Notis Studios Builds a Bold New Era for Black Cinema in Oklahoma
- Tammy Reese
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
By Tammy Reese
In the heart of Oklahoma City, two visionaries are transforming the landscape of independent film. Dekoven Riggins Sr. and Marcus E. Brown, co-founders of Notis Studios, have built more than a production house. They have created a cultural home for truth-telling, healing, and Black creative excellence. What began as a simple collaboration between two men of faith and vision has evolved into one of the most exciting movements in modern Black cinema.
Notis Studios is a Black-owned film company rooted in legacy, shaped by community, and guided by purpose. Their first feature, Black Wall Street Burning, lit a spark across the region by bringing a powerful piece of American history to life on screen. With a combination of grassroots support and pure storytelling grit, the film drew audiences who were not just watching, they were witnessing. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in how Oklahoma tells its stories.
More than just a space for production, Notis Studios is a haven for emerging filmmakers and underrepresented voices. With a full-scale soundstage, a Dolby Atmos post-production suite, and an intimate private theater, the studio is fully equipped to produce high-caliber, emotionally layered work. Their goal is not only to make films but to create experiences that challenge perceptions, elevate conversations, and leave lasting cultural impact.
Riggins and Brown complement each other in remarkable ways. Riggins brings a detail-oriented creative strategy, balancing technical mastery with a soulful approach to narrative. Brown, a retired Army combat veteran, adds vision through vivid cinematography and disciplined storytelling. Together, they weave sound and visuals into emotionally resonant films that hold space for complexity, vulnerability, and truth.
But what truly sets Notis apart is their commitment to service. Through educational partnerships like the film program at Douglass High School, the studio is investing in the next generation of Black filmmakers. Their recent campaign, Focus on Neurosis, combined film, mental health advocacy, and community dialogue in a way rarely seen in regional cinema. Every project reflects their belief that art can be a tool for transformation.
At a time when representation is still catching up to reality, Notis Studios is not waiting for permission. They are building legacy through authenticity, ownership, and creative sovereignty. With each project, they prove that Black stories are not niche, they are necessary. And Oklahoma, often overlooked in the entertainment industry, is quickly becoming the birthplace of a new creative renaissance.
Notis Studios is not just making films. They are shifting culture, nurturing talent, and telling stories that matter.
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