Meet Our Team
We are a family of writers and directors, designers and animators, cinematographers and producers. We are a fearless group, inspired by life to create things that are unique and effective. Our goal is to not only make videos worth watching, but produce videos worth sharing.
HOW DID IT ALL START?
ABOUT THE OWNER, JASON BURKS
Our fearless leader, Jason Burks, found his love for film while shooting a short video overseas with a consumer camera over 22 years ago. This project stimulated him to pursue more ways to express ideas through the film medium and continue educating himself in filmmaking. Treating every project with a high attention to detail, originality, and creativity, his local projects soon turned into a full-time job. He began his production company full swing in 2002. Jason's focus has been making things look beautiful and interesting, which has kept him in high demand as a Writer, Director, and Director of Photography. He has shot over 2000 TV commercials both regionally and nationally, dozens of music videos, short films, feature films, documentaries, and product videos. His projects have taken him to all 50 states in the US and 6 different continents. From South Africa, Japan, and Hungary to Guatemala, the Philippines, and Canada; Jason has enjoyed opportunities in different cultures and settings to shoot scenes and people in interesting ways. Jason's goal for the future is to continue working with other creative individuals on feature films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos; and to push the limits of lighting, camera movement, and production design. His passion has been and always will be telling stories that move people through film
“Embellishing the emotions of a single moment strong enough, and real enough, to change a viewers perspective of everyday reality has been my pursuit my entire life thus far. I live my life with a pencil in one hand and a camera in the other and I couldn’t be happier.”
— Jason Burks, owner
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jason Burks
Owner + President + DP/Director + EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Jason founded Retrospec Films in 2002. At age 39 he is one of the youngest directors & cinematographers to have extensive experience with a long list of top-of-the-line motion cameras and equipment used for filming today. He has shot over 2000 TV commercials both regional and national, dozens of music videos, short films, feature films, documentaries, and product videos. His passion has always been telling stories that move people through the beauty of cinema.
Nathan Groves
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR + SENIOR PRODUCER
Nathan has BA in Advertising and has worked in Advertising/Marketing for over 19 years - with 15 of those being in Video Production. Communicating with clients and using creativity to solve problems has always been his strength. Nathan produces most client projects, manages both pre & post-production workflows, and oversees the day-to-day at Retrospec. Every other moment belongs to his wife, son, dog, and being distracted by everything on wheels.
BRANDON FORBES
Director of Production + Producer
A native Californian, Brandon is a product of 3rd generation production. In 2014 he joined the Retrospec team doing a variety of pre and post production. His quick problem solving skills and passion for making things great have led him to love the producing role he finds himself in today. Want to get lost in conversation with him? Just ask him about the latest and greatest gear out there!
JOSH TACKETT
LEAD VFX + Motion Designer + EDITOR
An Oklahoma native, Josh went to college in Malibu at Pepperdine University, then finished out his advertising degree at Oklahoma State University. He quickly ditched his degree to learn visual effects on YouTube and now works to create convincing VFX and stunning motion graphics to add that final touch to each Retrospec project. Josh loves to sing and compose music and is also the de facto IT guy.
Lauren Beach
Social Media Director
Lauren joined Retrospec Films in 2021 as the Social Media Director. With nearly 10 years of marketing and communications experience, Lauren is responsible for overseeing and executing the overall social media strategy to ensure that all creative aligns to both drive growth and promote the reputation of each client. She is passionate about partnering together with each social media client and using the power of words, video, and photography to tell their story.
Outside of work, Lauren lives in Broken Arrow with her husband, Kevin, and four-year-old daughter, Raegan.
Tayler Burks
creative development director + writer
Tayler grew up knowing that she wanted to have a job that allowed her to be creative. She always had a passion for writing and telling stories. After graduating with a Bachelors in Business Administration from Belmont University, she ended up moving to Tulsa Oklahoma. For the past 3 years she has been working in marketing and communications, and just recently became a part of the Retro team as a writer. Tayler strives to help others share their stories with the world.
JACOB HIGHTOWER
Lead Cinematographer + Actor + Director
Our resident handyman, Jacob Hightower is a true man’s man. He joined the Retrospec family in 2015. From acting to cinematography, he can do it all. Jacob’s creative eye is constantly seeking to create a strong narrative across video and photo mediums. His roles span across the company as Writer, Director, Cinematographer, Equipment Manager, Grip, and Gaffer. Having a skilled cinematographer like Jacob helps us ensure cinematic quality on every video.
MADI DETTOR
ArT DIRECTOR + Motion Designer + Graphic Designer
Madi Dettor graduated from Oklahoma State University where she received both a BFA in Graphic Design and a BA in Studio Art . “I strive to make things accessible and exuberant. That’s what makes me smile, and hopefully makes others smile as well.” Honest, playful designs are a mainstay of her work and contribute greatly to the Retro team.
ADMINISTRATIVE
BARBARA BURKS
Office Manager + Accounting
Barbara joined Retrospec in it's early stages helping Jason grow the company to what it is today. She takes care of the accounting, legal, insurance, and general office management. The most important role she carries is keeping everyone in line by doing her number one job, "Mom" - which is easy for her since she's actually is Jason's mom.
Lauren Wormell
Office Manager + Accounting
Barbara joined Retrospec in it's early stages helping Jason grow the company to what it is today. She takes care of the accounting, legal, insurance, and general office management. The most important role she carries is keeping everyone in line by doing her number one job, "Mom" - which is easy for her since she's actually is Jason's mom.
PRODUCTION
Josh Garber
Studio manager + grip
Josh recently joined Retrospec Films in December 2021 after serving just under 8 years in the United States Marine Corps. Josh is no stranger to long hours and long days but he enjoys every minute of it. He has a passion for learning new things and loves work that requires physical work and minimal time behind a desk.
In his free time he loves to be active and outdoors doing activities such as Soccer and Rock Climbing. He’s very passionate about the Ocean and loves to Surf and Scuba Dive when the opportunities present themselves.
POST PRODUCTION
Kyle Sterk
post-production manager + editor
Kyle has a passion for inspiring artists and tellings stories that need to be told. With his film experience in wedding videos, he learned how to craft heartfelt, compelling, and dynamic videos. There, you’d DEFINITELY catch him tearing up over an edit. And at 6’5”, he’s usually the go-to for running ceiling cables.
Chris Diamond
VFX + 3d + Photoshopist
Chris Diamond started making films with his brother when he was 6 years old. He loves anything to do with the creative side of life. Ranging from impressionist art to 3d animation, Chris loves to create something out of nothing. Ever since he was a kid, watching the behind the scenes of films, it has been his passion and mission in life to entertain people through acting and creative media.
ADAM VIGIL
EDITOR + Colorist + CamerA Operator
Adam grew up filmmaking in his backyard with his friends at the age of seven, and has turned this lifelong passion of visual storytelling into a career. As a graduate of Evangel University, with degrees in Film and Digital Arts, Adam strives to bring his versatile skill set, his passion for producing memorable content, and a relentless attention to detail to the team here at Retrospec Films. Whether he’s shooting on set, or editing in his office, he’s likely holding a cup of coffee in his hand.
COLE PURYEAR
Editor + Motion Designer
Designer, Editor, Gamer, Puppeteer, and full time student, Cole Puryear has a deep rooted love for film making. His years of creating and editing his own short films is what lead him to Retrospec’s door. His versatility, honesty, and humor can be seen in every project he gets his hands on and makes him an invaluable member of the Retro team.
Ben Breslin
Editor + Color + Cinematographer
Ben had a passion for film since he was a child making home videos with his friends. After shooting 300 plus weddings across the country he moved into the film industry where he has been ever since. Editing, coloring, and shooting are all under the skillset that he continues to build. You can always find him with a coffee and music playing.
mark miles
Editor + Assistant Camera Operator
Mark has always loved being behind the camera and seeing life through the lens. He loves to see people’s faces light up as they experience the content Retrospec creates.
Aside from filming Mark enjoys live music, sports, and just getting out and having fun with friends and family.
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Devon Oliver
Graphic Designer + motion designer + Writer
Devon has earned an Associate’s degree in Digital Media and is working towards her BFA in Graphic Design. She takes great pride in what she produces and loves working in a creative environment with other creative types.
She loves spending time with her husband, Shane, and their 3 fur-babies, Macy, Pixie, and Kitty. She also enjoys live music, scary movies, traveling, hanging out with friends, and learning new things.
Jessica Hightower
Special projects Coordinator
Jessica loves music. She grew up singing, playing guitar, piano and trumpet. When she was little she knew she wanted to be an actor or musician, so she was naturally drawn to the world of entertainment and film production.
Also a professional makeup artist, Jessica worked freelance for Retrospec Films for years and now is Retrospec’s full time HMUA. But that’s not all she does. As Retrospec’s Special Projects Coordinator, she produces shoots, and does admin work for The owner, Jason. She also is a writer in our Creative Development Department. And as our in-house organizational guru, Jessica keeps the production team - whether in the office or on set - running smoothly.
In her free time, Jessica loves hanging out with her husband, Jacob, getting snuggles from her cat, Gucci, and spending quality time with her family.
SOCIAL
Joel Rice
Social Video Specialist
Joel found his love for video working in Seattle for a homeless mission's marketing team. Since then he has relocated to Oklahoma and found his way to Tulsa. He's a big fan of both shooting and editing videos. He's also a bit of a coffee connoisseur as well as an ultimate frisbee enthusiast.
Ana Avila
Social video specialist
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Ana followed her passions to Tulsa where she received her bachelors degree in Cinema/Television/Digital Media. Aside from running around with a camera or editing footage, she enjoys boxing, being with friends, and finding the best food in town. Ana has always admired the importance that each video clip has and will never cease to be amazed at the power they have once they are placed side by side with others to create a story.
Alicia Crum
Social Video + page Specialist
Since a young age, Alicia has always been drawn to having a camera in her hands. From snapping photos to hitting the record button, she loves capturing special moments for individuals and clients. She has her BFA in Cinema, Television, and Digital Media and never wants to stop learning. Outside of being behind the camera or her editing desk, Alicia loves to go out kayaking with the family and traveling.
Emily farris
Social page Specialist
Growing up in Broken Arrow, Emily knew that her love for pop culture and socializing would take her big places growing up. It would lead her to get her BA in public relations and a love for all things about social and digital media. Emily brought her talents back home working for a local Tulsa news station before coming to Retrospec Films. Whether you need a witty caption or a good recommendation for what to watch next, Emily's got your back.
