This is deadCENTER’s 10th anniversary — can you tell us a
little about how this all got started and how it’s progressed over the
past decade?deadCENTER began as a simple idea to unite the local film community. What started with a two-day event and a handful of films at one venue has now grown to a five-day event with over 100 films at seven locations throughout downtown Oklahoma City. We’re bigger, better and ready to take over the world!
What are some of the most memorable films you’ve screened over the years and why?
A huge turning point for deadCENTER was in 2007 when we screened The Flaming Lips documentary, “UFO’s at the Zoo.” Over 1,800 people turned out for the free outdoor screening. And you know what? They all came back the next year and told all their friends! That year marked a major change in that people FINALLY knew about us. Total world domination isn’t ours just yet, but it’s close. Soooo, close.
On the deadCENTER website, it says the festival was designed to “inspire growth in the local film industry and energize visiting film professionals.” Can you give me a couple of success stories related to your mission?
I’ll give you my FAVORITE story. And I’m serious about it being my FAVORITE because I wrote FAVORITE in all caps. Two years ago, a young talented filmmaker came to deadCENTER for the first time. He had a script and the desire to make a great independent film, but didn’t have all the puzzle pieces to make it happen. This young gent showed up at the festival, networked his rear off and met the crew he needed to help make his project. And now his film, “The Rounder Comes to Town,” will be screening his first film at deadCENTER this year.
You’re a filmmaker yourself… Can you tell us from an Oklahoma filmmaker’s perspective why deadCENTER is so important?
Networking, networking, meeting chicks, networking. To stay invested in the local film community, you have to stay engaged. deadCENTER is the one point during the year when people from around the state and country converge to watch films, talk about films, and drink beer while watching and talking about film. A filmmaker has to have this kind of community and opportunity to meet others like them in order to do what they love…make movies! And meet chicks.
What are some of your favorite deadCENTER memories?
In 2008, Wayne Coyne and his fellow Flaming Lips band mates erected a circus tent downtown to show another of their projects, “Christmas on Mars.” It rained. A lot. The tent was filled with deep, thick mud. There was no escaping it. But everyone was super chill and watched the film in spite of the conditions. Another was during my very first fest as an “official” employee. The sprinklers at the outdoor screening came on at the beginning of the film. Most people think back at what a hilarious set of circumstances that was. I think back and experience, just for a moment, a little bit of the panic attack I had that night while watching a sprinkler turn on directly under someone and their lawn chair. Hahahahaha…..gasp!
What are the big films and events planned for this year?
We’re super stoked about being one of two festivals screening the Mat Hoffman documentary, “The Birth of Big Air.” Mat will be there and I can’t think of a better way to kick off the fest than with a local hero. Our opening night film, “Ondine,” stars Colin “Hubba-Hubba” Ferrell and our closing night film, “Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission,” will be out of this world. Pun totally intended. And let’s not forget our kickin’ panel series at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Lots of big super secret people will be there. But I’m not talking. Mwhahahaha!
Why should people come to deadCENTER?
Because 10,000 of your friends will be there. You don’t want to feel left out do you? Remember that one time in high school? Right. You don’t want that to happen again.
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