deadCenter Education

Meet the team behind the camp!

We’re excited to introduce the incredible mentors and coordinators who will be guiding our students through this year’s deadCenter University + University of Central Oklahoma Summer Film Camp. With their passion, experience, and dedication to storytelling, they’ll help inspire the next generation of filmmakers and bring this creative experience to life.

We’re grateful to have such a talented team ready to share their knowledge and support with these young filmmakers!

NEW YORK, HERE THEY COME! 🎥🗽

The talented student filmmakers behind “Clandestine”, created during the deadCenter University Youth Camp at Oklahoma City Community College 2025, have been selected to screen at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City! Seeing their work on the big screen at the iconic AMC Theater in Times Square is an incredible milestone and a reflection of the talent, dedication, and heart they poured into this film.

To everyone who wrote, directed, acted, crewed, and collaborated on “Clandestine”, this moment belongs to you. Keep telling bold stories and chasing big dreams.

Thank you to our phenomenal mentors, assistant mentors, deadCenter interns, and cast for helping turn an idea into a film worthy of a national stage.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Allied Arts OKC, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, and Love's Travel Stops for investing in the next generation of storytellers. And to Oklahoma City Community College, thank you for providing a space where these young filmmakers could learn, create, and thrive.

Congratulations, Team Clandestine! See you in Times Square!

HUGE NEWS! Congratulations to the incredible young filmmakers behind “Eleanor”, created during the deadCenter University Teen Workshop at Rose State College 2025, for being selected to screen at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City! 🗽 Their film will be shown at the iconic AMC Theater in Times Square, an incredible honor and a testament to their creativity and hard work.

A huge congratulations to our talented student filmmakers, and thank you to our amazing mentors, deadCenter interns, and talented actors who helped bring this film to life.

We’re also incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Allied Arts OKC, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, and Love's Travel Stops and to Rose State College for making this opportunity possible for students from rural communities across Oklahoma.

From Oklahoma to Times Square, congratulations, Team Eleanor! We can’t wait to cheer you on in New York! 🎥✨

Take a look at last week’s 2026 deadCenter University + Rose State College Teen Film Workshop!

Thank you to Rose State College, John Marshall , our mentors, actors, sponsors Allied Arts and Kirkpatrick Family Fund, and everyone who helped make this experience possible.

Congratulations to the student filmmakers for bringing “New Kid” to life, written by Messina Eve, a participant from our dCU + Rose State Screenwriting Workshop.

We were also honored to partner with Make-A-Wish Oklahoma to help Allison’s dream of becoming an actress come true. It was a privilege to have her on set.

We can’t wait to premiere “New Kid” at the 27th Annual deadCenter Film Festival. Congratulations to all of our young filmmakers on an amazing accomplishment!

Meet the team!

The deadCenter University + Rose State College Teen Film Workshop is bringing together talented filmmakers, educators, and industry professionals to guide the next generation of Oklahoma storytellers.

From script to screen, our mentors, instructors, and coordinators will help students create, collaborate, and bring their filmmaking ideas to life.

A huge thank you to our sponsors and supporters who make opportunities like this possible. Your commitment helps us provide students with hands-on filmmaking experiences, mentorship, and a chance to tell their stories.

We’re proud to partner with Rose State College and continue building the future of Oklahoma film through deadCenter University!



Jordan Fisher is an Emmy-nominated commercial Director of Photography. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Jordan has worked his way through many roles in production, developing a deep understanding of the craft from the ground up. His favorite part of the job is the opportunity to evoke emotion through light. Known for his cinematic style and collaborative approach, Jordan is passionate about using visual storytelling to elevate meaningful stories and connect with audiences.

Logan Walcher is a multidisciplinary creative with 18 years of experience in design, filmmaking, and photography. A University of Central Oklahoma graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design, he spent a decade in the agency world working with Ackerman McQueen, Saxum, and Liquidfish before launching Proxima Bear Productions in 2022. Since then, Logan has worked on more than six feature films, web series, documentaries, and commercial projects, bringing a unique blend of visual storytelling, design expertise, and creative vision to every production.

Aubree-Anna Payne is an aspiring actress and upcoming Set Designer. Some of her most memorable credits in the Art Department world include Nimrods, Pillow Armor, and Drive Through Fire. Aubree’s long term goal is to be a prominent film icon whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes.

Rogelio Almeida is an award winning filmmaker and U.S. Army Veteran with two combat tou

We’re casting for “Once More With Feeling”, a heartfelt drama written by Megan Cox about two sisters confronting grief, family expectations, and the dreams that refuse to fade.

We’re seeking talented Oklahoma actors to bring this emotional story to life. Whether you’re an experienced performer or looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to see your submission.

Filming at UCO in Edmond, Oklahoma
Speaking roles and background opportunities available

See the character breakdowns in the slides and follow the submission instructions before the deadline.

Please share with actors, friends, and anyone who may be a great fit!

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2nd Annual deadCenter University + University of Central Oklahoma Summer Film Camp!

Join us August 3–7, 2026, at UCO for a FREE hands-on filmmaking experience for Oklahoma high school students.

Selected participants will fill one of 20 crew positions and collaborate to create an original short film. The completed film will premiere at the 27th Annual deadCenter Film Festival, earn participants IMDb credits, and be submitted to additional festivals.

- Hands-on filmmaking experience
- IMDb credits
- Free lunches provided
- No cost to participate

Ready to make a movie? Apply today and be part of the next generation of Oklahoma filmmakers. Link in bio.

The future of Oklahoma filmmaking was on full display this past weekend at the 2026 deadCenter Film Festival!

Our deadCenter University Showcase Block featured incredible short films created by young filmmakers through our educational programs and partnerships across the state. We were also proud to screen An Tus Egyptian Highway by Will McClure, winner of our 2025–2026 Statewide Education Tour 3 Minute Movie Competition.

Congratulations to all of the student filmmakers whose work lit up the big screen. Your creativity, hard work, and storytelling continue to inspire us!

A huge thank you to our partners, collaborators, mentors, assistant mentors, actors, families, and sponsors who help make these opportunities possible. Special thanks to Oklahoma Arts Council, Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Allied Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, and O’Connor Family Foundation for investing in the next generation of Oklahoma storytellers.

We can’t wait to see what these filmmakers create next.

What a fantastic time at the 2026 deadCenter Film Festival + Stella Nova Coffee & Pitch Teen Mixer! 🎬☕

Young filmmakers and creatives got to connect, share ideas, and build community. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for storytelling made this event truly special.

Special thanks to our incredible mentors — Hunter Nickless, Ella Janes, and Tanner Ray — for generously sharing their time, experience, and advice with the next generation of filmmakers.

And of course, a heartfelt thank you to Stella Nova for hosting us and helping create such a welcoming space for meaningful conversations and creative connections.

The future of Oklahoma filmmaking is bright and we can’t wait to see what these talented young storytellers create next!

Big congrats to Team Eleanor!

Created during the 2025 deadCenter University + Rose State College Teen Workshop, the short film has been officially selected for the Circle Cinema Film Festival!

So proud of the student filmmakers, actors, mentors, and our partners at Rose State College for bringing this story to life.

Director - Tristan Pritchett
Writer - Makinley Paige Montez
Briley Smith — Eleanor
Griffin Edge — Francis
Madison Sein — Josephine
Michelle Mestayer — Counselor Jones
Bryan Whorton — Dr. Anderson
Renee Krapff — Mrs. Phieffer
Abbie de Vera — Mary
Ryan Rase — Physical Therapist
Emerald Chapin — Support Group Member
Mack Keen-Williams — Support Group Member
Tristen Moles — Support Group Member
Tristan Pritchett — Support Group Member
Kayla Scott — Support Group Member
Cathleen Amy Wilhoit — Nurse
Addison Williams — Support Group Member
Alyssa Zongker — Support Group Member
Victor Caballero — Producer
Marcus Mallard — Producer
Teagan Stubblefield — Assistant Producer
Keagan Sponsler - Composer
Landon Thweatt - Cinematographer
Lucas J. Jackson - Editor
Addison Williams - Production Designer
Erika O’Bar — HMU Mentor
Blanca Pantoja — Makeup Artist
Ingrid Carrillo — Assistant Makeup Artist
Maddie Winkleman — Hair Stylist
Spencer Griffith — First Assistant Director
Mack Keen-Williams — Second Assistant Director
Steve Jones — Directing Mentor
Malcolm Gari Love Owens — Assistant Directing Mentor
Madeline Markcum — Art Mentor
Kort Nicholson — Set Designer
Brayden Shoults — Sound Mixer
Rorey Younge — Boom Operator
John Marshall — Sound Mentor
Ethan Swartz — Assistant Sound Mentor
Hogan Hulsey — Camera Operator
Jaydee Lynn Keehn — Gaffer
Keagan Sponsler — First Assistant Camera
Sekyia Williams — Second Assistant Camera
Logan Walcher — Camera Mentor
Tristen Moles — Grip Mentor
Rylie Rodgers — Grip
Alyssa Zongker — Electrician / Key Grip
Valerie L. Parker — Costume Mentor
Gray Stringer — Assistant Costume Designer
Hannah McElfresh — Editing Mentor
Madison Martin — Assistant Editing Mentor
Emerald Chapin — Script Supervisor
Jaden Riddle — Script Mentor
Alondra Arrioja — Production Assistant
Daniel Gomez — Production Assistant
Madison Simon — Production Assistant