Two friends from Tulsa with a passion for movies, one highly anticipated $200 million movie sequel filmed in Oklahoma, and a Top 30 film school in Oklahoma City providing the training. Those are ingredients for making dreams come true.

Perhaps no one is more excited for the July 19 release of “Twisters” than Sam McClure and Anders Ahlander, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) digital cinema production program students who worked as set production assistants, or PAs, on the film.

Nurturing a dream

McClure’s journey started with a childhood fascination with horror movies and a camcorder from his parents.

“I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker since I was in fifth grade. Making a horror movie with my best friend was the turning point. It’s all about creating illusions that seem real,” he said.

Ahlander initially considered a more traditional career path.

“My dad was in medical school, and I felt that I should pursue that field as well,” he said. “But after I joined a high school extension program for TV and met Sam, I knew filmmaking was my calling. It’s been my passion ever since.”

After high school, McClure and Ahlander relocated from Tulsa to Oklahoma City to pursue filmmaking at OCCC’s Gray Frederickson Department of Digital Cinema.

Developing character: Personal and professional growth

In their first year at OCCC, roommates McClure and Ahlander juggled living on their own, part-time jobs and heavy course loads.

“We were very introverted and shy when we first started out and had to push ourselves to become more confident,” McClure said.

The duo credits a production design course taught by OCCC Professor Sean Lynch for helping them develop leadership skills while building technical and soft skills for a more well-rounded experience.

“Our program is not just about academics; it’s about teaching skills that get jobs,” Lynch said. “Our students learn how to light, use a camera and operate a set but also learn soft skills. We keep close ties with the Oklahoma film industry and many other partners to ensure our students are well-prepared for the real world.”

Previous work

Before working on “Twisters,” McClure and Ahlander gained practical experience through various projects. They worked on the sets of series including “Tulsa King,” a commercial for the Super Bowl and short independent films.

“Those early projects taught us the basics and gave us the confidence to handle bigger challenges,” Ahlander said.

On the set of ‘Twisters’

Working on “Twisters” was a dream come true for McClure and Ahlander.

As set PAs for the second unit, they worked closely with the second assistant director. Their training at OCCC, particularly in safety protocols and equipment handling, proved invaluable.

“Professor Lynch’s teachings on safety and set operations were crucial on a blockbuster set like this,” McClure said.

The role of a set PA in a large-scale movie involves various challenges and responsibilities. While often underappreciated, this position is crucial to the overall filmmaking process, supporting the production team and ensuring smooth operations on set.

“It can feel like you’re at the bottom of the totem pole, but the PA role is an important entry point into the film industry,” Ahlander said. “Despite spending long hours in 100-degree weather or clearing dirt roads, I was glad to be exposed to high-profile stunts and special effects in such a large-scale movie filmed in Oklahoma.”

Future aspirations and workforce development

In addition to McClure and Ahlander, more than 45 additional OCCC students worked in various roles on the set of “Twisters.”

The experience taught McClure and Ahlander the importance of teamwork and adaptability.

“Seeing vehicle crashes and explosions was exhilarating, and it solidified my passion for filmmaking,” McClure said. “I want to help develop film across Oklahoma because this is home.”

For more information about digital cinema production at OCCC, visit the Gray Frederickson Department of Digital Cinema at www.occc.edu/dcp or contact Professor Sean Lynch to set up a tour of OCCC’s facilities at sean.m.lynch@occc.edu.