The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) is the largest organization of Location Managers and Location Scouts in the motion picture, television, commercial and print production industries. Their membership plays a vital role in the creativ
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50 • LMGI COMPASS | Summer 2026 and crafted scenes marked by precision and restraint. "I love that about locations," Kucharski says. "We get to experience and learn about such a broad skill set for logistical reasons, so you get a crash course in building a road, how to move and catalogue artwork, proper humidity parameters. It scratches some itch that I have." Oklahoma's volatile weather offered creative opportunities throughout the filming. Fast-moving storms, fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable winds challenged the crew— who at one point used a boat to break up lake ice after a surprise freeze—but also created some of the show's most striking imagery. Rather than delay production for bad weather, heavy skies, humid streets and dramatic storm light enhanced the show's visual style. Building Trust: The Human Side of Production Tulsa's response to the series reflects growing civic pride in the city's expanding film identity and frames the production as community-driven rather than industry-driven. Key to The Lowdown's success is the long-term creative partnership of an established local crew that understands the communities, landscapes and histories in a nuanced way that outsiders might miss. "Sterlin really fought for the project and the crew to be here," reiterates Kucharski. "He wants people that get it. There is a way to work in this industry where people have lives and are treated with respect and dignity. Anybody in this industry can tell you horror stories about working on a terrible project, but I've worked with Sterlin long enough that I have no patience for it anymore." "Sterlin has a Bluetooth speaker and a guitar on set at all times," adds Brodie. "He's serenading the crew or playing his favorite tracks between takes and it changes the energy. We keep manageable hours and strive to make sure our crew and cast are seen and heard at all times. We now have Ethan Hawke being championed as a '2025 Tulsan of the Year' because of the joy that he's experienced on set and in our community. Sterlin's sets are unlike any other and we won't stop creating this way. We believe this is a better and healthier way to create. "Everybody here in the community is so excited about the show and it's so welcoming," says Tonner-Connoly. "They're excited about being able to tell Tulsa stories and have an authentic Tulsa experience shown to so many people." Residents became part of the production ecosystem, volunteering as extras, sharing historical context or offering space for equipment staging. The filmmakers developed strong relationships with local businesses, vendors and community partners over the extended production timeline. "We have crew members that have been with us for years that we've found in coffee shops, bars and restaurants, all with a desire to create but not sure where to start," says Brodie. "Meg Gould from the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, Maria Gus from Visit Bartlesville, and the Muscogee Creek Nation have been invaluable in our community efforts and permitting to make sure our days go off without a hitch." Rather than shutting entire areas down, production often worked within local rhythms: pedestrians, traffic noise, weather fluctuations and business activity. "We're constantly begging, borrowing and stealing in the best possible way because we rely on the kindness of strangers," says Tonner-Connolly. "That's really special and it's a continual wealth. The community is our biggest resource." The Future of Tulsa on Screen As The Lowdown continues into a second season with new cast additions and plot twists, audiences can also expect fresh locations and visual environments as the story ventures into larger institutional environments. The story may shift, but the underlying mission continues: to honor communities carrying stories too complex to fit neatly into official narratives. "It's a totally different storyline with a very different feel from the first season, but we're still shining a light on the justice system in America," Kucharski says. "I would say to expect an alarming amount of new locations," teases Tonner-Connolly. "We're getting out of Tulsa to a more rural county and building that community from the ground up. "The thing I love about Sterlin's writing and creative force in general is there's empathy for all the characters, nobody is treated as a throwaway. I think Chris continues that in terms of making sure that we're respectful and we're also being authentic to everything there. You get the sense that truth, reciprocity and community are important to us, and hopefully, it comes through that we care so much about where we make the show." That spirit of trust and mutual purpose is shared by those who have spent years working together. "As a proud LMGI member, I had a lot of time in the field working locations before moving more into producing and Chris has become a brother to me in the