The Cherokee Film Commission invites filmmakers to experience all that Cherokee Nation has to offer. Our team serves as your liaison to Indian Country, connecting you with diverse locations spanning 5 eco-regions, skilled Native talent and crew, our tribal film rebate and virtual production soundstages.
cherokee film incentive
The Cherokee Film Incentive is a cash rebate program that incentivizes film and media projects to film within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation. The Cherokee Film Incentive is available on its own or may be used in conjunction with other incentive programs made available by the state of Oklahoma.
For more information on the Cherokee Film Incentive, please contact Maggie Cunningham at maggie.cunningham@cnbglobal.com.
Film Ready With Cherokee Film Commission
Aiming to attract more film and television productions to the Cherokee Nation Reservation, Cherokee Nation’s Film Ready program works to provide a single point of coordination and offer a comprehensive, film-friendly environment that makes production processes efficient, cost-effective and culturally enriching. The Cherokee Film Commission serves as this “one-stop shop” for filmmakers looking to bring a project to the 14-county reservation.
The commission works as a liaison for filmmakers, connecting them with diverse locations spanning five eco-regions, skilled Native talent and crew, the tribal film rebate and virtual production soundstages. With the film-ready designation and Cherokee Film Commission ready to assist, Cherokee Nation is officially a premier destination for filmmakers.
From tallgrass prairies to dense woodlands, lakes and streams to Tribally-owned cultural and historic landmarks, modern urban developments to small-town Americana, we’ve got you covered.
Cherokee Film Commission offers first-of-its-kind directories that allow productions to easily locate and hire Native American talent and crew, find locations and find film-friendly and Tribal-owned businesses within Cherokee Nation. Cherokee cultural and historical consultants can be accessed upon request.
Cherokee Film Studios, located in Owasso, offers a 9,000-square-foot XR space, which is the first tribal soundstage of its kind. The 27,000-square-foot studio space is also home to editing suites, pro-grade audio suites, full hair and makeup suites, as well as office space and catering facilities. Our second soundstage will be complete in June of 2024 providing an additional 10,000-square-feet of production space.
Filmed in the Cherokee Nation
Speaker Request Form
If you have a speaking opportunity for one of our staff, please fill out this form.
For more information, contact us at cherokee.film@cnbglobal.com or call 918.645.3396.
Media Contact
Michael Musante
Film & TV Finance and Development Executive
Michael is the executive in charge of film and TV finance and development at Cherokee Film. Prior to that, he was vice president of film production and acquisitions at American Zoetrope for more than seven years and a co-founder, along with Roman Coppola, of The Decentralized Pictures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmaking and filmmakers from underserved and underrepresented communities. He continues to serve on its board. He is an attorney, admitted to practice in New York and North Carolina, and received his Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001. He practiced law for 10 years before becoming a full-time creative film producer. He has worked closely with such accomplished filmmakers as Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Gia Coppola, Ted Kotcheff, Martha Coolidge, Fred Roos and Richard Chew before and during his time at American Zoetrope. During his tenure at American Zoetrope, he oversaw the development and production of several feature films: Gia Coppola’s “Mainstream,” starring Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff and Jason Schwartzman; “Fairyland,” starring Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy; as well as the production of “The Outsiders” musical, which debuted on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024.
Todd Roberts
Soundstage Manager
Todd Roberts serves Cherokee Film as soundstage manager. He has more than 35 years of experience as a photographer and filmmaker. He is multi-passionate in skills and subject matter. He’s created more than 400 episodes of documentary-style television shows (“Doomsday Preppers,” “Man vs. Food Nation,” “Safari Hunter’s Journal,” “House Hunters International” and more) produced in 22 countries and airing nationally. Todd’s commercial films have served his clients well (American Express, Audi, Freightliner Trucks, Volkswagen, United Way, Walmart and many more). Todd’s productions have received numerous accolades (Addy Awards, Communicator Awards, Flame Awards, ITVA Awards, Summit Awards, Telly Awards, as well as awards from film festivals). While his skills and interests are broad, Todd’s overarching theme is the art of storytelling.
Maggie Cunningham
Pawnee Nation
Film Commissioner
Maggie Cunningham (Pawnee Nation) is a Regional Emmy-winning producer and the Cherokee Film Commissioner. Before joining the OsiyoTV team, Maggie worked in the museum and cultural heritage field. Her previous roles included positions as an archivist and tribal NAGPRA coordinator. She also spent time as a project manager for several Native-owned consultation and media production firms. She saw firsthand the impact an Indigenous narrative can have on a community during her time researching at Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of Aotearoa (New Zealand). She continued to cultivate this focus in her years of cultural heritage work and storytelling. Her experience working within Native communities here in Oklahoma has only solidified her drive to tell authentic Native-led stories with the power and impact of film. Maggie holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in studio art and Native American studies. She earned her Master of Arts from New York University. Maggie resides in Tulsa with her family.
Hannah Roark
Cherokee Nation
Film & TV Development Specialist
Hannah Roark holds a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts and graduated with highest distinction from the University of Kansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in English. She joined the Cherokee Film team in July 2022. Her prior film production experience includes work as an office production assistant, director’s assistant, production coordinator and associate producer. When she’s not at work, Hannah is writing screenplays, TV pilots, or collaborating in writers’ groups. She believes that every good story can be a great one.
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