TULSA, Okla. — Cherokee Film recently announced the appointment of Michael Musante as its new executive in charge of film & TV finance and development. Musante joins Cherokee Film with an extensive background in film production, acquisitions and independent filmmaking, most recently serving as vice president of film production and acquisitions at American Zoetrope since 2017.
Musante will help Cherokee Film establish a fund to create top-tier film and television content with a Cherokee and Native American focus. This initiative includes, but is not limited to, shooting on Cherokee Film Studios’ soundstages, working with Cherokee or Native American filmmakers, and featuring Cherokee or Native American content or characters.
“One of the reasons Native Americans are underrepresented in Hollywood is due to the lack of tribal representation in the spaces where key decisions are being made within the film industry,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “The Cherokee Nation is delighted to welcome Michael Musante into our Cherokee Film ecosystem to help us create the much-needed changes we continue working toward.”
Before joining Cherokee Film, Musante collaborated with renowned filmmakers such as Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Gia Coppola, Fred Roos and Richard Chew. Musante also worked alongside Ted Kotcheff and Martha Coolidge on several projects before his tenure at American Zoetrope.
“We are excited to welcome Michael Musante to the Cherokee Film team,” said Jennifer Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film. “His impressive track record and dedication to supporting filmmakers from all backgrounds align perfectly with our vision for the future of film and television at Cherokee Film. We are confident that Michael’s expertise and leadership will leave a lasting impact on American cinema.”
His notable achievements include overseeing the development and production of several feature films, such as Gia Coppola’s “Mainstream,” starring Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff and Jason Schwartzman, as well as “Fairyland,” starring Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy. Additionally, Musante played an instrumental role in the production of “The Outsiders Musical,” which premiered on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theater in April 2024 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Director.
Beyond his extensive production tenure, Musante is a co-founder and board member of The Decentralized Pictures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmaking and filmmakers from underserved and underrepresented communities. Musante, along with co-founders Roman Coppola and Leo Matchett, created the organization to help offer this unique resource to filmmakers needing guidance and resources.
Musante expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honored to join Cherokee Film and contribute to its mission of creating compelling and inclusive content. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here and continuing to champion diverse voices in the industry.”
