Prairie Surf Media

Don't miss this article from The Journal Record about the crucial role Film Production Rebates have played in Oklahoma’s rapidly growing creative industry. Over the past two years, film and TV productions have generated nearly $125 million in direct spending for Oklahoma City alone—momentum that requires additional support to sustain. Jill Simpson, head of the OKC Film and Creative Industries Office, stressed, “We’re at a critical point. We need to grow our incentive budget. We’re turning away tens of millions of dollars in production revenue.” To keep pace with this growth and cement Oklahoma’s place in the film industry, Prairie Surf is proud to join other industry leaders in advocating for expanded funding in 2025! https://bit.ly/3BRZTC4

One of the most rewarding parts of our work at Prairie Surf is encouraging the next generation of Oklahoma’s creative talent. The Digital Media Technology program students from Canadian Valley Tech Center had great energy and even better questions as they toured the studios this week. It’s always inspiring to meet young Oklahomans eager to explore careers in digital media, film, and storytelling. Supporting and mentoring these students is a big part of why we love what we do, and we can’t wait to see how they contribute to Oklahoma’s flourishing creative scene.

CEO Matt Payne had the honor of judging the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Creative Media Storyteller Festival for the fourth consecutive year. This festival gives freshman and sophomore students a chance to create and showcase their first short films, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world projects. The event offers an exciting look at the emerging talent within Oklahoma's film community and plays a vital role in Gaylord College’s mission to foster storytelling and media production skills in future filmmakers. Sharing in this mission, Prairie Surf Media is proud to support such a remarkable program and can’t wait to see where these young filmmakers' creativity takes them next! Congratulations to all participants, and to Gaylord College at the University of Oklahoma for putting on another exceptional festival!

Today marks the final day to experience the stunning "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer" exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art! As we bid farewell to this incredible showcase, we’re revisiting the mini-documentary Prairie Surf's creative team produced in conjunction with the museum. Three minutes is not enough time to delve into the life and work of the legendary Edith Head, one of Hollywood’s most influential costume designers, but our panel of Oklahoma designers and historians did their best. From her iconic designs for stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly to her groundbreaking work behind the scenes, this exhibit has offered a rare glimpse into her creative genius. Don’t miss your last chance to see her timeless costumes and enjoy the shine of Hollywood's Golden Age, right here in OKC. Head to OKCMOA today (9/29) before it’s gone!

Congratulations to Prairie Surf CEO Matt Payne on joining the Board of Visitors at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. This partnership is especially meaningful for Prairie Surf, as we’ve collaborated closely with Gaylord's Creative Media Production department for years and witnessed firsthand the incredible talent cultivated there. Gaylord’s influence reaches far beyond Oklahoma. The Broadcast Education Association (BEA) ranks Gaylord #1 in the nation for video and film production based on the number of student awards. It also holds the title of #2 overall program in the country, a testament to the strength of all its majors. Prairie Surf is honored to continue to support this powerhouse in media education, and Matt looks forward to further engaging as board member!

Earlier this month, Prairie Surf hosted the Wichita Chapter of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) for a discussion and tour. YPO brings together a global community of innovative CEOs and business leaders, all driven by a shared commitment to growth, leadership, and creating positive change in their industries. During their visit, Prairie Surf CEO Matt Payne, EVP of Studio Operations Hagan Hunter, and Jill Simpson of the OKC Film and Creative Industries Office shared the exciting trajectory of film in Oklahoma, and exchanged ideas about the synergy between business leadership and creative production. It was an inspiring chance to connect with such an inspiring group of forward-thinking leaders from our neighbors to the north!

As the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing approaches, Prairie Surf proudly welcomed former Mayor Ron Norick, Fire Chief Gary Marrs, and other key figures back to the former Myriad Convention Center—now our home. After the bombing, first responders used this building as a crucial command center for rescue and recovery efforts, working tirelessly to save lives and bring hope to our city. These leaders, including Debby Hampton, who worked for the American Red Cross of Oklahoma at the time of the bombing; Debra Bailey of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, whose members turned their annual food service convention into a relief effort; and Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum CEO Kari Watkins, shared stories of resilience remembered from their time in these halls. The resulting project will be shown at the Day One Luncheon, scheduled for November 1 at Prairie Surf. We’re grateful for the opportunity to preserve the history of our community’s strength through storytelling. Attend the Day One Luncheon November 1st: https://lnkd.in/gf6j2zkj Matt Payne

The OKC Bus Trip, organized by the OKC Innovation District and NE OKC Renaissance, brought 15 college upperclassmen to Prairie Surf as part of an exploration of workforce, cultural, and philanthropic opportunities in OKC. Thanks to Jill Simpson of OKC Film and Creative Industries, Boiling Point Media, and Notis Studios for lending their expertise to the panel discussion about Oklahoma's film and production growth. Prairie Surf is always excited to meet and mentor talented young Oklahomans!

?? Scissortail Studios at Douglass High School allows students to dive into hands-on filmmaking experience and call "action" on their future. Prairie Surf's Matt Payne and Hagan Hunter toured the incredible new soundstage at Douglass, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of Oklahoma's creative workforce. Jill Simpson of OKC's Film and Creative Office and House Representative Rhonda Baker, who serves as the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's Director of Education, joined the Prairie Surf team on site. Congratulations to Marcus Brown and Dekoven Riggins of Notis Studios and educators at five other OKCPS Schools, who, through this innovative partnership, are preparing the next generation for big things in the film industry. This is what workforce development looks like - a remarkable investment in Oklahoma education and new industry!??

Prairie Surf is incredibly honored to host this year’s Day One Luncheon, commemorating 168 days of remembrance leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Prairie Surf Studios is housed in the former Myriad Convention Center, which was crucial in supporting search and rescue efforts immediately after the tragedy. The Myriad served as housing for Urban Search & Rescue Teams from across the nation. The Oklahoma Restaurant Association established 24-hour feeding operations on-site for all relief workers. A Multi-Agency Coordination Center including the American Red Cross, FEMA, the Oklahoma Department of Civil Emergency Management, and other advisors from city, state, and national agencies worked tirelessly in what are now our halls. It is a privilege to have some of those leaders return to the building for this impactful event, bringing our community together to honor those we lost, celebrate the resilience of survivors, and reflect on the enduring strength of the Oklahoma Standard. Prairie Surf stands with the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in remembering and moving forward with hope. To learn more or get tickets, visit https://bit.ly/47fpctG