Letter from the President...

Jim Butcher
President
 

Peter Zhmutski
Vice President
 

Vacant
Secretary
 

Peggy Char
Treasurer
 

Paul G. Hiller
President Emeritus
 

Vacant
Board Member
 

Joel Hulett
Board Member
 

Bryan Osborne
Board Member

Hi, I'm Jim Butcher, OTFC's newly appointed president. Most of you do not know me. But like so many, film has been in my blood ever since I was a teenager watching the award shows dreaming of when I would receive an Oscar for an original screenplay.

Quite often "life" tends to move a person in a different direction from what we have planned, and for the past 30 years I have been a working journalist. Today I am executive editor for a group of newspapers.

My heart and soul are still in film with a focus on screenwriting and producing. For the past four years I have been a friend and writing partner with Andy Horton, head of the University of Oklahoma's Film & Video Studies department.

On March 27 of this year, my wife Meg and I hosted a Celebrate Tulsa Film Community party, and only one word can describe it--WOW! We met a large number of key people and film professionals from Norman/OKC to Tulsa to Muskogee. Click HERE for some photos.

My appointment to the office of president, and Peter Zhmutski as VP, is to bring FRESH leadership to the Council as it refocuses itself in the film community. But we cannot do it alone. The quality of the Council and its value to each member will be in direct correlation to the contribution and participation of the membership.

As president I make this commitment of giving you my best, working hard, and hopefully providing the quality and strength of leadership that will re-energize the Council.

There are three things I want from each member of Oklahoma's Film Community and, in turn, I will give you an outstanding OTFC:

1. Input. Tell me what you want, need, and expect from the OTFC. Please submit your ideas and suggestions by May 30 via email to tallgrassfilms@aol.com. I am developing a preliminary program of work (2004-2005) to be submitted to and approved by the OTFC Executive Committee by this July.
    
2. Membership. If you are not an OTFC member, I want you to join. The value of the Council to you will increase as membership and a program of work grows. Peter and I both want you to believe that your OTFC membership is worthwhile to you and your company.
    
3. Contribution and Participation. In addition to your paid membership in the Council, I am asking you to contribute time, expertise and energy. Working professionals need to return something to the film community. Attend events. Show your support for OTFC and Oklahoma's film community. Participation will vary with each person. What is important is to be INVOLVED.
    

My door is open to each and everyone. Share your ideas. I am here to help in building the Oklahoma Territory Film Council in becoming the recognized leader and resource in Oklahoma Film, as well as creating a friendly environment for filmmakers.

Jim Butcher