MSU connections help bring local talent together for television pilot

Photos courtesy of Derek Olson, Grain and Thunder

MINOT, N.D. – A television pilot filmed in Minot is bringing together a diverse group of creative talent, with Minot State University playing a key role in bringing the project to life.

The B.O.G., a dark comedy created by Derek Olson, features a cast and crew with extensive ties to the University, including Olson, a former MSU employee and adjunct professor in professional communication, who serves as the show's writer, director, editor, and one of its actors.

The project reflects the creative opportunities and connections that can develop when education extends beyond the classroom.

"Having experience at MSU was integral to making this project in many ways," Olson said. "Nathan (Nathan Anderson, MSU director of assessment and an actor in The B.O.G.) and I had been doing a podcast in the comm department for a few years, and we would try to get lunch in the cafeteria together whenever we could."

Their relationship began with an unexpected opportunity.

Olson first met Anderson and Corey Long when the three volunteered to perform in a parody rap video for Minot's downtown wine walk, directed by Olson's friend Adam Dyess. The experience left an impression on Olson, who recognized the talent and enthusiasm of his fellow performers and began envisioning opportunities to work with them again.

"I had no idea who these guys were, but they were so fun, energetic, smart, and talented that I just wanted to work with them again," Olson said.

Anderson recalled the experience as an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, despite having no formal background in performing.

"I felt an instant connection to his authenticity and positive energy," Anderson said of meeting Olson. "I got to know more about Derek and his work when he was employed at MSU, and I just thought it was so awesome that our campus had access to someone with his unique background, perspective, and scope of expertise."

Those connections eventually grew into a television project that Olson had been developing for years.

The B.O.G. follows a lonely man who starts a men's support group in a church basement. As the group gains popularity and new chapters appear across the region, its founder discovers that his attempt to create a safe space has taken on a life of its own.

The pilot, titled "All For One," centers on a group member who suspects his wife is hiding something from him. When he brings his concerns to the group, the men agree to help him investigate, confident they can handle the situation. Their efforts quickly spiral out of control.

Olson said the premise originated about a decade ago as part of a different script but took time to develop into its current form.

"Sometimes you have an idea, and it just won't leave; it keeps coming back, but it hasn't found the right time to emerge and manifest itself in its correct form," he said. "Even though I had the idea a long time ago, I needed time to grow into it."

The production brought together individuals with a variety of skills and experiences, many of whom share a connection to Minot State.

In addition to Olson and Anderson, the team includes Jacob Thrailkill, actor and current adjunct faculty member; ShaunAnne Tangney, first assistant director and locations manager and retired professor of English; Grant Gathman, camera and boom operator and 2025 alumnus; Tara Hiatt, special effects and makeup and current staff member; Myles Barcomb, actor and former student and son of Rebecca Anhorn, retired professor of teacher education; Brent Braniff, camera operator and 1979 alumnus; Terry Effertz, actor and 2014 alumnus; Sadie Lyn Weninger, second camera and 2026 alumna; Mike Annas, actor and 2005 MSU-Bottineau alumnus; and Easton Bennett, director of photography and former student.

For Anderson, seeing so many people with University ties contribute to the project was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.

"He brought together and led an incredible team of talented professionals who collectively leveraged their unique strengths to create a high-quality show," Anderson said. "It was super cool to see a wide array of MSU connections involved in all aspects of such an impressive production."

He sees the project as an example of the creative environment a university can foster, bringing people together to turn ideas into something tangible.

"Having so many people with MSU affiliations contribute to the success of this project is a remarkable example of how MSU fosters a culture of creativity that empowers talented creatives to collectively bring innovative visions to life," Anderson said.

Although the project presented its share of challenges, Olson said the willingness of the cast and crew to adapt and find solutions kept production moving forward. Changes to the script, sometimes made the night before filming, required creative pivots, while the team frequently had to make the most of limited resources.

Anderson, who had never acted before, found the experience both challenging and rewarding.

"I'm very grateful that Derek took a chance on me," he said. "My crash course in how to be an on-screen actor included Derek's clear and patient guidance coupled with the YouTube video he sent of Michael Caine teaching acting."

His children even helped him rehearse lines between filming dates, adding another personal dimension to the experience.

Anderson said Olson's leadership and the encouraging atmosphere created by the cast and crew helped him feel comfortable in front of the camera. He also enjoyed watching the production evolve from an idea into a finished product.

"I thoroughly enjoyed all stages of the process, and it was a ton of fun to see the final product," he said.

The production also benefited from support throughout the Minot community. For one fight scene, Olson posted a call for extras on Facebook, and approximately 50 people showed up in costume, eager to participate.

"The great thing about being here is that people just wanted to help and solve problems for us and be an asset because of their love of the project and the process itself," Olson said. "They just wanted to be a part of it and made our $100 budget look like $100,000 and made it so much fun."

The pilot has been submitted to several competitions, including Sundance, Slamdance, South by Southwest, the Fargo Film Festival, Series Fest, and the Austin Film Festival. Olson said the project must remain unlisted on YouTube while it is being considered for opportunities that require a premiere, but individuals interested can gain access to an unlisted private screening on Olson’s website: grainandthunder.com. He anticipates a public release could happen within a year, after those opportunities have run their course.

He also has a larger vision for the project, one that would keep production in Minot and expand opportunities for local performers and crew members.

"I legitimately sometimes visualize how great it will be to make an entire season, right here in Minot, North Dakota, with adequate funding," Olson said. "If I can somehow have my way, we would shoot next summer from July to September, and you'll see us all over town shooting scenes every day. I'll have tons of parts for local actors and non-actors alike, and it could be something really remarkable."

For now, The B.O.G. stands as a testament to what can happen when creative ambition meets collaboration, and when the relationships and talents cultivated through Minot State reach beyond campus and into the community.