Picture's Up!

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 Moderator
00:38 Crew Introductions
02:03 Origin Stories Begin
11:41 Breaking In and Moving Up
17:02 Staying Inspired Between Gigs
19:13 Best Early-Career Advice
22:44 Work Life Balance on Set
24:18 DP Continuity Thought Experiment
26:13 Mark’s Oner Plan and Lighting
28:49 G&E Execution in Prep
30:44 Building The Bounce
31:43 Blocking And Safety Dance
33:47 Camera Team Hide And Focus
35:12 B Cam Coverage Strategy
36:19 Steadicam Oner Mindset
37:54 Utility Monitors And Loading
39:44 Sound In A 360 World
44:02 Alternate DP Noir Plan
46:45 Dreams Versus Budget Reality
49:05 Q And A Recording Mistakes
50:51 Q And A Burnout Survival
52:20 Q And A Finding Style
56:37 Closing Thanks And Events

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 Acknowledgements
01:11 Series Overview and Purpose
02:33 Freelancing in Oklahoma
03:01 Panelist Introductions
08:25 Freelancing Challenges and Insights
33:55 Navigating Multiple Roles in the Industry
34:49 Freelancing Realities and Financial Strategies
35:59 Avoiding Crisis as a Freelancer
38:42 Understanding the Industry's Ebb and Flow
41:25 The Importance of Saying Yes
53:55 Setting Rates and Negotiating
01:07:42 Marketing Yourself Effectively
01:12:24 Curating Your Resume for Success
01:12:54 Building and Using Your Reel
01:13:32 Networking and Film Festivals
01:14:19 Film School vs. On-the-Job Learning
01:15:00 Freelancing vs. Agency Work
01:16:01 Specializing in Your Craft
01:24:34 The Importance of Unions
01:28:56 Networking and Community Building
01:43:35 Gear and Equipment: What You Need

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 Acknowledgements
• 00:38 Meet the Panelists
• 01:02 Production Design Overview
• 02:44 Props Department Insights
• 03:46 Origin Stories
• 09:53 Navigating the Industry
• 13:34 Interacting with Talent
• 16:43 Creating Immersive Sets
• 27:13 Overcoming Adversity
• 41:10 Memorable Creations and Collaborations
• 41:33 Sentimental Projects and Emotional Connections
• 43:04 Special Projects and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
• 47:28 The Challenges and Rewards of Film Production
• 49:15 Surprising Aspects of Set Decoration
• 52:03 The Hard Parts of Working in Film
• 57:32 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
• 01:01:17 Creating a Collaborative and Friendly Set Environment
• 01:10:07 Q&A Session with the Audience
• 01:22:01 Closing Remarks and Announcements

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 Introductions
• 00:56 Meet the Panelists: Hair and Makeup Experts
• 02:19 The Vital Role of Hair and Makeup in Film
• 08:23 Panelists' Origin Stories: From Passion to Profession
• 33:34 Creating Characters: Techniques and Challenges
• 42:34 Collaboration Between Hair and Makeup Departments
• 43:50 Advice for Aspiring Hair and Makeup Artists
• 46:15 Learning and Staying Humble
• 47:46 Working with Talent
• 55:03 Family Support in the Industry
• 58:17 Favorite Projects and Stories
• 01:05:53 Challenges on Set
• 01:10:20 Choosing Your Focus in the Industry
• 01:12:01 Supporting Hair and Makeup Departments
• 01:15:03 Finding Inspiration and Mentorship
• 01:22:25 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

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 Introduction
• 00:49 Acknowledging Sponsors and Panelists
• 02:01 Mark Schwartz Bard's Journey
• 10:44 Joe Hernandez's Path to Film
• 17:09 Charles Elmore's Local Film Experience
• 25:05 Chris Gogans' Career Beginnings
• 31:00 Jenna Palermo's Film School and Early Career
• 33:41 First Union Job and Career Progression
• 35:02 Introduction to Rex Kenny: Dolly Grip
• 35:54 Rex's Journey from Iron Worker to Grip
• 37:38 Challenges and Rewards in the Film Industry
• 42:11 Working on Reservation Dogs and Community Impact
• 53:29 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
• 01:06:46 Balancing Work and Family in Filmmaking
• 01:08:10 The Reality of Making a Living in Filmmaking
• 01:11:15 Networking and Opportunities in the Local Film Industry
• 01:13:15 Getting Started in the Film Industry
• 01:22:26 Technical Tips and Lessons Learned on Set
• 01:25:42 The Importance of Local Film Community and Growth
• 01:33:03 Shaping the Look of 'Reservation Dogs'
• 01:35:52 Challenges and Triumphs of Women in the Film Industry
• 01:37:12 Closing Remarks and Future Events

–
Produced by Citizens of Sound