Behind the Lens: Juan Pablo Reinoso and the Journey of Mad Props to Spain
Behind the Scenes: The Rise of Oklahoma’s Film Industry
Oklahoma's film industry is experiencing an exciting resurgence, with local talent and creative minds taking center stage. One such individual leading the charge is Juan Pablo Roso, an experienced director and producer who has returned to his roots in Tulsa to help shape the future of film in the state. In the latest episode of Behind the Scenes, Oklahoma, Roso shares his journey, from his roots in Tulsa to his time in New York City, and how he’s helping develop Oklahoma’s film infrastructure.
The Creative Journey: From Tulsa to New York City and Back Again
Roso, who spent much of his career in New York City, is a well-established figure in the world of film. However, his ties to Tulsa have always remained strong. He reconnects with long-time friend Tom Be Keini, who shares his own passion for filmmaking. Together, they began discussing projects that could bring something new to the Oklahoma film scene.
Roso reflects on their past and their early years at Tulsa's Cascia Hall High School. “We were just a couple of goofy kids back then,” he laughs. Despite being a couple of years apart, their shared love for the arts kept them connected. Over time, they both pursued creative careers, with Roso venturing into film direction, producing, and writing. The friendship continued to flourish, culminating in their collaborative work on the documentary Mad Props.
The Making of Mad Props
Mad Props is a documentary that explores the fascinating world of movie prop collectors. As a prop enthusiast himself, Tom Be Keini had the idea for the documentary, which ultimately led to Roso’s involvement as both co-director and co-producer. What started as a passion project soon became an international venture that took them to multiple countries, including Italy, France, and the United States.
The documentary delves into the world of collectors who are as obsessed with movie memorabilia as Be Keini is. Roso describes how they encountered individuals who shared the same passion, making connections and building relationships with people from all walks of life. “It was like finding my tribe,” says Be Keini, reflecting on the experience. He notes how many of the collectors were initially hesitant to share their collections, but Roso’s persistence and professional approach eventually opened doors.
Challenges and Successes
One of the biggest challenges in film production is managing the logistics, especially when filming in various locations. Roso and Be Keini reflect on the exhausting schedule—waking up at 4 a.m., catching flights, and managing filming locations. Yet, despite the grueling nature of production, both filmmakers were in awe of the dedication they witnessed from industry professionals.
As Mad Props neared completion, it premiered at Tulsa’s Circle Cinema to a packed theater. “It was an incredible feeling, having my family there and seeing the film with an audience for the first time,” says Be Keini. The premiere marked a milestone in both their careers, and the film received positive reviews, including a 100% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
The Global Impact of Oklahoma Filmmaking
The film not only gained attention locally but also made its way to international festivals. Mad Props was selected for the prestigious Sitges Film Festival in Spain, where it competed among 12,000 submissions. Roso recalls the excitement of attending the festival with his family. “It was surreal to see a project we created in Tulsa being shown on an international stage,” he says. While the film didn’t win any awards, the experience was a victory in itself, marking a major step forward for Oklahoma filmmakers.
Beyond Mad Props, Roso and his partners at Firebook Entertainment are working to build the film industry infrastructure in Oklahoma. As an Oklahoma-based company, Firebook aims to support local filmmakers and attract international productions to the state. Through Firebook, Roso and his team are helping to create job opportunities and foster creativity in Oklahoma, a state with a growing film community.
Looking Ahead
With a successful premiere behind them, Roso and his team are working on future projects, including a potential theatrical release for Mad Props and a new TV show about the prop collector world. As Oklahoma’s film scene continues to evolve, the collaboration between local filmmakers, producers, and international festivals is helping shape a bright future for the industry in the state.
Oklahoma is proving to be a rising star in the world of filmmaking, with more projects like Mad Props set to put the state on the global map. As Roso and his team continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, they’re not just making films—they’re making history. Keep following Behind the Scenes, Oklahoma to learn more about the exciting developments taking place in Oklahoma’s creative community.
