OKMULGEE – Mvskoke citizen Thomas Berryhill has been busy in the local Oklahoma film scene. He has worked on background roles in local film productions, including “Fancy Dance” and “Twisters.” His television credits include Sterlin Harjo’s “Reservation Dogs” and “The Lowdown.” Building on his industry knowledge, Berryhill earned his program completion certification from the Cherokee Film Institute.
Berryhill took classes in all stages of filmmaking, including the creative and financial sides of the industry. The institute offers scholarships and discounted rates to Cherokee Nation citizens and citizens of federally recognized Tribes. Berryhill received a scholarship for two of his courses. For those curious about the program, he encourages them to apply, regardless of how much they know about film.
“It’s built for students to get into the industry, it’s for anyone that has interest in it,” Berryhill said. “You don’t really have to have any kind of prior experience, just willingness and knowledge to go up there and take these courses.”
Berryhill currently serves as a recruiter for the College of the Muscogee Nation. Although he is no longer a college student, Berryhill continues to pursue learning new topics. He has taken classes at the Actor Factory and Cody Mayo Studios, both Oklahoma-based centers that train actors seeking careers in the film industry.
The movie that inspired Berryhill to become a filmmaker is the 1996 live-action/animated feature “Space Jam,” starring Michael Jordan. He remarked that he is excited to see new features and shows like “Gangland” and season two of “The Lowdown.”
With each new lesson in filmmaking, Berryhill becomes even more driven to pass on what he’s learned.
“I want to be a vessel of knowledge so I can help pass it on and hopefully no one has to pay these expenses,” Berryhill said. “At least see there’s a pathway to go and how I can help them follow that pathway.”
Berryhill said CMN now offers courses that teach the fundamentals of storyboarding, cameras, and improv.
Commenting on his immediate personal plans, Berryhill said he has short film scripts ready to shoot; he just needs to build a film crew and acquire the additional film equipment necessary. Berryhill also established an improv team at Cody Mayo Studios. The team will perform dinner theater at a new location, to be announced soon.
Those interested in applying to the Cherokee Film Institute can visit the website at cherokeefilminstitute.com. Courses are offered at the Owasso Tulsa Tech campus and at Cherokee Film Studios, 16990 E. 116th St. N.
