Inside OKC’s Dolby Atmos-certified sound stage: A conversation with Apex Post Production’s Jon Vogl

Oklahoma City’s film and media industry continues to grow, and at the forefront of this evolution is Apex Post Production, a cutting-edge studio offering state-of-the-art sound technology. The Chamber’s VeloCity team interviewed Jon Vogl, the owner of Apex Post Production, inside their Dolby Atmos-certified sound stage to discuss the company’s vision, capabilities and the impact of high-quality audio in modern productions. 

Elevating Audio in OKC 

Walking into the Apex Post Production sound stage is an experience in itself. Designed with exact precision and equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, the space provides an immersive audio environment that enhances storytelling for filmmakers, musicians and content creators. Vogl, an industry veteran with credits on Where the Crawdads Sing, 12 Years a Slave, and The Walking Dead, emphasized the importance of high-fidelity sound in modern production. 

Vogl’s expertise in sound design stems from years of experience, including a 16-year tenure at 20th Century Fox, where he played a key role in designing new mixing and recording spaces during a major studio transition. His deep understanding of sound technology has influenced every aspect of Apex Productions' design. 

“Audio is often an afterthought in production, but it’s half of the experience,” Vogl noted. “With Dolby Atmos, we’re able to create a soundscape that places the audience right in the middle of the story.” 

Vogl also discussed the costly nature of building a high-quality sound stage. “This is my fourth room I’ve built, and each time I’ve learned more about where to invest and where to cut costs. The first time, I followed the major studios’ lead and spent a fortune. But I realized later you can achieve about 90% of the quality at a fraction of the cost if you know where to be strategic.” 

Apex Post Production’s Role in the Local Industry 

Since its inception, Apex Post Production has been instrumental in advancing Oklahoma City’s standing as a viable hub for film, television and music production. The Dolby Atmos certification further solidifies its reputation, allowing local and national productions to take advantage of world-class audio engineering without having to travel to larger markets like Los Angeles or New York. 

Vogl’s decision to establish this facility in Oklahoma City was influenced by his collaboration with local filmmakers, particularly through projects with Richard and Amy Janes. The couple, known for their work in independent film and media, have been significant in developing Filmmakers Ranch, a full-service production facility on the outskirts of Oklahoma City. Their shared vision for transforming Oklahoma into a hub for film and television led to a partnership with Vogl, who saw an opportunity to bring high-end post-production capabilities to the region. Their shared vision for a thriving film community, coupled with strong support from local industry leaders and state incentives, made Oklahoma City a natural choice. 

“Oklahoma City has an incredible creative community,” Vogl said. “Richard and Amy have been driving forces in expanding the industry here, and Filmmakers Ranch is becoming a key part of that. We want to provide the resources to keep talent here while also attracting outside projects to see what our city has to offer.” 

“The addition of Apex Post to our roster of production services here in Oklahoma City is huge,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office. “Post-production is one of the most creative phases of production. We are beyond lucky to now have a fantastic new Dolby facility that can handle these capabilities locally.” 

Additionally, Vogl highlighted the importance of post-production facilities in keeping film dollars in the state. “One reason productions leave after filming is because they don’t have the post-production resources they need locally. By building a complete post-production ecosystem, we give them a reason to stay, which means more jobs and more economic impact for Oklahoma.” 

Expanding Operations: Apex Post Productions in New Orleans and Oklahoma City 

While Apex Post Productions is firmly establishing itself in Oklahoma City, Vogl continues to operate a facility in New Orleans. The synergy between the two locations allows for greater flexibility and collaboration across projects. 

“We designed the Oklahoma City space to mirror our New Orleans facility as closely as possible,” Vogl explained. “That way, projects can seamlessly transition between the two, and our team can work across both locations without missing a beat.” 

The New Orleans facility, with its larger theatrical mixing stage, complements the Oklahoma City location’s capabilities, particularly for streaming and immersive audio work. “Sometimes we start a project in New Orleans and refine it in Oklahoma, or vice versa,” Vogl said. “Having both locations allows us to meet the demands of a wider range of clients and keep work within our network.” 

This dual-location model also aids in workforce development, as Apex can train professionals in both states and cultivate a larger talent pool. “We want to be able to cross-train our teams so whether they’re working in Louisiana or Oklahoma, they’re operating at the highest standard,” Vogl emphasized. “That’s how we build a sustainable, world-class post-production pipeline.” 

The Future of Sound in Storytelling 

As entertainment consumption evolves, so do audience expectations. Immersive sound experiences have become an industry standard, and Apex Post Productions is ensuring Oklahoma creatives have access to the latest tools to meet those expectations. Beyond film and television, Vogl envisions expanding into gaming and immersive music experiences. He has already begun collaborating with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra to explore how Dolby Atmos technology can bring listeners closer to the live concert experience. 

“Imagine being able to hear what the conductor hears when standing in front of a symphony orchestra,” Vogl explained. “Dolby Atmos allows us to create an immersive musical experience like never before. Right now, it's all just talk, but I’m excited to explore the possibility and get back to my roots in music.” 

Looking ahead, Vogl hopes to continue expanding the company’s capabilities, offering more training opportunities for audio professionals and increasing collaborations with filmmakers and musicians looking to push the boundaries of sound. His goal is to cultivate a local workforce that can support a thriving post-production industry, reducing the need for productions to seek services outside the state. 

“We need trained professionals here, not just to support Apex but to build a sustainable industry,” Vogl emphasized. “My goal is to cultivate a team of skilled individuals who can handle post-production at a world-class level, right here in Oklahoma.” 

With Apex Post Productions leading the charge, Oklahoma City is proving itself a serious contender in the world of media production. The Dolby Atmos-certified sound stage isn’t just a technological achievement—it’s a statement that Oklahoma City is ready to compete on a national level. 

For filmmakers and artists who understand sound is just as important as visuals, Apex Post Productions is setting the stage—literally—for the next generation of immersive storytelling. The facility’s continued expansion and investment to industry growth signal a promising future for post-production in Oklahoma.