The deadCenter University Youth Camp at Oklahoma City Community College, taking place June 2-6, 2025, offers an exclusive learning opportunity for students across the state. Led by Sean Lynch, Professor of Digital Cinema Production at OCCC’s Top 25 Film School, along with guest professionals from the film industry, high school students will gain hands-on experience as part of a film crew. Over five days, students will take on various crew roles, working together to complete a narrative short film. The finished film will be showcased at the 25th Annual deadCenter Film Festival to an audience of family, friends, and pass-holders.
The deadCenter University for Educators at Oklahoma City University offers Oklahoma teachers a two-day professional development workshop on implementing the state’s new media arts standards. Led by OCU Associate Professor Bryan Cardinale-Powell, one of the architects of the standards, the training prepares teachers to earn a media arts micro-credential for their teaching certificate. Educators will also gain practical strategies and connect with peers to enhance media arts integration in the classroom.
This is the first-ever deadCenter University Screenwriting Workshop at Rose State College, taking place over three Saturdays in February and one in March. This exclusive workshop selected high school and college students to learn from professional screenwriting mentors, with the top two earning the opportunity to write a credited script for the 2025 deadCenter University films. The workshop aligns with Rose State College's renowned screenwriting program, which hones aspiring writers' skills in storytelling, character development, and industry-standard techniques.
We’re thrilled to announce the first-ever deadCenter University Film Stunts Workshop at the EOC Tech Center this month! Exclusively for EOC students, this workshop offers a unique chance to learn from renowned stunt coordinator and performer Jon Bielich. With experience in films like Twisters, Killers of the Flower Moon, Jurassic Games, Minari, and more! Jon will teach students how to break into the film industry and what it takes to become a stunt performer.
We’re excited to announce our collaboration with OFA Studios for the first-ever deadCenter University Acting Labs! This FREE program offers selected participants the chance to train with expert acting coaches at OFA Studios and potentially be involved in this year’s deadCenter University films. Participants will gain valuable experience in on-camera acting, audition techniques, on-set etiquette, and will receive a professional headshot and self-tape. The labs will take place from 9am to 3pm on both Saturdays and Sundays. Choose the weekend that fits your schedule: April 12th-13th or April 26th-27th. Don’t miss out, sign up today!
The inaugural deadCenter University at Rose State College will take place from May 27-30, 2025. This exclusive film workshop is designed for Oklahoma high school students residing more than 30 miles outside the Oklahoma City metro area. Led by Marcus Mallard, Professor of English and Coordinator of Film Studies & Digital Media at Rose State College, along with industry professionals, students will gain practical experience as part of a film crew. Over the course of four days, they will collaborate in various crew roles to create a narrative short film. The completed film will be showcased at the 25th Annual deadCenter Film Festival for family, friends, and pass-holders.
Meet Victor! Head of deadCenter Film Education
In his 20 years in the industry, Victor Caballero has modeled in various print campaigns & acted in multiple commercials & films such as McDonalds, Stillwater, God’s Not Dead: We The People, & Malicious Motives. He's an independent award-winning producer and director. His latest film “Seeker” won Best Thriller at Venice Shorts, Arrow Festival, and Best Directing at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival.
In addition to his filmmaking, one of Victor’s greatest passions is teaching students the art of cinema and journalism. In 2022, he worked as a coach for the Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism at the University of Oklahoma and previously served on the Education Advisory Committee for deadCenter University. Since 2017, he has provided hands-on filmmaking experience through the OKCine Latino Film Institute. From pre-production to post-production each student is presented with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and tools needed to start them down the path of movie-making.