10/25/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
When producer Gerald Webb came to Claremore, Okla., to shoot “A Christmas … Present” in late September, he knew the production would get great small-town Middle America looks and, more importantly, an exceptionally good deal.
Because Claremore is located within the Cherokee Nation, which covers 7,000 square-miles in the northeastern corner of the state, the telefilm (which premieres Nov. 27 on the Great American Family Network) not only qualified for Oklahoma’s film and TV rebate, which can range from 20 to 38, it was also able to take advantage of the tribe’s incentive program, which includes a 20 cash rebate on wages for Native American below-the-line workers, with an additional 5 uplift for Native Americans who are members of the Cherokee Nation or reside within its borders, as well as 20 on all local spend.
What Webb didn’t expect were the frozen treats.
During a shoot at the First Presbyterian Church in Claremore, “we came...
Because Claremore is located within the Cherokee Nation, which covers 7,000 square-miles in the northeastern corner of the state, the telefilm (which premieres Nov. 27 on the Great American Family Network) not only qualified for Oklahoma’s film and TV rebate, which can range from 20 to 38, it was also able to take advantage of the tribe’s incentive program, which includes a 20 cash rebate on wages for Native American below-the-line workers, with an additional 5 uplift for Native Americans who are members of the Cherokee Nation or reside within its borders, as well as 20 on all local spend.
What Webb didn’t expect were the frozen treats.
During a shoot at the First Presbyterian Church in Claremore, “we came...
- 11/29/2022
- by Todd Longwell
- Variety Film + TV
Cherokee Nation has announced Tava Maloy Sofsky as the tribe’s new film commissioner. In the new position, Sofsky will serve dual roles as both film commissioner for the Cherokee Nation and as the tribe’s film office director.
Sofsky, a Cherokee Nation citizen, brings more than 23 years of industry-leading experience to her new role supporting the mission and strategic growth of the Cherokee Nation Film Office. She will also now oversee the Cherokee Film Incentive, among other initiatives within the tribal film office.
“Tava is among the top film commissioners in the world,” said Jennifer Loren, director of Cherokee Nation Film and Original Content. “The fact that she is a Cherokee Nation citizen who has stood at the forefront of this industry further demonstrates the true breadth of talent inside Indian Country. We are excited for Tava to join us as we continue to grow and diversify the film and television industry in Oklahoma.
Sofsky, a Cherokee Nation citizen, brings more than 23 years of industry-leading experience to her new role supporting the mission and strategic growth of the Cherokee Nation Film Office. She will also now oversee the Cherokee Film Incentive, among other initiatives within the tribal film office.
“Tava is among the top film commissioners in the world,” said Jennifer Loren, director of Cherokee Nation Film and Original Content. “The fact that she is a Cherokee Nation citizen who has stood at the forefront of this industry further demonstrates the true breadth of talent inside Indian Country. We are excited for Tava to join us as we continue to grow and diversify the film and television industry in Oklahoma.
- 10/11/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Two winning short films have been selected for the “One Story Up” program, founded by Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams and Emmy-winning producer Geoff Martz. These projects, “Magic Ring” and “Through Sunless Ways,” were selected to receive the grand prize: funding for production from Topic streaming service as well as mentorship from Williams, who intends to work as executive producer on both shorts.
“Magic Ring” will premiere at the New York Film Festival Oct. 10, which will then be followed by a Q&a with the creator, Alex Ashe. The 16-minute scripted short film follows an armed pursuit in Brooklyn that leads to surreal out-of-body and near-death experiences.
A premiere date has yet to be announced for “Through Sunless Ways,” a 24-minute unscripted short created by filmmakers Kira Dane and Katelyn Rebelo, who have previously co-directed together on a documentary called “Mizuko.” The duo’s upcoming release is structured as a series of five vignettes,...
“Magic Ring” will premiere at the New York Film Festival Oct. 10, which will then be followed by a Q&a with the creator, Alex Ashe. The 16-minute scripted short film follows an armed pursuit in Brooklyn that leads to surreal out-of-body and near-death experiences.
A premiere date has yet to be announced for “Through Sunless Ways,” a 24-minute unscripted short created by filmmakers Kira Dane and Katelyn Rebelo, who have previously co-directed together on a documentary called “Mizuko.” The duo’s upcoming release is structured as a series of five vignettes,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Adam B. Vary, Jazz Tangcay, Michaela Zee and EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
The Location Managers Guild International has announced the winners of its 9th annual Lmgi Awards with HBO’s Succession, Netflix’s Stranger Things and HBO Max’s Station Eleven topping the television categories, and House of Gucci and No Time To Die receiving the Motion Picture honors.
Hosted by Paul Scheer, the awards ceremony and reception took place tonight at the Los Angeles Center Studios before an audience of 400, including Lmgi members, industry executives and press.
The Lmgi Awards spotlight international features, television and commercials in which the creative use of filming locations set the tone, enrich the character and enhance the narrative.
Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, which was filmed throughout Italy, won for outstanding locations in a period film, and James Bond pic No Time To Die, which was filmed in London, Norway and Jamaica, The Faroe Islands and Italy, was honored for outstanding locations in a contemporary film.
Hosted by Paul Scheer, the awards ceremony and reception took place tonight at the Los Angeles Center Studios before an audience of 400, including Lmgi members, industry executives and press.
The Lmgi Awards spotlight international features, television and commercials in which the creative use of filming locations set the tone, enrich the character and enhance the narrative.
Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, which was filmed throughout Italy, won for outstanding locations in a period film, and James Bond pic No Time To Die, which was filmed in London, Norway and Jamaica, The Faroe Islands and Italy, was honored for outstanding locations in a contemporary film.
- 8/28/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Stranger Things” and “Succession” were among the top winners at the 9th annual Location Managers Guild International (Lmgi) awards on Saturday evening.
The awards ceremony and reception took place at the Los Angeles Center Studios before an audience of 400 attendees, including Lmgi members, industry executives and press.
“Succession,” which shot part of its third season on location in Italy, took home the award for outstanding locations in a contemporary television series, while “Stranger Things” won for period television series.
Last season’s awards contenders “No Time to Die” and “House of Gucci” also took home awards.
The Ridley Scott film, which was shot on location in Italy, won for outstanding locations in a period film. The James Bond entry, which was filmed in London, Norway and Jamaica, picked up the award for outstanding locations in a contemporary film.
The Lmgi Awards spotlight international features, television and commercials in which the...
The awards ceremony and reception took place at the Los Angeles Center Studios before an audience of 400 attendees, including Lmgi members, industry executives and press.
“Succession,” which shot part of its third season on location in Italy, took home the award for outstanding locations in a contemporary television series, while “Stranger Things” won for period television series.
Last season’s awards contenders “No Time to Die” and “House of Gucci” also took home awards.
The Ridley Scott film, which was shot on location in Italy, won for outstanding locations in a period film. The James Bond entry, which was filmed in London, Norway and Jamaica, picked up the award for outstanding locations in a contemporary film.
The Lmgi Awards spotlight international features, television and commercials in which the...
- 8/28/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Cherokee Nation and its film office celebrated the opening of the Cherokee Film Studios, Owasso Campus, with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. The tribe’s state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Oklahoma and Indian Country.
Cherokee Nation leadership and executives from the tribe’s business arm, Cherokee Nation Businesses, joined state officials, local community leaders and industry professionals in commemorating the area’s foremost filmmaking destination.
“The Cherokee Nation Film Office is leading the way in helping grow and diversify Oklahoma’s film and television industry,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Cherokee Nation and its businesses have long remained a great community partner, and we are here to stay. Our tribe continues to do our part to successfully build permanent infrastructure and encourage economic growth that creates jobs and expands opportunities for the Cherokee people, and for all of northeast Oklahoma.”
The Cherokee Film Studios,...
Cherokee Nation leadership and executives from the tribe’s business arm, Cherokee Nation Businesses, joined state officials, local community leaders and industry professionals in commemorating the area’s foremost filmmaking destination.
“The Cherokee Nation Film Office is leading the way in helping grow and diversify Oklahoma’s film and television industry,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Cherokee Nation and its businesses have long remained a great community partner, and we are here to stay. Our tribe continues to do our part to successfully build permanent infrastructure and encourage economic growth that creates jobs and expands opportunities for the Cherokee people, and for all of northeast Oklahoma.”
The Cherokee Film Studios,...
- 7/26/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Oklahoma has seen booms before, mostly in the oil business. But right now, the state’s boom has more to do with celluloid.
Among several Sundance hits over the past few years, “Minari” and “Stillwater” shot in the state, and now Martin Scorsese is lensing his big-budget “Killer of the Flower Moon,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, there while Oklahoma’s Sterlin Harjo will shoot Season 2 of his groundbreaking FX series “Reservation Dogs” (pictured above) using a lot of local talent and crew.
Keys to making Oklahoma attractive to filmmakers include the $30 million cash rebate available — set until 2031 — a base rate of 20% with the opportunity to reach 38% in a rebate. The state legislature passed this program in July. Equally important is the stability of those incentives.
The state started to gain traction with its 2014 program, which although it has exhausted its funds, showed producers that Oklahoma had stable incentives and “we started to get consistent business,...
Among several Sundance hits over the past few years, “Minari” and “Stillwater” shot in the state, and now Martin Scorsese is lensing his big-budget “Killer of the Flower Moon,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, there while Oklahoma’s Sterlin Harjo will shoot Season 2 of his groundbreaking FX series “Reservation Dogs” (pictured above) using a lot of local talent and crew.
Keys to making Oklahoma attractive to filmmakers include the $30 million cash rebate available — set until 2031 — a base rate of 20% with the opportunity to reach 38% in a rebate. The state legislature passed this program in July. Equally important is the stability of those incentives.
The state started to gain traction with its 2014 program, which although it has exhausted its funds, showed producers that Oklahoma had stable incentives and “we started to get consistent business,...
- 11/29/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Despite the ongoing pandemic, more pilots and movies have filmed in Oklahoma this year than in 2019, according to Tava Sofsky, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. Among the productions that wrapped in Tulsa and Oklahoma City are the “Reagan” biopic, starring Dennis Quaid, as well as “full-fledged features and a handful of pilots and independent films.”
The state was in fact one of the first — if not the first — locations in North America to resume production in May with TV movie “Harvest of the Heart.”
At that time, Oklahoma experienced a unique transition of training new crew members to accommodate the growth in demand over the summer while implementing safety protocols. Providing two free courses at a career school has even allowed anyone seeking employment to pick up skills specific to working on-set.
“For our music professionals, who were hard hit by the pandemic, the mindset is that...
The state was in fact one of the first — if not the first — locations in North America to resume production in May with TV movie “Harvest of the Heart.”
At that time, Oklahoma experienced a unique transition of training new crew members to accommodate the growth in demand over the summer while implementing safety protocols. Providing two free courses at a career school has even allowed anyone seeking employment to pick up skills specific to working on-set.
“For our music professionals, who were hard hit by the pandemic, the mindset is that...
- 12/9/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
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