Prairie Surf Media

12/25/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas from Prairie Surf! 🎁

Collaborating with incredible organizations, artists, and storytellers across Oklahoma and beyond has been the greatest gift of 2024.

This holiday season, we’re filled with gratitude for our partners, clients, team, and supporters. Your creativity and collaboration inspire everything we do.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful holiday season—and here’s to an exciting 2025 for Oklahoma’s thriving creative community! 🎥✨

12/17/2024

We’re still collecting Myriad memories—and we’re looking for some truly remarkable ones to feature in a documentary about this OKC institution.

The Myriad has been a defining space for Oklahoma City, hosting events and entertainment that helped lay the foundation for today’s thriving cultural and sporting scene. After the 1995 bombing, relief efforts centered here embodied the resilience and unity of the Oklahoma Standard.

Just as the Myriad has been part of OKC’s story, it may have been part of yours. Was it the backdrop to a life-changing moment? A turning point, a moment of resilience, or an unforgettable experience?

We’d love to hear your story—and help ensure this storied building gets the spotlight it deserves.

Comment below or send us a DM if you have a story to tell!

📷 : The Oklahoma Historical Society

12/16/2024

Calling Future Screenwriters!

Prairie Surf CEO and deadCenter Film board member Matt Payne Media is thrilled to mentor the inaugural deadCenter University Screenwriting Workshop at Rose State College.

This exclusive program selects 24 high school students to learn from professional screenwriters, with top participants earning a credited script for the 2025 deadCenter University films. Matt, whose student film was featured in the very first deadCenter Festival, is excited to help inspire the next generation of Oklahoma storytellers.

High school students passionate about writing—don’t miss this chance to grow your storytelling skills and prepare for a career in Oklahoma’s thriving creative industry!

Applications close January 13th! Apply now: deadcenterfilm.org/dcu

12/12/2024

Last week, Prairie Surf welcomed high school students from Moore Norman Technology Center for what may be one of our final studio tours in this storied building.

The former Myriad/Cox Convention Center has been more than just our first home—it’s been a hub for connecting with rising creatives who will shape the future of Oklahoma film. Hosting tours like this has been one of the most rewarding parts of our journey, offering young talent a firsthand glimpse at the possibilities right here in our state.

Thank you, Moore Norman Technology Center, for joining us! The passion and creativity of your students inspire us as we prepare for Prairie Surf’s next chapter.

We’re still collecting your "Myriad Memories!" If you have a special story tied to this building, we may want to feature it in an upcoming documentary project.
Comment below or send us a DM to share your memories!

12/11/2024

Big news from our friends at deadCenter Film Festival: they’re seeking a new Executive Director to lead Oklahoma’s premier film festival into its next chapter!

For over 20 years, deadCenter has been a driving force in putting Oklahoma film on the map, championing creativity, storytelling, and local talent. Under the incredible leadership of Cacky Poarch, the festival has continued to grow and thrive, becoming a cultural cornerstone of Oklahoma’s film community. Her dedication and vision have left an indelible mark, and we’re so grateful for everything she’s done for the industry.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to join an organization that celebrates filmmakers and inspires audiences across the state.

Learn more:
https://deadcenterfilm.org/careers

Thank you, deadCenter, for all you do to support and elevate Oklahoma’s creative community.

deadCenter Film is looking for our next Executive Director. The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to shadow the current E.D. in preparation for dCFF25. Find details about the role, including responsibilities and qualifications, via the link in our bio under Careers. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

12/10/2024

A Storied Space: Share Your Myriad Memories ⭐️

As Prairie Surf prepares to move out of the former Myriad/Cox Convention Center, we’re working on a special project to honor the rich history of this remarkable building—and we need your stories to help bring it to life!

Since its opening in 1972, the Myriad has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma City, hosting unforgettable moments like legendary concerts, Big 12 tournaments, Blazers hockey games, and even major film productions like Twisters and Tulsa King. This storied space also served as a hub for resilience, transforming into a command center for relief efforts after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and helping to define the Oklahoma Standard.

As the Myriad makes way for a new arena for the OKC Thunder and Prairie Surf embarks on our next chapter, we want to celebrate the memories that make this space so meaningful. Did you see your first concert here? Cheer on a Big 12 win? Get engaged at a Blazers game? Serve as an extra on a film set?

Comment below or DM us to share your Myriad Memories, especially if you have photos! Together, let’s honor the legacy of this iconic OKC institution. We'd appreciate the shares on this one!

🎶🏀🏒🎥

12/07/2024

The Prairie Surf team is deeply saddened to learn of Steve Mensch’s passing. Steve Mensch was president of Tyler Perry Studios, a steadfast advocate for the film industry, and a valued advisor to our team. Steve graciously hosted the OKC Chamber at Tyler Perry Studios this past October and welcomed Prairie Surf to Atlanta several times, always sharing his insight, expertise, and generosity.

As our CEO, Matt Payne, shared: “Steve Mensch has been a champion of all things Prairie Surf and Oklahoma film. We are heartbroken to learn of his passing. We will be forever grateful for his counsel, expertise, and huge heart. His family and the whole Georgia film community are in our thoughts.”

Steve’s kindness and belief in the potential of Oklahoma’s creative industry made a lasting impression on us all. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and the Georgia film community during this difficult time.

Steve Mensch, President and Manager of General Operations for Tyler Perry Studios, was killed in a plane crash Friday night.

12/03/2024

Last week, Prairie Surf CEO Matt Payne Media visited Scissortail Studios' 2024 Winter Workshop to see Oklahoma City Public Schools students in action as they worked with a local crew to produce a short film.

Students from all six Scissortail Studios participating high schools: Capitol Hill, Northwest Classen, U.S. Grant, Star Spencer, and Douglass, brought creativity and energy to this three-day intensive, gaining hands-on skills in film production.

Scissortail Studios is part of OKCPS’s effort to prepare students for opportunities in Oklahoma’s growing film industry. Prairie Surf Media is proud to support programs that empower the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Matt spent some time observing the action and stepped onto set himself to be interviewed about the impact of this ambitious OKCPS initiative 🎥✨

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Prairie Surf!

It's been a spectacular year for Oklahoma filmmaking, and we have plenty to be grateful for. We wish each of you a meaningful holiday with those you hold dear.

11/27/2024

Last week, Prairie Surf’s creative team wrapped principal photography on a project two years in the making—a documentary about the inspiring efforts to revitalize Oklahoma City’s historic Jewel Theatre. This project holds special significance for us, as it helped launch Prairie Surf Creative, our storytelling division.

Built in 1931, the Jewel Theatre is the city’s last remaining historically Black theater. During segregation, it provided a safe and vibrant space for the Black community to enjoy films and performances, standing as a cultural cornerstone. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of resilience and heritage.

Community leaders like Arthur Hurst, who grew up attending the Jewel Theatre, and Senator Nikki Nice have worked tirelessly to revitalize this historic space, with critical support from Open Design, Oklahoma’s first woman-led, non-profit design firm. Acting as both architect and project manager, Open Design was invited to apply and secured a competitive $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, propelling the restoration forward. Last week, we celebrated the kickoff of the first phase of this transformative project.

Working alongside Notis Studios, Prairie Surf is proud to document this journey and share the story of the Jewel Theatre, preserving its legacy as a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s cultural history.

11/26/2024

Today’s Oklahoman features the article "Screen Test: After Success of 'Twisters' and 'Reagan,' What is the Future of Oklahoma Film?" The piece highlights how industry leaders, creatives, and government officials are collaborating to sustain the momentum of Oklahoma’s thriving film industry.

It rightly emphasizes the need to expand infrastructure and increase film incentives to remain competitive with neighboring states and attract more major productions.

At Prairie Surf, we’re honored to have contributed to this progress and remain committed to Oklahoma's growth as a top destination for world-class film production.

As our CEO Matt Payne says in the article, "This is the greatest opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of Oklahoma film that we've ever had, so we plan to do so."

Read more: https://bit.ly/4g32jNc

11/25/2024

We’re thrilled to share the video we created for 1Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma’s groundbreaking NIL initiative redefining how athletes and fans connect.

It was an honor to work with Coach Bob Stoops, 1Oklahoma, and The University of Oklahoma on this project and to see it premiere in the electric atmosphere of Ga***rd Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium during a huge home win!

Learn more: 1Oklahoma.com

11/24/2024

Last night, Ga***rd Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium was absolutely electric as Oklahoma Football took down Alabama in an epic home win! 🏈⚡️

What a thrilling opportunity to premiere Prairie Surf’s latest project for OU—right there on the jumbotron, surrounded by the roar of 80,000 fans with the energy dialed all the way up. We'll share a closer look at the 1Oklahoma project soon - so excited to support The University of Oklahoma as they redefine NIL, creating opportunity for athletes and unparallelled access to Sooner fans.

It was a night to remember—big plays, big wins, and Sooner pride at its best. We’re honored to be part of it—Boomer Sooner! 🎥🏆

https://www.1oklahoma.com/

11/21/2024

The Prairie Surf team had the opportunity to team up with Coach Stoops on an upcoming project. While we’re keeping the details on the sidelines for now, we enjoyed the visit with a Sooner legend.

11/11/2024

This Veterans Day, Prairie Surf salutes one of our own: Marine veteran and EVP of Studio Operations, Hagan Hunter!

After dedicating seven years to the U.S. Marine Corps, Hagan pursued petroleum geology at OU and later worked for nearly three years as an engineer in Saudi Arabia.

His journey eventually led him back to Oklahoma and into the film industry, where he now leads our studio operations with the resilience and enthusiasm he gained from his military service.

For Hagan, the greatest reward of working on productions like “Twisters” and “Tulsa King” is seeing the positive impact on Oklahoma, creating job opportunities that welcome people from all backgrounds, regardless of degrees or diplomas.

Today, we salute Hagan and all who have served.

11/02/2024

Yesterday, Prairie Surf Media welcomed the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum's Day One Luncheon to our studios, formerly the Myriad Convention Center.

For the event, Prairie Surf's creative team produced a project that tells the story of what unfolded within these walls following the bombing. Volunteers, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, and various government and nonprofit agencies worked tirelessly to transform the Myriad into a 24/7 lifeline for relief, providing Urban Search and Rescue Teams and other first responders with essential food, shelter, and care. In many ways, the Myriad played a pivotal role in establishing the Oklahoma Standard.

Seeing leaders return to these halls for this annual reflection on resilience and unity was both moving and meaningful, and we’re honored to help preserve this powerful legacy through storytelling.

10/23/2024

Congratulations to OU graduate Lagueria Davis for her incredible documentary, Black Barbie, now streaming on Netflix! We were thrilled to welcome Lagueria to Prairie Surf during her return to Oklahoma as part of OU's Film and Media Studies speaker series.

Black Barbie explores the cultural impact of the Black Barbie doll, sparking essential conversations about representation and identity in the toy industry.

We’re proud to celebrate Lagueria’s success and can’t wait to see where her storytelling takes her next. We encourage you to check out the doc on Netflix!