In 2024, Garrett Hardesty founded Hard Way Productions in Henryetta, Oklahoma, with a clear mission: to combine “gritty storytelling” with “modern filmmaking” and spotlight the traditions of small-town life. A media production business specializing in documentary films, social media videos, music videos, and portraits, Hardesty’s vision is to preserve and promote the values and lifestyles that make small-town America unique.

As the sole owner, Hardesty has already made his mark with projects like filming Henryetta’s Labor Day celebrations and capturing the action at Holdenville’s Bull Mania during the LJ Jenkins Bull Riding Tour—Hard Way Productions’ first paid gig. These milestones are just the beginning for a company that, although still in its infancy, has big ambitions for both creative growth and community impact.

Despite not yet receiving formal awards, Hardesty is proud of the work he has done. His Labor Day video serves as a lasting reminder of Henryetta’s traditions, and he plans to engage even more with the community through future projects. “Pictures and videos are how we see the world, and in turn, how we see ourselves,” Hardesty explains. His goal is to ensure that the town and its unique culture are documented and remembered for generations to come.

The primary clients of Hard Way Productions are small business owners looking to expand their online reach, as well as rodeo producers who want to promote their events. Hardesty sees a significant need for high-quality media in rural areas, where artistic work is often undervalued. He is passionate about showing that media production is not just an urban business—it’s essential to preserving the cowboy towns and rural lifestyles that form the backbone of the country.

One of the unique challenges Hardesty has faced is overcoming the skepticism of those who may not see the value in his work. In rural communities, media production is sometimes seen as unnecessary, but Hardesty remains undeterred. “Small-town ways of life are slowly dying out as people move to the big cities,” he says, “but what we have here is important and worth keeping around.” He aims to be part of the effort to maintain and celebrate that way of life through his work.

Supported by his friend and mentor, Cody David, who provides most of the camera gear and continually pushes him to challenge himself, Hardesty has built a strong foundation for his company. He believes that the future of Hard Way Productions lies in forming relationships with more local businesses and rodeo producers. His goal is to document not just events, but entire stories—highlighting the homegrown talent and everyday heroes of small-town America.

What sets Hard Way Productions apart from other media companies is Hardesty’s connection to the lifestyle he documents. As he puts it, “I’m a redneck with a camera. I understand the medium as well as the subject, and I dang sure won’t be stopped.” Born from the dirt of dirt of small town Beggs Oklahoma, Hardesty captures the essence of a way of life he knows intimately, something that many larger, more urban production companies can’t replicate.

While Hard Way Productions is still growing, Hardesty already feels the impact his work has had on the community. He recalls the deep appreciation he felt when someone sent him a video of Henryetta’s Labor Day celebrations from 1954. “It was so cool seeing our town from that period in time,” he says, “and I hope to achieve the same thing for future generations.”

Hardesty’s journey into media production was sparked by a personal experience. After his grandfather passed away, Hardesty realized the value of capturing stories before they were lost. “I started Hard Way Productions after my grandfather died,” he shares. “In his final days, I interviewed him and my grandma about their life together. It was one of my most precious memories, and it made me realize that what I do matters.”

As for sustainability, Hardesty acknowledges that most of his work is digital, limiting his environmental footprint. Still, he focuses on making an impact in other ways—by contributing to the cultural preservation of his community through the lens of his camera.

As Hard Way Productions continues to grow, Hardesty remains focused on his goal of documenting life in small-town America and helping local businesses thrive. His work is more than just media production—it’s a tribute to the people and places that shaped him. And in preserving their stories, he’s ensuring they’ll be remembered for generations to come. You can see more videos from Hard Way Productions HERE