Video production in Tulsa has evolved into a thriving industry filled with talented creatives, state-of-the-art studios, and incredible locations. Whether you’re creating a commercial, music video, corporate training video, or a full-length documentary, Tulsa offers a wealth of resources to help bring your project to life. This guide will walk you through every stage of the video production process in Tulsa — from the initial spark of an idea to the polished final cut.
Understanding the Video Production Process
Before diving into Tulsa-specific resources, it’s important to understand the three main stages of video production:
- Pre-Production — This is where all the planning takes place: scripting, storyboarding, casting, and location scouting.
- Production — This is the actual filming process. Cameras roll, actors perform, and the crew captures the footage.
- Post-Production — This is the editing phase, where the footage is polished, color-corrected, and enhanced with sound, graphics, and effects.
Tulsa offers excellent opportunities and service providers for each of these stages. Let’s explore the journey in depth.
Pre-Production: Laying the Groundwork
Pre-production sets the foundation for a successful video project. In Tulsa, this stage is made easier with a number of local resources.
1. Concept Development
Any great video starts with a compelling idea. Whether you’re working with a creative agency in Tulsa or brainstorming internally, the goal is to define the story, tone, and target audience of the video.
2. Scriptwriting
A script outlines the narrative and dialogue. Tulsa boasts a number of seasoned scriptwriters who specialize in everything from short-form commercials to feature-length screenplays. Look for writers with experience in your specific genre or industry.
3. Storyboarding and Shot Planning
Visualizing each shot beforehand is essential for a streamlined shoot. Local artists in Tulsa offer storyboard services, and many production companies include this as part of their package.
4. Casting and Talent
Tulsa has a growing pool of local actors and voice-over artists. Casting calls can be arranged through local talent agencies such as Switzer Talent or Talent House Tulsa.
5. Location Scouting
The city’s diverse landscapes—urban streetscapes, historic buildings, lush greenery, and even rustic countryside—make Tulsa a filmmaker’s dream. The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture can help with permitting and recommendations.
Production: Lights, Camera, Tulsa
Once the project is planned, it’s time to bring it to life. Tulsa offers a mix of professional studios and outdoor locations that cater to various production needs.
1. Choosing a Crew
Tulsa is home to a community of talented cinematographers, sound engineers, gaffers, and production assistants. Whether you’re doing a small indie shoot or a large commercial production, finding the right crew is key. Production houses like Retrospec Films, Prairie Pictures, and Cloud Gate Studios offer full-service crews with years of experience.
2. Renting Equipment
Camera and lighting gear can make or break your shoot. Tulsa’s rental companies like JLK Creative and Top Knot Rentals offer affordable packages that include cameras, drones, lighting kits, and sound gear.
3. Studio Spaces and Sound Stages
If your project requires a controlled setting, Tulsa studios like GreenPasture Studios and Flicker Fusion Studio offer flexible rental options complete with green screens, soundproofing, and set-building capabilities.
4. Filming on Location
From the Art Deco beauty of downtown to the natural beauty of areas like Turkey Mountain or the nearby Tallgrass Prairie, Tulsa provides numerous filming locations. It’s advisable to work with local location managers or the city film office to navigate permissions and logistics.
Post-Production: Shaping Your Story
This is where your raw footage becomes a finished masterpiece. Post-production is often the longest part of the process, but Tulsa offers a range of professionals and services to expedite your timeline without sacrificing quality.
1. Video Editing
Editors in Tulsa work with industry-standard software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. They cut the best takes, sequence them effectively, and make sure the pace and mood reflect your original vision.
2. Color Correction and Grading
Color correction ensures consistent lighting across scenes, while grading gives your video its emotional tone. Post houses in Tulsa like Flowsight Media and Skyline Post offer professional grading services.
3. Sound Design and Music
Don’t underestimate the importance of sound. Local composers, audio engineers, and Foley artists can create immersive soundscapes and score original music tailored to your needs. Tulsa is rich in musical talent, making it a great place to source custom scores.
4. Special Effects and Motion Graphics
Whether you need title sequences, animated explainer video elements, or visual effects, Tulsa-based motion graphics artists can help. Professionals at firms like Golden One Studio and freelancers via platforms like Thumbtack or Upwork Tulsa can provide high-quality digital work.
5. Final Review and Delivery
Once editing is complete, the final cut undergoes a review process where any last-minute tweaks are made. After approval, the video is exported in the necessary formats, whether for television, web, or social media platforms.
Tulsa as a Filmmaking Destination
You might be wondering why you should produce your video in Tulsa rather than somewhere like L.A. or New York. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Affordability: Production costs in Tulsa are significantly lower than in major film cities.
- Authenticity: Tulsa offers a unique blend of historical and modern visuals, making it a fresh alternative for creatives looking for something new.
- Community: Tulsa’s film scene is tight-knit but welcoming, with plenty of collaboration and mutual support among creators.
- Incentives: Oklahoma offers film production incentives, including cash rebates, for qualifying projects that spend in-state.
Tips for a Smooth Production in Tulsa
- Build local relationships: Partnering with Tulsa-based talent and vendors can smooth out logistics and foster creative collaboration.
- Plan ahead: From permitting to weather considerations, advanced planning pays off.
- Leverage community resources: Organizations like the Oklahoma Film + Music Office and Circle Cinema support the local filmmaking community with events, networking, and guidance.
Conclusion
Tulsa is not just a city with potential — it’s already a blossoming hub for video production. With its mix of affordability, artistic talent, state-of-the-art equipment, and scenic locations, Tulsa offers unparalleled opportunities for content creators of all kinds. Whether your project is large or small, narrative or corporate, you’ll find the tools and talent you need right here in the heart of Oklahoma.
So, the next time you envision a dynamic, polished video that tells your story, look no further than Tulsa — where your vision can go from concept to final cut with expertise and style.