Art & Victory is a free monthly panel discussion series designed for creative entrepreneurs. Ran by The Show Starts Now Studios in collaboration with the Norman Arts CouncilThe DepotNorman Film Fest, and OkSessions, the topic for September’s panel was Making Short Films, in honor of the Norman Film Festival. Christian Pearson from OkSessions hosted for this panel discussion. 

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

Laron M. Chapman is an actor, screenwriter, director and co-producer from Oklahoma with a BA in Film and Media Studies and a background in journalism and film production. A passionate screenwriter/filmmaker, his work spans from reality TV featured on the Food Network, FOX, Discovery Channel, and the Oklahoma-filmed, Academy Award nominated film August: Osage County (starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts). Laron made his directorial debut in 2017 with his now multi-award winning feature film, “You People.” He has since co-directed the five-part anthology film “Mono” and is currently working on his second sure fire-hit feature, Freaky AF.

Alyx Picard Davis is the Director of Festival and Operations for deadCenter Film Festival. Originally a long-time volunteer in host, events, transportation, and programming, she came on board full-time in 2013. She worked with budding rock stars at ACM@UCO and served on UCO’s Alumni Board. Alyx worked in the production office on The Killer Inside Me, the star-filled serial killer film made all over Oklahoma. She co-produced Lance McDaniel’s award-winning film Swirl, 2017 OKC48 film Previously on Alley Cats…, directed the 2018 OKC48 film Escape, and tries to produce a couple of short films every year, including the award-winning The Stand-In. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Film Festival Alliance, creating a collaborative global community for mission-driven film festivals.

Kyle Roberts is an Emmy Award-winning director with over 10 years of experience. Roberts specializes in film projects including stop motion animation and music videos. He serves as the Founder/ Creative Director of Reckless Abandonment Pictures LLC, an independent motion picture company based in Oklahoma City, OK. Roberts worked at NewsOK.com for 7 years where he produced a local music show ‘Static’. After obtaining millions of views on Roberts personal youtube channel, he was selected to compete on Syfy’s first season of ‘Viral Video Showdown’.

In 2017 Roberts directed two stop motion animated series for Mattel’s Thomas & Friends. In 2018 Roberts directed a stop motion animated series for DreamWorks Trolls and a national commercial for LEGO.


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