The Film
About Us
A documentary built from the ground up — by Kern County, for Kern County.
The Story
For Over Five Years, a Battle Has Been Fought in Silence
The people of Kern County have quietly been fighting a battle most Californians don't even know is happening. While politicians debate and policies tighten, families in one of the state's most critical energy regions have lost jobs, stability, and their voices in the process.
Kern Oil is a documentary that brings this hidden story to light — exploring the history, the people, and the real-world consequences of California's shifting energy policies on the communities that power the state.
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Watch
The Long-Form Trailer
The People Behind the Film
Meet the Team
Director / Producer
Rickey Bird Jr.
Rickey Bird Jr. is a distinguished figure in both the oil industry and independent film production within Kern County, boasting over two decades of dedicated experience. As a third-generation roughneck, Rickey has upheld the family legacy in the oil fields while carving out a significant niche in the creative realm. His portfolio includes several award-winning feature and short films that reflect his passion for storytelling and commitment to the craft of filmmaking.
Producer
John R. Blythe, p.g.a.
John R. Blythe is an independent film producer with over 18 years of experience in the film industry. He has produced over 23 feature films including "My Amityville Horror," "The New Hands," and "All Hallows Eve: Trickster," several of which played in major film festivals with worldwide releases handled by distributors including IFC Films, Indican Pictures, and Buffalo 8 Media.
Researcher
Kristina Hernandez
Kristina Hernandez was born in Bakersfield, CA. As a third-generation local educator, her family has a long history of servant leadership within Kern County. Kristina holds a Master of Science in Special Education and brings 18 years of dedicated experience in education, with the last five years serving as an administrator in special education, fostering inclusive learning environments and advocating for people with disabilities.
Associate Producer
Phillip Peters
Supervisor Phillip Peters was elected to the Board of Supervisors in March of 2020 and as First District Supervisor has aspired to serve as both a community servant and leader. Born and raised in Bakersfield, he graduated from Garces Memorial High School and attended Bakersfield College before going to work in the oil and gas industry. He has been active in several boards, committees, and nonprofits advocating for Kern County.
Filmmaker / Photographer
Brandon Rose
Brandon Rose is a filmmaker and photographer with over 15 years of experience. Known for his cinematic work and a fine eye for detail, Brandon has produced visually stunning and meticulously crafted projects that reflect his passion for storytelling. His portfolio includes an award-winning short film and impactful commercial work recognized for their emotional depth and technical excellence.
Art Director
Dane Erik Forst
With over 18 years of experience in the creative industry, Dane is a seasoned art director whose passion for music, album art, photography, fine arts, design, movie poster design, branding, and strategic problem-solving shines through in every project. Known for their ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex design challenges, they bring a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of branding.
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Follow along for screening updates, behind-the-scenes content, and the latest news from the Kern Oil team.