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I’m a filmmaker, writer, and casting director from Oklahoma City with a background in Film Studies from the University of Tulsa. I bring experience across film and television production, with strengths in storytelling, casting, production coordination, and creative collaboration. What sets me apart is my versatility and team-first approach—I learn quickly, work across multiple departments, and aim to be a dependable, go-to person who helps keep productions organized and running smoothly. I thrive in collaborative environments and am driven by the shared effort it takes to bring meaningful stories to life.…I’m a filmmaker, writer, and casting director from Oklahoma City with a background in Film Studies from the University of Tulsa. I bring experience across film and television production, with strengths in storytelling, casting, production coordination, and creative collaboration. What sets me apart is my versatility and team-first approach—I learn quickly, work across multiple departments, and aim to be a dependable, go-to person who helps keep productions organized and running smoothly. I thrive in collaborative environments and am driven by the shared effort it takes to bring meaningful stories to life.

DeNiesha Barkus

Casting Director, Film Producer, Screenwriter, +3

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I’m a filmmaker, writer, and casting director from Oklahoma City with a background in Film Studies from the University of Tulsa. I bring experience across film and television production, with strengths in storytelling, casting, production coordination, and creative collaboration. What sets me apart is my versatility and team-first approach—I learn quickly, work across multiple departments, and aim to be a dependable, go-to person who helps keep productions organized and running smoothly. I thrive in collaborative environments and am driven by the shared effort it takes to bring meaningful stories to life.…I’m a filmmaker, writer, and casting director from Oklahoma City with a background in Film Studies from the University of Tulsa. I bring experience across film and television production, with strengths in storytelling, casting, production coordination, and creative collaboration. What sets me apart is my versatility and team-first approach—I learn quickly, work across multiple departments, and aim to be a dependable, go-to person who helps keep productions organized and running smoothly. I thrive in collaborative environments and am driven by the shared effort it takes to bring meaningful stories to life.

Available to hire

I’m a filmmaker, writer, and casting director from Oklahoma City with a background in Film Studies from the University of Tulsa.

I bring experience across film and television production, with strengths in storytelling, casting, production coordination, and creative collaboration. What sets me apart is my versatility and team-first approach—I learn quickly, work across multiple departments, and aim to be a dependable, go-to person who helps keep productions organized and running smoothly. I thrive in collaborative environments and am driven by the shared effort it takes to bring meaningful stories to life.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Ambassador at RadicalMedia Productions

October 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025

Served as an Outreach Production Ambassador on a short-term contract, identified and developed story leads based on specific themes and geographic regions. Collaborated with participants to guide the creation of compelling video content, provided creative direction, and storytelling feedback. Edited video content to meet program standards while maintaining authentic narrative voice and video clarity. Demonstrated strong initiative by exceeding project expectations, efficiently managed assignments, and met deadlines.

Assistant Director at TUFFEST 48 Hour Horror Competition

July 31, 2025 - October 30, 2025

Joined the team 'Re:Frame' to participate in the TUFFEST 48 competition and won. Scheduled meetings and recruited more crew members from different departments to join our team. Used Breakdown Express to seek actors for the 48 and hired two people. Maintained team communication and organized group chats for efficiency.

Researcher at Independent Research

March 1, 2025 - Present

Examined the pivotal role of networking and building meaningful relationships in the film industry. Toured Paramount Pictures Studios, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Shadowed various industry professionals and assisted on production sets.

Cast Director at Paranoya Films Productions

February 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024

Using Breakdown Express, sought actors for director Olive Blackmon's short Halfsisters in Oklahoma. Created the casting call using Breakdown Express and held auditions via Zoom. Sought out actors in person via a film festival.

Mentor at Tulsa Artist Fellowship (TU-TAF)

January 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024

Collaborated with J. Prest on Witt to refine my feature script Try Me, met deadlines. Presented script at the public event.

Intern at A Tulsa Artist Fellowship

March 1, 2023 - Present

Videographer for Studio 101 Women's History Month Event. Assistant to Marlon Hall, sculptor, visual artist and director of the project. Guided tours for guests during the exhibition. Crafted ornaments for the main art piece which was a tree symbolizing women.

Casting Director at Paranoya Films Productions

February 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024

Using Breakdown Express, sought actors for Olive Blackmon’s short Halfsisters in Oklahoma; created casting calls and held auditions via Zoom; sourced actors in person at a film festival.

Mentor Program Participant at TU – TAF Tulsa Artist Fellowship Mentor Program

December 31, 2023 - March 31, 2024

Collaborated with J. Preston Witt to refine my feature script Try Me, met deadlines, presented the script at a public event.

Mentor Program Participant at TU – Tulsa Artist Fellowship Mentor Program

January 1, 2024 - April 1, 2024

Collaborated with J. Preston Witt to refine feature script Try Me; met deadlines; presented script at public event.