Taylor Mullins is a production manager based in Oklahoma City with more than 15 years of experience working across commercials, feature films and television. His credits include work on “Live PD,” “Reservation Dogs” as well as numerous feature films and high-profile national commercials. He currently focuses on developing strong production crews and supporting the continued growth of Oklahoma as a competitive production market.
How did you get started in the film industry?
I’ve always loved movies, but it wasn’t until I took my first film class in college that I saw it as a potential career. Early on, I worked in sports broadcasting, then features, then reality TV, and now we’re back to narrative work and commercials. I’ve always sought out the opportunities readily available to me, which have made me adaptable and helped me build a multifaceted skill set.
Did you have any formal education or training related to the film industry before starting?
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma in Film & Video Studies (yes, I’m that old), with an emphasis in film theory and screenwriting. Several years later, I returned to OU to earn my Master of Arts in Video Production & Documentary Filmmaking.
Did you have any formal education or training related to your specific department on-set?
When my son was born, I took about a year off from my career and went to work for Paycom, where I received further training in payroll accounting and team management/leadership.
What are some of your most recent successes (credits or accolades) related to your career in the industry?
I’ve been lucky enough in my career to work on numerous high-profile and award-winning productions, even earning a few awards myself. But the accolade that really stuck with me came from an apprentice several years ago during her exit interview, when she described me as “like working for Ted Lasso who likes to swear.”
What has your career in the state’s film industry taught you?
The importance of your word and your character. This is a small market, and those two things are infinitely more valuable here than somewhere like LA, NYC or Toronto. You will work with these people again, and they will remember you. How you carry yourself and treat others, especially those you hire, is paramount to building trust and relationships in a market this size. It may sound cheesy, but your word is your bond. If you don’t follow through for your crew or team, why would they follow through for you?
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
A lot of people would shy away from saying this, but many of those moments didn’t exactly happen in the film portion of my career. During my reality TV days, I was lucky enough to regularly experience situations many would consider “once in a lifetime.” From working in Alaska during the long dark in -50 degrees, to high-speed car chases, to even being bitten by an alligator, I’ll never forget those moments. There are too many to list here.
However, I will say that the biggest highlight for me recently was Jalen Williams remembering (or claiming to remember) me from our last shoot together. I won’t hold my breath for it to happen again, but it sure felt good this time around!
What is your favorite aspect of working in Oklahoma’s film and television industry?
Narrowing it down is easy, but deciding is impossible. Without question, it has to be the people and the landscapes. I’ve worked all over the country, and the crews here in Oklahoma are among the most genuine and hardworking you’ll find anywhere. The highlight of any shoot for me is when the clients are leaving and say, “Wow, I never thought we’d have a crew like this in Oklahoma.”
As for the landscapes, I challenge you to find anywhere else in the USA that is as geographically diverse outside of California. We have everything you might be looking for. It may just be a little harder to find or a little smaller, but it will be beautiful and a hell of a lot cheaper.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone starting their career in Oklahoma’s film industry?
Take advantage of the opportunities that weren’t around when people my age were coming up. Specifically, the apprenticeship program through the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. I come from one of the last generations that was told, “You’re going to need to work for free for a while,” which I sadly did. So having PAID opportunities to work, and learn from real, genuine industry professionals is beyond valuable in my mind.
How does someone in your field/department best promote/market themselves to those hiring in your industry?
I have my own website that I recently launched, but one thing I’ve tried to do in recent years is make my social media presence more exclusive and private while still making sure to add any crew members I worked well with or want to stay in contact with. I’ve seen firsthand that simply staying on some of these people’s radar as an active member of the community really helps when opportunity arises. However, do not misrepresent yourself. This is your work portfolio now, not a platform for you to pretend to be the next Tarantino.
Are there any local film organizations, resources or events that have been beneficial to you in your career?
Every organization you can become involved with will only benefit you in the long run. The Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance, Coffee with Crew, deadCenter, you name it. If they’re getting the community active, you should be getting active with them. I also cannot speak highly enough of Amy and Richard Janes at Filmmaker’s Ranch. They’re making great things happen out there and doing whatever they can to open as many doors for as many people as possible. If you’re able to get involved with them, the sooner the better.
What’s the one item you can’t live without on set, and why?
There was a point in my career when I would have said a bulletproof vest and a helmet, but luckily those days are long behind me. These days I’d say a flat-billed baseball cap, sunglasses, my tablet and ideally a shirt without sleeves.
Would your career be impacted without the state’s film incentive program? If so, how?
Without question, the state’s film incentive is the backbone of our industry. Without it, we wouldn’t exist. The proper implementation and growth of the incentive program are absolutely paramount to the survival of the film industry in Oklahoma, especially now that we’re competing with Texas.
Where do you see yourself – AND – Oklahoma’s film industry in the next five years?
As long as we are able to continue growing the film incentive, our industry will continue to grow as well, particularly when it comes to our crew base. Every year our crew base gets bigger, better and more specialized. The fewer crew members that have to be brought in, the better. Needless to say, if we continue to grow our skill set as a community, there is no reason Oklahoma should not become a considerable mid-American production market in the next five years.
Myself in five years? I’ll still be here, still making things happen to the best of my ability, playing in the garden and raising my family the Oklahoma way. I will say, though, that a personal goal is to find some land somewhere between Oklahoma City and Tulsa that would allow me the freedom to more easily work both markets, because I sincerely believe by that time, things will be too good between the two to choose. It’s also fun to blow stuff up after a shoot to relieve stress.
What are you working on now or next?
I recently wrapped season one of “The Filmmaker’s Table” out at Filmmaker’s Ranch, as well as a great commercial shoot for Degree deodorant with Chet Holmgren and Candace Parker. If things continue the way they’re going, I’m hoping to be working on several upcoming features here in the Oklahoma City area next, though unfortunately I can’t go into further detail on those just yet. Fingers crossed!
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.
