Eric Rognas is the owner of Reel Film Catering, serving film and television productions throughout Oklahoma with great food, reliable service, and enough coffee to survive a 14-hour shoot. Known for saying “yes” before figuring out exactly how, he loves solving production problems, building lasting relationships, and making sure no one leaves the buffet hungry. His mission is simple: feed people well, support the crew, and prove that the catering trailer can be one of the best departments on set.
How did you get started in the film industry?
Long Story- I had a BBQ feast and the owners of Filmmaker’s Ranch (Green Pastures at the time) were wowed by the taste and the amount of food. They both asked me at different points of the evening if I’ve catered, which the answer was only for the church and have ever heard of film catering, definitely a no. So they introduced me to the producers of the show “Fairwood” that started shooting at Filmmaker’s Ranch in May of 2023 thru Oct 2023.
Did you have any formal education or training related to the film industry before starting?
Absolutely Zero! Just went to the movies like everyone else.
Did you have any formal education or training related to your specific department on-set?
Joined my men’s group at church whom had culinary experience so I would assume it was the osmosis of being in the same room.
What are some of your most recent successes (credits or accolades) related to your career in the industry?
My accolades come from calls of close friends giving me the schedule– not asking. And the ones from out of state saying, “I’ve had about 10 people give me your name.” My credits come first-hand experience.
What has your career in the state’s film industry taught you?
That there are indeed 7 different kinds of ADHD and how can I make each one feel good at the same time! No, seriously, my love and passion are the people keeping this art form alive. People need to box up their things and find ways of working together because at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal.
What is the highlight of your career thus far?
Spending the week with Jesus was up there….
Getting a call from a producer at 9:30PM on a Friday telling me to be in Missouri RTS 9:00AM on Monday. You can’t get a better compliment.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Oklahoma’s film and television industry?
Meeting and living with some of brightest artistic minds in Oklahoma. Watching everyone come together to solve the days issues while putting something beautiful on screen.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone starting their career in Oklahoma’s film industry?
Be ready. The work encompasses your thoughts, feelings, sweat, and tears. You’ll live every emotion day to day.
How does someone in your field/department best promote/market themselves to those hiring in your industry?
Asking the key question of how are you! Knowing catering isn’t about you. It’s about giving these wonderful people the fuel to carry forward only to do it again the next day, improving where you can.
Are there any local film organizations, resources or events that have been beneficial to you in your career?
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What’s the one item you can’t live without on set, and why?
Ears. Listening with an open heart to hear what’s going on with the crew to see if there are ways to help.
Would your career be impacted without the state’s film incentive program? If so, how?
Sure. Most of the films that I’ve been apart of if not all have had use of the film incentives.
Where do you see yourself – AND – Oklahoma’s film industry in the next five years?
King of the World! Seriously, keep putting in the work and they will find us!
What are you working on now or next?
Just finished “Reckoner” with Rebellium Films and “Before Sunday” with K-Love both shooting around Lawton at Medicine Park, Mount Scott and Styx Canyon Ranch. I’m getting calls from big features to verticals seemingly all happening between now and the end of October, so we shall see. I am on three productions filming in Missouri soon.
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.
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