From May 27 to 30, Rose State College hosted an immersive overnight filmmaking camp that brought together 20 high school students from across Oklahoma. Campers traveled from communities such as Broken Bow, Broken Arrow, Del City, and Meeker to participate in this dynamic and creative experience.
Over the course of four days, students lived on campus and collaborated with industry professionals to produce a 15-minute short film titled Eleanor. The film tells the poignant story of a dancer who must confront a life-altering diagnosis that challenges her passion and purpose.
Professional Guidance Meets Student Talent
Students worked side by side with seasoned professionals who led each production department:
- Directing: Steve Jones
- Camera: Logan Walcher
- Sound: John Marshall
- Gaffer: Billy Baxter
- Grip: Tristen Moles
- Costume Design: Valerie Parker
- Art Department: Madeline Marckum
- Hair & Makeup: Erika O’Bar
- Script Supervision: Jaden Riddle
- Editing: Hannah McElfresh
Rose State Film Studies alumni also stepped in as assistant mentors, offering hands-on support and insight: Madison Martin (editing), Enrique Hernandez (camera), Ethan Swartz (sound), and Malcolm Owens (directing).
From Page to Screen: A Collaborative Journey
The script for Eleanor was written by Makinley Paige Montez, a participant in the February deadCenter Education and Rose State Screenwriting Workshop. Other camps across the state, including the one at OCCC the following week, also produced films based on scripts from this collaborative workshop.
The camp kicked off with a filmmaking boot camp on Day 1, during which students learned how to handle equipment, completed script breakdowns, and held production meetings. On Days 2 and 3, students filmed scenes across multiple campus locations, guided by their mentors. Day 4 focused on post-production—editing, scoring, and assembling a rough cut of the film.
A Campus-Wide Effort
Multiple departments across Rose State supported the camp by providing filming locations, meals, and logistical help, including:
- Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Campus Resource Center
- Student Engagement
- Wellness Center
- Health Sciences
- Respiratory Therapy
- Residence Life
- Fresh Ideas
- Event Services led by John Shackleford
Gaining Statewide Attention
The project garnered media attention as well. Representatives from the camp appeared on News 6’s The Morning Show to discuss the statewide impact of the deadCenter University training programs. The segment spotlighted the student-driven production and emphasized the importance of film education in Oklahoma. Watch the full interview here.
Film Festival Premiere
Eleanor will premiere this Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Harkins Bricktown Theater during the 25th Annual deadCenter Film Festival. Passes are available at deadcenterfilm.org.