Cherokee Film is a film and tv ecosystem consisting of four branches that work symbiotically to innovate narrative sovereignty and create a better, more inclusive life for the next seven generations.
Cherokee Film Commission brings film and media productions to the Cherokee Nation and connects filmmakers to assets within the reservation including its film-friendly communities, diverse locations, film studios, tribal incentive, as well as its sought-after database representing Native American talent, crew, consultants and support services.
The CFC can post information about cast or crew you are looking to hire via cherokee.film, e-Blast and social media at the discretion of the CFC. Please fill out a project intake form to get started here.
The CFC can feature your property to be considered for upcoming productions. Simply click here to add your locations or business to our directory. Any film production interested will contact you directly.
The CFC does not fund projects but has compiled a list of external funding sources for your convenience. Click here for a list of funding sources we have compiled for your convenience.
The CFC works with anyone interested in bringing their projects to the Cherokee Nation. To get started, fill out our project intake form here. For those looking to list themselves in our databases for crew and talent, the film office requires that you be Native American and able to furnish proof of tribal citizenship.
If you have questions about historical or cultural accuracy in your screenwriting, we can connect you with an appropriate expert or academic resource. To get started, fill out the project intake form.
The CFC is based in Oklahoma. Our two offices are located in Tulsa and Tahlequah.
Beginning March 1, 2022, the Cherokee Nation Film Office began accepting applications for a new cash rebate incentive fund offering up to $1 million annually for production expenses occurring within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. For more information on the Cherokee Film Incentive, please contact Maggie Cunningham at maggie.cunningham@cnbglobal.com.
Signing up for our crew and talent directory is simple and secure! Just click here and you’ll be walked through the process. You can log in anytime and update your file.
The CFC works to increase the presence of Native Americans in every level of the film and television industries. The film office does so by creating databases of Native crew and talent. We allow you to self-submit to these databases. We connect producers, directors and those looking to create films, but we do not do any casting. We often post casting calls on our site and social media channels, so be sure to subscribe to our email list and follow us everywhere. Click here to get started.
We love hearing story suggestions from our viewers! Please submit your feature suggestion here. Our only requirement for consideration is they must be an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
We are always looking to grow our team with the most talented individuals. Please visit our careers page here to see current available positions.
Thank you for your interest in licensing our footage. Please send an email to hello@cherokee.film with your inquiry, footage details and your contact information and we will consider your request.
We allow potential screenings of our original content on a case-by-case basis. Please provide all available screening details when contacting hello@cherokee.film. Please allow at least two weeks for consideration.
Studio A is 27,000-square-feet with 9,000-square-feet dedicated to the XR wall. Studio B is roughly 10,000-square-feet with dedicated HMU and other amenities. Click here to learn more.
The estimated time of CFI launch is January 2025.
It will be headquartered at Cherokee Film Studios Owasso Campus.
Yes, there will be an industry standard certificate provided to anyone who completes the required coursework. More details to come.
The estimated time of CFI launch is January 2025.
It will be headquartered at Cherokee Film Studios Owasso Campus.
Yes, there will be an industry standard certificate provided to anyone who completes the required coursework. More details to come.
Click here for a complete list of FAQs for Cherokee Film Institute.
Reach out to us here
Please fill out this form and a member of the Cherokee Film team will reach out to learn more about your needs.
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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