Casting calls upcoming for new movie production ‘The Chickasaw Rancher’


This article appeared in the March 2017 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – Native actors can try out soon for a number of spots in the upcoming Chickasaw-produced feature film “The Chickasaw Rancher.”

Inspired by the life of Chickasaw cattle rancher and entrepreneur Montford T. Johnson, the movie is being planned by Chickasaw Nation Productions.

The Western plains of Indian Territory were home to one of the most colorful personalities of the 19th Century - Chickasaw rancher Montford T. Johnson.

Orphaned at a young age, Johnson survived great hardship and tragedy to establish a vast ranching empire along the famous Chisholm Trail, the storied cattle highway of the American West.

"The Chickasaw Rancher” will tell of Johnson’s time among settlers, cowboys, Indian fighters, bandits and fur traders.

Armed with a Colt revolver and dreams of a better life, he had the grit, determination and courage to tame what seemed an infinite wilderness, while always maintaining respect for the Native people who lived there.

Production on “The Chickasaw Rancher” is planned for mid-2017 and casting calls will begin in March.

A nationwide search for Native American actors to star in the Chickasaw Nation Productions film is under way. Filming will also offer an opportunity for Chickasaw citizens to serve as extras in the film.

Open casting calls will be conducted at the following locations:

Culver City, Calif. - Saturday, March 18
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Beverly Holloway Casting
5721 W. Slauson Ave., Suite 100

Oklahoma City - Saturday, April 1
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Remington Park
One Remington Place

Ada, Okla. – Sunday, April 2
11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Chickasaw Nation Department of Housing Office Building
111 Rosedale Road

Grand Prairie, Texas – Saturday, April 8
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lone Star Park
1000 Lone Star Parkway

Tulsa, Okla. – Saturday, April 22
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location to be determined

“The Chickasaw Rancher” is the third feature film by Chickasaw Nation Productions, which specializes in sharing and preserving the story of Chickasaws who have made significant impacts in the world.

Other Chickasaw Nation Productions films include “Pearl,” the remarkable story of a Chickasaw girl who became the youngest licensed pilot in the U.S., and “Te Ata,” the story of a Chickasaw storyteller who earned international fame sharing Native heritage and culture.

Other Chickasaw Nation Productions projects include the Chickasaw Heritage Series’ “First Encounter,” which follows the tribe’s initial contact with European explorers in 1540.

For updates on casting calls and other opportunities to participate in the film, or to sign up to receive the e-newsletter visit ChickasawRancher.com.

Follow The Chickasaw Rancher on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and information.