Based in OKC, Ashli Lung works as a Set Decorator, Set Dec Buyer, and On Set Dresser for film & TV. Production credits include “Twisters,” “Tulsa King,” “The Chosen,” “Reagan,” “The Line” and “New Years Rev”. In addition to her career in Set Decoration, Lung co-owns a small upcoming production company, Surefire Films.
How did you get started in the film industry?
I got my start on a low budget feature with a friend from film school. I was interning as a Set Decorator, since they could only afford two paid positions for the Art Department. I didn’t mind, I just wanted to dive in head first! Anything to get my name in the film world.
Shortly after, I got on my first paid union job on “Reagan” as an Art PA for the run of show. I remember being very eager to support & just be happy to be a part of the team.
Did you have any formal education or training related to the film industry before starting?
I was taking pre-engineering courses at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) when a tornado drill had us all relocate to the sound stage. As soon as I saw the set builds, I knew it was for me. That moment was nothing short of divine for me – I switched majors to film that same mid-semester night.
Luckily for me, OCCC has one of the best film programs in the nation. I made many friends and networking in the industry worked for me from that point.
Did you have any formal education or training related to your specific department on-set?
I took woodshop through high school. Being shop trained gave me some leverage on some jobs.
You never know what skills you might need or refer to in set decoration. “Good enough to be dangerous” is a quote you might hear in our shops. I might not be a trained drapery fabricator – but I’m good enough to be dangerous!
What are some of your most recent successes (credits or accolades) related to your career in the industry?
“Tulsa King” – Set Dec Buyer
“Twisters” – Set Dec Buyer
“Everything To Me” (“The Book of Jobs”) – Decorator
“The Chosen” S5 & S6 – Set Dresser
What has your career in the state’s film industry taught you?
It’s given a great sense of a tight-weaved community. We look out for each other.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
It’s hard to pick one point and call it the highlight. I enjoy the climb, the people, the puzzle & the hustle. The highlight is that this is my career, I never would have imagined this was an option for me growing up.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Oklahoma’s film and television industry?
Oklahoma crew offers something special that out-of-towners always notice and comment on. We work hard and are happy to whistle while we work. Maybe it’s the “right-to-work state” in us or just that good old fashioned southern grit.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone starting their career in Oklahoma’s film industry?
First impressions are highly important. Give your first chances your absolute all. Go above and beyond. Anticipate your leader’s needs and be ready for them. They will remember that when they get on the next show & hire crew. The word will go around that you are reliable. It gets easier from there
How does someone in your field/department best promote/market themselves to those hiring in your industry?
Get on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office’s production directory and stay in touch with your colleagues about upcoming work.
Are there any local film organizations, resources or events that have been beneficial to you in your career?
Facebook groups, OF+MO website, the Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance (OKMPA), and the good people at OCCC.
What’s the one item you can’t live without on set, and why?
One? psh! In Set Dec, you need to be ready for anything.
Would your career be impacted without the state’s film incentive program? If so, how?
Definitely! I’m not sure if we would have enough work in Oklahoma to support all these existing & growing careers without it. It’s absolutely necessary. I’m still eager & hoping to see if we can get it raised to a higher cap.
Where do you see yourself – AND – Oklahoma’s film industry in the next five years?
I hope to see a larger range of shows on our turf. Small to huge budgets. We are trying to steadily grow in a way that really matters.
What are you working on now or next?
I’m currently sweating in the Texas heat on “The Chosen.” I love our shared union and the ability to be on this show.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
