Tahlequah recently served as the backdrop for a soon to be released music video that will be featured in the music industry and in film festivals throughout the world.
The video, set to the independent music hit “Do Ya Wanna” by the band Project 1268, features model and actress Brook Sill and Lincoln Johnson, a recent graduate of Tahlequah High School. The song currently sits at number seven in global indie music charts and is heard on stations both in the U.S. and in the U.K.
Johnson, who plans to major in music education in college, graduated from THS earlier this month. He was recently selected to perform in New York City as part of a national music student contest. At first, Johnson said he was reluctant to being in the video, but then realized this was a unique opportunity that could give him both experience and connections in the music and entertainment industries.
“I am grateful that I was given this special opportunity to make both music and acting connections,” Johnson said. “Plus, it was great getting the chance to meet and work with Brook. She’s not only beautiful but brings a passion to her work.”
Sill, of Los Angeles, California, is a model and actress who has been featured on shows, such as “Stranger Things” and “Outer Banks” on Netflix, “Cobra Kai,” and “Chaos on the Farm,” a Lifetime movie, where she was selected to play the lead role of Jessica. Sill has traveled around the world as a professional model, and after leaving Tahlequah, was on a flight heading to Bali for her next movie adventure.
“I had an absolute blast shooting this video in Tahlequah,” Sill said. “We got to see many locations and saw each special spot in town. From the parks, the bookstore, the Jazz Lab, and more, each person we met was lovely. Being part Cherokee it was special for me to be here.”
Project 1268 is based out of Bentonville, Arkansas, and consist of the duo Craig Brown and Haley Webster. They were recently nominated for the Orpheus Global Independent Music Songwriter of the Year award and are being played on Amazing Radio Network.
Several businesses within the city were also featured, including Kimberly’s Prom and Bridal, Southside Drive In, Too Fond of Books, the NSU Jazz Lab, and ZOMAC Music Center. The group worked closely with the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce in bringing the shoot to the area.
“Nathan [Reed] and the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce staff were very helpful and instrumental in getting us here,” said Randy Gibson, a Tahlequah native and CEO of RDG Communications, who serves as the agent for Project 1268 and is the producer of the video. “Tahlequah is such a special place. Now, through the release of this video to the music industry and film festivals worldwide, we can help share this special place with the world as well.”
The video was directed by actor and professional movie critic Nick Nicholson, of Houston, and is scheduled to be released in late summer or early fall. A special showing is being planned for Tahlequah upon release. For sponsorships or more information on the video or Project 1268, visit www.project1268.com.