William F. Matthews Tribute with Poltergeist

Update: This event is being rescheduled for September to accommodate guest travel needs. Ticket will be back on sale when the new date is announced.

Screening in honor of William F. Matthews and presented by Stormfront Studios, see the classic horror film back on the big screen for one night only! Includes a Q&A with James H. Spencer, Production Designer on “Poltergeist” plus a special exhibit in the gallery of William’s concept art and photos from “Poltergeist” and other films he worked on.

William F. Matthews (1942-2023) was a long-time Tulsa resident and an acclaimed Production Designer and Art Director on many popular films and series, including “Poltergeist,” “Innerspace,” “Gremlins,” "Karate Kid", “Beverly Hills 90210" and "Underground Railroad".” William will be honored with a medallion on Circle Cinema’s Oklahoma Walk of Fame in July, and this film screening will be in advance of a tribute event at Stormfront Studios on Saturday July 26. The special art exhibit will be on display in the Circle gallery from Saturday July 5 through Friday July 25 and is made possible with support from Diana Folsom, William’s wife.

About the film: 1h54min – Horror – Rated PG – English
“They’re here!” Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, “Poltergeist” is one of the most beloved 80s horror films and was nominated for three Oscars. William F. Matthews was Set Designer on the film, working alongside Production Designer James H. Spencer. A family's home becomes the center of paranormal activity that opens a doorway to the "other side." With help, they must cross over to get their daughter back.

About William F. Matthews: William was born in Marietta, Ohio. In college he majored in fine arts and theatre set design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. He has had a total of fifty years in the Performing Arts with 10 of those teaching design at Castleton State College, Mount Holyoke College and Carnegie Mellon University. He has worked at all the major studios including ABC, NBC, HBO, Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. His designs have contributed to some of the early Steven Spielberg films, including “Poltergeist,” “E.T.,” “Gremlins,” and “Innerspace.” For seasons 8, 9 and 10, William was Production Designer for Aaron Spelling’s “Beverly Hills 90291.” He has designed sets for “Cheaper by the Dozen” starring Steve Martin and Art Direction for “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” produced by Judd Apatow. For three seasons he designed an international look for the sets on ABC’s “Lost.” At The Gallery of Functional Art at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, CA he combined his theatrical experience with his fine arts training in painting, collage and assemblage creating original visualizations based on the prose and poetry of the Nobel Prize winning Chilean poet, PabloNeruda. Along with his wife, Diana Folsom, he based new work at GFA on the plays and poems of William Shakespeare. His work included sixteen wooden boxes to be arranged as large children’s blocks to provide settings and performance areas for various scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. The concept was based on a touring show for public schools, thus its title “Road Show.” In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Art Directors Guild. His final credit was set designer for “The Underground Railroad” series released in 2021.

About Stormfront Studios: Stormfront Studios is joining Tulsa’s booming film scene with a premier full-service film production facility, offering industry-standard soundstages, practical filming locations, top-tier equipment, professional production support, a network of affiliate resources, and first-hand assistance navigating the Oklahoma incentive programs. Beginning in July, Stormfront is proud to provide Hollywood-level facilities, support, and equipment for rent. Stormfront is uniquely equipped to support and enhance productions of all sizes and types. Visit StormfrontStudios.net for more.