We recently accepted nominations for two open positions on the OKMPA Board of Directors.  After carefully reviewing all submissions and conducting interviews with potential candidates, the current board members have selected a slate of nominees for your consideration.

In accordance with our by-laws, when there are vacant board seats, the Board of Directors are required to open submissions, and present a “slate” of candidates to be voted on by the general membership in a special election.  The following candidates are being presented as a pair for your approval.

1. Ashley Stewart
2. Mitchell Allen

Please see links above for bios and resumes of both candidates for your review.

The voting process will proceed as follows:

1. If the proposed slate receives a majority vote, both nominees will be elected to the Board.
2. If the slate fails to reach a majority, a second round of voting will take place, where members will vote on each candidate individually.
3. If both nominees fail to reach a majority vote in the individual round, the nomination process will restart, and a new slate of candidates will be presented to the membership.

Voting will be open to all members in good standing from April 5^th through April 7^th.  A ballot will be emailed to the email address associated with your OKMPA membership on the morning of Friday, April 5^th.  Additionally, a QR code and electronic link to the ballot will be posted at the April 5^th Coffee with Crew event in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Votes submitted past the deadline of Sunday, April 7^th at 11:59 PM CST will not be counted. 

Please take a moment to review the attached documents, so you will have an informed vote during the designated time frame.

Thank you for your participation in this important process. Your input is vital to shaping the future leadership of the OKMPA.

Best,

OKMPA Board of Directors

The OKMPA is hiring!

The OKMPA is searching for an Executive Director to lead the organization in community engagement, operations, fundraising, and promotion of the OKMPA and Oklahoma film industry throughout the state and beyond. 

More information on the position and how to apply below! 

Position Details: 

Job Title: Executive Director

Job Type: Part-time contract with minimum 25 hours per week

Primary Function:

The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance (OKMPA) will lead all community engagement, operational, fundraising, and programmatic facets of the organization. This individual will be responsible for advancing and promoting the reputation and position of not only the OKMPA, but the film sector within Oklahoma and beyond. 

Essential Functions:

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

• Oversee all strategic direction, including implementation of the OKMPA strategic plan developed every few years in accordance with the policies of the organization and the Board of Directors.

• Provide counsel to the Board of Directors about the advancement of the strategic plan, along with updates on its successful milestones or challenges.

• Inspire the Board to adopt strategic directions as set by the Governance Committee to ensure tactics are completed to meet the goals and objectives laid out in the organization's strategic plan.

MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

• Manage the implementation of strategies set forth by the Board for governance of the organization (including preparation for board meetings, committee meetings, etc.,) and provide oversight on the provision of necessary reports to the Board to ensure the board effectively governs the organization and provides adequate fiduciary oversight.

• Establish budget goals annually for both earned and contributed incomes with the Fundraising Committee, as well as ensure adequate capacity and performance to meet and exceed those goals.

• Provide ongoing executive oversight of the budget and finances of the organization, including long-term sustainability of the organization.

• Ensure legal and ethical compliance for the organization. 

• Oversee all managerial aspects of OKMPA operations, fundraising, community engagement, finances and programs.

LEADERSHIP

• Lead the organization both as a manager and outside trailblazer, positively promoting both the OKMPA and Oklahoma film at large.

• Maintain a leadership role in fundraising for the organization, including stewarding all major donor relationships.

• Assist in identification and cultivation of new donor and community partner relationships.

• Represent the organization as the liaison to the OKMPA lobbyists, Local and State Film Commissioners, Senators, House Representatives, Chambers of Commerce, and any other national, state or local organizations, as determined by the Board of Directors.

ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER DUTIES

• In cooperation with the Board of Directors and committees, manage, follow, and update policies and procedures pertaining to the operational needs of OKMPA, including providing reports as necessary to the Board and various committees.

• Meet regularly with Board leadership to discuss projects, strategic initiatives, finances, programs and other pertinent information.

• Maintain professionalism, organizational standards, and confidentiality as a representative of the OKMPA to all donors, members and the Governance Committee.

• Oversee and assist established committees with their designated functions.

Education and Experience:

• At minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college and job experience within non-profit organizations.

• Knowledge of current technological operational and communication tools (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Database Technology, Online Giving or Advocacy Platforms, Mobile Computing, etc.).

• Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, presentation).

• Possess a minimum of 10 years of work experience in a combination of the following areas: external affairs, marketing, communications, policy and government affairs, board and volunteer service, fundraising, financial oversight and operations with proven success in managing volunteers and committees.

Other Functions

• Ability to travel regularly throughout the state and outside of Oklahoma as needed.

• Reliable transportation and a valid state drivers license 

Reports To: Board of Directors 

Compensation:

Starting annual contract rate of $35,000. In addition, there are opportunities for supplemental performance-based compensation for meeting pre-determined goals in areas of fundraising, position retention, membership growth, and membership retention. 

How to Apply:

Applicants should email their resume and cover letter to Ben Richardson, OKMPA Board Secretary and OKMPA Governance Committee Chair, at brichardson@okmpa.com.

Event features networking opportunities and industry panel discussionsfor film and TV professionals

The Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance (OKMPA) is hosting an afternoon with Oklahoma’s industry professionals to discuss unions and post-production.  The panels will be moderated by Oklahoma actors and producers, Ben Richardson and Randy Wayne.

WHAT: Industry networking and educational panel discussions:

Understanding Unions - Since Oklahoma is a right-to-work state it’s important for workers to know their rights in the state and the benefits of working under a union contract. This panel will examine both union and non-union projects and their differences. 

• Moderated by Randy Wayne, Producer and SAG-AFTRA Actor
• Dylan Brodie, UPM and Teamster member
• Toni Marlo, Makeup artist
• Kevin Tighe, DGA 2nd Assistant Director and Spotlight Rentals owner

Post Production - Have you ever heard the expression “fix it in post”? These industry professionals will provide education on post production, and outline best practices to ensure projects are prepared for distribution and sales.

• Moderated by Ben Richardson, Actor/11:11 Media
• Talia Bella, Thunderbird Films
• Michael Lister, Cherokee Nation Film virtual production manager
• Brent Quinones, Fivestone Entertainment titles and color grading specialist
• Josh Tackett, Restrospec Films
• Stephen Tackett, Audio Planet

WHERE:  Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa OK 74104

WHEN: Saturday, July 9, from 1 – 4 p.m.  Industry panels will occur from 2-3 p.m. in the Gallery and Room #4.

HOW:  The event is free for current OKMPA members and $10 for non-members. New members who join the OKMPA at the event will receive a 10% discount on dues.  More information is available at okmpa.com/membership.

About Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance

In 2021 the Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance was established to serve the film, television, video, interactive, and digital media production industry in Oklahoma. OKMPA represents a community of motion picture professionals, representing businesses and a workforce exceeding 350 people across the state. OKMPA serves as a leading industry advocate for legislative and regulatory development seeking economic incentives and public support for Oklahoma's motion picture work and investment. More information is available at www.okmpa.com.

The film and television industry continues to rise in Oklahoma.

Legendary movie star Sylvester Stallone is in Oklahoma, filming a new series called ‘Tulsa King’.

Filming began this week on the show, which is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, the creator behind the hit series ‘Yellowstone’.

Reservation Dogs premiered its first two episodes of season one in August 2021, with the season finale airing in September 2021 the show left viewers wondering “will there be a season 2?” It was in a short time after the final episode when the FX/Hulu series announced being renewed for another season.

Recently the series won two awards at the 37th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards. Film Independent honors and recognizes the best independent films and television series of 2021. Reservation Dogs captured wins for best new scripted series and best ensemble cast in a new scripted series.

Green Pastures Studio wraps principal photography on the $1.2M feature film "Cricket".