An indie film shot almost completely in Augusta in 2019 broke a record for self-distributed films.
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With the pandemic shutting down much of Hollywood’s distribution into movie theaters, filmmakers Scott Pryor and former Augustan Gloria Stella capitalized on the opportunity and struck a deal with Regal Cinemas for their faith-based film called “Tulsa.”
According to The Numbers website, “where data and the movie business meet,” “Tulsa” with its $413,522 in box office receipts is the most a U.S. film has produced in its domestic market. “Tulsa” ranked second overall to a 1986 Canadian film “Le declin de l’empire americain” which earned $874,649 in Canada.
“I’ve produced and directed before, but self-distribution was something I hadn’t done,” said Gloria Stella, an Evans High School graduate who studied TV and cinema at Augusta University. “It was really exciting to be able to get it into theaters.”
“Tulsa” is the story of a little girl in foster care on a quest to find her biological father. She connected with Tommy, played by Pryor, after finding a photo of him and her mother. Many of the scenes were shot in Augusta at locations such as C&C Automotive and the Marbury Center.
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John Schneider, who played Bo Duke in the “Dukes of Hazzard,” also appeared in the film.
It was released in 2020, and Augusta’s Regal Cinemas hosted a premiere on Aug. 22.
Pryor said he believed the film had the potential to bring in more at the box office, but people were wary of COVID-19.
“We sold out a number of theaters,” he said.
Pryor, a Marine Corps veteran, is developing a few new films. The military influence is heavy in most of Pryor’s films. In “Tulsa,” his character is a Marine Corps veteran suffering with PTSD and addictions. One of the projects he’s working on is about ISIS and how the organization recruits its less-likely members.
Although he’s not made any definite plans yet, Pryor said he’d consider Augusta as a location for other films.
“I would film in Augusta again in a heartbeat,” he said. “I love Augusta. I love the people. I love the churches.” “Tulsa” had an exclusive deal with Regal until the cinema chain shut down for COVID-19. Then, it expanded to others including GTC, Harkins, Malco and Marcus theaters. In all, more than 400 theaters nationwide screened the film. “Tulsa” will be released to DVD and video on demand platforms on Feb. 2.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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