TMU films Christmas movie at Disney Ranch
3/12/26 - By Sabrina Ranada
The Master’s University’s Cinema and Digital Arts department has continued filming at their next location: Golden Oak Ranch. Commonly referred to as “Disney Ranch” within the film industry, this 890-acre movie ranch is home to a wide variety of film sets and facades, ranging from old-timey houses to a large town center. The lot is owned by Walt Disney Studios and serves as the company’s backlot.
For decades, iconic movies and television shows have filmed at this backlot. It has been used in “Back to the Future” (1985), “WandaVision” (2021) and “The Parent Trap” (1998). CDA is primarily filming in the town set, decking it out with Christmas wreaths and garlands to help create a more convincing environment. The large space is especially conducive for the professional-grade equipment that the crew is working with.
Students Bella Nunez (camera B operator) and Kiana Arzate (B cam 1st AC) setting up the B camera immediately after arriving on set.
Jack Bleeker’s “slate,” used to mark and label footage of each scene.
Script supervisors Adelle Laporte (back) and Jaden Demerais (front) making sure the entire script gets filmed.
Grip crew rigging a camera onto the hood of director Matt Green’s car to shoot a driving scene.
Set design crew Jesse Garcia (left) and Luis Vasquez (right) setting up Christmas decorations around town.
Director of photography Jefferson Henson (wearing the blue hat) filming a scene with co-leads Chad Brannon (right) and actor Alex Camacho (left) while on the dolly.
The wardrobe of TMU alumni, Lily Underwood (back) and Carrie Clausen (left) prep Camacho, who plays “Michelle” for a scene.
Another view of the town center set, including a large town hall with the state flag of Tennessee (where most of the film takes place) hanging outside.
Brannon (left) and Camacho (right) rehearsing a scene in between takes.
Set decorator Alexis Yordon adding Christmas decor to windows on set.
Grip crew collaborating to set up a complex camera dolly, which is used to create smooth camera movement.
Director Matt Green (left) and Brannon catching a break from the springtime heat in between scenes.
Vasquez hanging a movie poster for “A Hard Gamble,” a cameo for the 2018 short film directed by Green.
TMU alumni Rebecca Larson, assistant make-up artist (right) touching up Brannon’s hair and makeup.
Students Jonny McConnell (best boy grip) and Sofi Rosales (Camera A operator) transporting the A camera.
An in-costume Green (left) conversing with the script supervisors Laporte (right) and Demerais (right).
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