As the film industry branches out, shooting in more states than California and New York, Oklahoma continues to grow as a viable candidate for all kinds of productions – thanks in part to a generous film incentive.
“Oklahoma was one of the first states in North America to offer a film incentive, and the available programs have steadily evolved since its establishment in 2001,” says Oklahoma Film + Music Office director Jeanette Stanton.
In 2021, the Filmed in Oklahoma Act was established, creating even more opportunities for the Sooner State.
“This program replaced the state’s previous film incentive – the Compete with Canada Act – and raised the annual funding cap from $8 million to $30 million with a base rebate of 20% offered, as well as additional uplifts for filming in rural areas, use of state certified soundstages, post production, music and more,” she continues.
On top of all those incentives and rebates, there are additional offerings from city and tribal partners.
“These incentive programs are administered independently from the state, each with their own respective guidelines, and contribute greatly to the film ecosystem in Oklahoma,” says Stanton.
A staggering 36 productions, both in TV and film, came to Oklahoma last year to utilize the Filmed in Oklahoma Act. This led to $67.5 million spent in the state and added 5,336 jobs, according to Stanton. Productions include the likes of The Lowdown – the newest FX television project from Oklahoman Sterlin Harjo – alongside Horrified, South of Stillwater and The Extinction Rule.
“The Lowdown was filmed on location in Tulsa, which served as its production base, as well as multiple film-friendly certified cities including Bartlesville, Collinsville and Owasso as well as Cleveland, Skiatook and Sperry,” explains Stanton. “The series makes the city of Tulsa a character in itself with the use of a number of downtown corridors and districts, historic neighborhoods and small businesses.” Some popular spots include the Gathering Place, Magic City Books, Circle Cinema, The Harweldon Mansion and even Braums.
Thankfully, Oklahoma still has plenty of room to grow and expand in the filmmaking world. The production infrastructure has already been steadily growing, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
“We’ve seen increased incentive programs launched at the local level, expanding soundstage infrastructure, and a number of film businesses expanding or initiating services provided in our state,” says Stanton. “The state itself continues to remain among the top in the country for low cost of living and best place to start a new business – a major attraction for filmmakers.”
In short, Oklahoma plans to evolve with whatever changes happen along the way.
“In the last several years, the film industry has pivoted numerous times, navigating a global pandemic, industry strikes and more,” says Stanton. “Throughout it all, the state’s film incentive program has generously increased twice, and with continued state, city and tribal support in the future, Oklahoma will be a formidable partner for the film and television industry.”
Main image cutline: Teen drama What Rhymes With Reason was filmed in Oklahoma, thanks in part to major tax incentives. Photo by Zachary Burns courtesy the OFMO
