Behind the Scenes, Oklahoma

What happens when family history becomes theater? Jameson White wrote, produced, and directed an original stage play inspired by her own ancestors, premiering it in New York City. Now she's bringing this deeply personal production home to Tulsa for a special run at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, September 10–13 . The production is still casting a few additional actors, so if you've be...

In this episode, I sit down with Scout Taylor-Compton for a conversation that goes far beyond acting. Scout opens up about stepping from in front of the camera to behind it, writing and developing her latest film, Road to Recovery, and what it meant to bring that story to life right here in Oklahoma. We talk about the creative process from idea to script to set and what she’s learned taking owners...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma, I sit down with the powerful creative duo behind the documentary Poetic Justice—Amy Janes and Nicol Ragland. Together, they bring to life a deeply moving story that explores the intersection of poetry, incarceration, and healing. Poetic Justice shines a light on the transformative power of self-expression, giving voice to women whose stories are so of...

Stunts are one of the most exciting — and most technical — parts of filmmaking. In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma , host Ana Berry sits down with stunt coordinator Justin Parks to talk about the craft of stunt work, how action scenes are designed for film, and why training is essential for actors and filmmakers. Justin is also leading a 2-day stunt workshop at Stormfront Studios , givi...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma, Ana Berry and Tom Biolchini talk with Meg Gould, Executive Director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, about the newly announced Tulsa Film Incentive Program. Designed to complement Oklahoma’s statewide rebates, the program offers financial incentives for productions that choose Green Country as their home base. The initiative enc...

n this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma , we sit down with writer, director, and producer Kyle West to talk about his debut feature film, South of Stillwater , recently shot right here in Oklahoma. Kyle shares the inspiration behind his intimate, character-driven storytelling style, the challenges of making a first feature, and why Oklahoma’s landscapes and creative community made the perfect...

Tom and Ana sat down with producer Tanya Ruby, whose 25+ year career spans some of Hollywood’s biggest films, including Avengers , Guardians of the Galaxy , Wonder Woman , Captain Phillips , and Prometheus . After decades working across production, finance, and international film markets—and sharing her expertise with Amazon, Netflix, and Big Beach—Tanya made the move to Oklahoma. Now, she’s produ...

On this episode of Behind the Scenes OK , we’re having an honest conversation about what it truly takes to make an independent film especially when the journey doesn’t go as planned. I’m joined by filmmaker Khadijat A. Oluwatoyin and producer Sydney Alison , who are actively developing and producing the short film Tierra and Her Egungun . As they continue building the project, they are also naviga...

Join host Ana Berry on Behind the Scenes, OK as we sit down with filmmaker Stevie Fernandez , the creative force behind the brand-new adventure comedy Forgotten Fortune — starring Lou Ferrigno , Brian Shoop , and the iconic Jimmie “JJ” Walker . In this episode, Stevie shares the story behind the film, the inspiration for the treasure-hunting adventure, what it was like working with legendary perfo...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma , Ana Berry sits down with director Reagan Elkins to talk about his brand-new documentary, FRAGILÉ, now available to rent and stream this week. Filmed entirely in Chickasha, Oklahoma , FRAGILÉ tells the true and wildly unexpected story of one man’s dream to save his struggling hometown… with a 50-foot leg lamp inspired by A Christmas Story . What start...

In our 14th episode of Behind the Scenes, Oklahoma, we sit down with LA based writer-director Tyler Marie Evans to unpack her fearless debut feature, Pretty Babies —filmed right here in Oklahoma. Moving “beyond the gaze,” Tyler digs into why this story had to be her first: a frank, unflinching look at how we portray women, sex, power, and ambition and how the machinery of Hollywood shapes (and dis...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma , we talk with Mike Zara , a Hollywood writer and filmmaker who dared to dream big — and made it happen right here in the Oklahoma. After 12 years of determination, Mike brought his debut horror feature Horrified to life in Broken Arrow and Tulsa , proving that you don’t need to be a seasoned director to make a major impact AND you can make blockbuster...

Go behind the scenes with Oklahoma’s own Klein Haley , the writer-director of Bloodstained Ivory —a raw, hauntingly visceral indie drama that’s making waves on the festival circuit. In this episode, Klein shares the creative process behind the film, the real-life inspirations that shaped it, and why Oklahoma remains the perfect backdrop for bold stories that refuse to follow the rules. Behind the...

In Episode 11 of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma, we go beyond the spotlight with John Moss, co-founder of Firebook Entertainment — a film distribution company making waves from right here in Oklahoma. John breaks down the business side of film: how genre films get seen, what filmmakers need to know about distribution, how it's all about who you know and why Oklahoma is becoming a serious hub for...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma , Ana Berry sits down with the legendary Mykelti Williamson—known for iconic roles in Forrest Gump , Fences , Con Air and now, The Last Rodeo , filmed right here in Oklahoma. From powerful performances to meaningful representation, hear why Mykelti believes Oklahoma is becoming a force in the film industry and what drew him to this locally made, emotio...

Rebellium Films is proving you don’t need a Hollywood zip code to make great cinema. Randy Wayne and Talia Bella talk about what drew them to Oklahoma, how they’re creating opportunities for local artists, and why the state is becoming a go-to for indie filmmakers. Behind the Scenes Oklahoma is hosted by Ana Berry and celebrates the people, productions, and places shaping Oklahoma’s film and telev...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma , we travel to Enid to meet Erin Elizabeth Cook, the writer and actor behind The One . She shares her journey of bringing this heartfelt story to life and working alongside the legendary Martin Sheen. While on set, I also spoke with cast and crew members, gaining firsthand insight into the dedication, creativity, and challenges that go into making a mo...

Recorded live at the historic Circle Cinema in Tulsa, this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma features a compelling conversation with actor and filmmaker Robert Peters . Known for his performances in Reagan , Lincoln , Catch Me If You Can , Ocean’s Eleven , In the Line of Fire , to name a few, Robert shares his journey from Oklahoma to Hollywood and back. Ana and Tom explore his experiences por...

Julie O’Keefe takes us behind the seams to reveal how costumes bring history to life. In the 5th episode of Behind the Scenes with Ana and Tom , we dive into the artistry of costume design with Julie O’Keefe, wardrobe consultant for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon . Julie shares how she brought the 1920s Osage Nation to life through meticulously crafted and historically accurate costu...

In this episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma, Ana and Tom sit down with acclaimed director John Gulagar to discuss his latest film, Seven Cemeteries, shot right here in Oklahoma. From the hauntingly beautiful locations to the welcoming communities, John shares why the Okarche, Oklahoma was the perfect backdrop for this quirky horror story. Hear behind-the-scenes insights into working with legenda...

Join Ana Berry and Tom Biolchini on Behind the Scenes Oklahoma as they sit down with Danny Boy O'Connor, the visionary behind The Outsiders House Museum. In this episode, we explore the lasting economic and cultural impact of The Outsiders —from the iconic book to the legendary movie, the new musical, and the museum that’s become a Tulsa treasure. Discover how this beloved story has revitaliz...

In the premiere episode of Behind the Scenes Oklahoma, hosts Ana Berry and Tom Biolchini dive into the captivating journey of Juan Pablo Reinoso and his documentary Mad Props. With Tom's insight as part of the filmmaking team, they explore how this project was born in Oklahoma and reached the prestigious Sitges Film Festival in Spain. The episode also spotlights Firebook Entertainment, an Okl...

Behind the Scenes Oklahoma is hosted by Ana Berry and celebrates the people, productions, and places shaping Oklahoma’s film and television industry. Subscribe and follow for new episodes featuring exclusive interviews with actors, directors, producers, and the voices behind the scenes. www. BehindTheScenesOK.com