deadCenter Film sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12, 2025)— During Opening Night of the deadCenter Film Festival, the board of directors of deadCenter Film announced that acclaimed film producer/editor, creative strategist, and industry builder Amy Janes has been appointed as the organization’s new Executive Director. As Oklahoma’s only Oscar®-qualifying film festival celebrates its 25th anniversary, Janes steps into the role with more than 30 years of experience driving innovation in film, marketing, and education — both in Hollywood and in Oklahoma.
“As the founding executive director for deadCenter Film, I’m proud of the growth we’ve achieved in our 25-year history, evolving into a nationally recognized event that brings together filmmakers and industry leaders from around the world,” said Cacky Poarch, Co-Founder and retiring Executive Director of deadCenter Film. “Having worked with Amy for four years, I know that under her guidance deadCenter Film is poised to continue its remarkable trajectory and deepen its impact as Oklahoma’s film industry rapidly evolves.”
Janes spent two decades in Los Angeles, where she built a career as a producer, creative executive, and marketing innovator. She served as Vice President of Film Production at Paramount-based Parkchester Pictures, developing relationships across all media platforms and producing award-winning feature films, including As Seen Through These Eyes, a documentary narrated by Dr. Maya Angelou and funded by Sundance Channel.
As an independent documentary fixer and post-production consultant, Janes has guided acclaimed projects such as Valentine Road (Sundance/HBO) and Crossfire Hurricane (London Film Festival), working with filmmakers at every stage of the process to craft stories and secure distribution.
Beyond production, Janes is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and founder of Fanology, a nationally acclaimed digital media agency in Los Angeles that redefined how studios, brands, and talent engaged audiences. Her groundbreaking campaigns for projects such as Pretty Little Liars, Toyota’s Olympic campaigns, and Racing Extinction delivered global impact and elevated the profile of social storytelling in entertainment.
Moving to Oklahoma in 2018, Janes quickly became a driving force in the state’s burgeoning film community. She co-founded Film Crew Institute to train a local workforce to Hollywood standards in partnership with the Lt. Governor and Oklahoma Film & Music Office, ensuring productions can fully leverage the state’s 35% tax rebate. She also launched Filmmakers Ranch, Oklahoma’s first Hollywood-grade soundstage for independent and studio productions, and has worked strategically with legislators and industry stakeholders to grow the state’s production infrastructure.
“It is an incredible honor to lead deadCenter at this exciting moment in its history. I have tremendous respect for the visionary executive directors who built this festival over 25 years into a beacon of creativity, community, education, and film. Thanks to their leadership — and the support of our amazing sponsors and tireless volunteers — we stand on a rock-solid foundation,” Janes said. “As we look toward LA28 and the global spotlight on Oklahoma, I am committed to growing our Oscar-qualifying festival with a focus on unique community collaborations, uplifting local filmmakers, and expanding our role as a connector between Oklahoma and the wider film industry.”
Janes added that under her leadership deadCenter will continue its mission of fostering creativity and building community while evolving to meet the needs of a dynamic film landscape. She also plans to drive new partnerships, educational opportunities, and industry collaborations that elevate Oklahoma’s film ecosystem on a national and international stage.
“On behalf of the board of directors and entire deadCenter Film team, we’re deeply grateful to the sponsors, partners, and volunteers whose dedication has fueled the festival’s growth. Together, we look forward to an inspiring new chapter under Amy’s leadership,” Poarch said.
About deadCenter Film
Founded in 2001 and named for its location at the “dead center” of the U.S., deadCenter Film is an Oklahoma City based non-profit with a mission to inspire, promote, and celebrate creativity and community through film. Annually, deadCenter Film organizes deadCenter Film Festival, Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar-qualifying film festival. The festival showcases a diverse array of independent short films, documentaries, features and animated films from local, national and international filmmakers as well as educational panels and workshops. Throughout the year, deadCenter Film hosts screenings, workshops and networking events to foster growth within the local film industry. To learn more about deadCenter Film and to support year-round programming, please visit www.deadcenterfilm.org.
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