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What a way to kick off the month with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s ceremonial signing of the ‘Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021’ (SB 608 authored by Senator Chuck Hall and Representative Scott Fetgatter) and the declaration that August 3 will forever be known as ‘Film Day’ in Oklahoma! With the opening of the new film program on August 10, we anticipate a game-changing season ahead for the Oklahoma film, television and music industries, and we applaud the vital contributions of all who’ve brought us to this point, including our talented filmmakers and musicians, dedicated workforce, robust businesses, hospitable communities and local film offices as well as our supportive state and city leadership.
Speaking of game-changing, next week will see the premiere of “Reservation Dogs” when it begins streaming exclusively on FX on Hulu on August 9. The series, from Oklahoma’s own Sterlin Harjo and his co-creator Taika Waititi, is the first scripted, full-length television series to be produced in the state and is already garnering plenty of positive critical buzz. We’d like to acknowledge our partnership with Disney and FX Network on this accomplishment and congratulate the entire cast and crew who worked hard this past year to bring this to the screen.
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) continues to work with statewide communities across Oklahoma’s 77 counties, certifying several new ‘film friendly’ cities, such as Shawnee and Broken Arrow, who have completed the requirements of our Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program. With several more certifications in progress, we’re excited to see so much participation as more and more cities across the state become primed and ready to welcome film production to their areas. Our team has never been more ready to continue highlighting new educational opportunities and host new business in the state, whether it be films, television or music projects; and there’s plenty of room for you to join the action!
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Stay in Touch with Our *NEW* Emails!
With our recent move to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, make sure to stay connected with us by accessing our updated contact information, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses. We look forward to hearing from you!
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| | Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Declares August 3 ‘Film Day’ with Ceremonial Bill Signing Ahead of Film Program Opening
With the ceremonial signing of the ‘Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021’, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has by proclamation declared August 3 as ‘Film Day’ in Oklahoma!
Film and television projects interested in applying for incentives under the ‘Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021’ may do so beginning August 10 through Oklahoma Film + Music Office’s website.
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| JOIN OF+MO AT THESE EVENTS
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A Few Spots Left: The Oklahoma Film and Television Academy’s Summer Set Ready Course
Apply to be part of the Oklahoma Film and Television’s Set Ready Course today! OFTA’s Set Ready Course course is all about setting you up for your first day on the job as a production assistant so that you can do the job with confidence and quickly move up the film ladder. The course takes you through, all the different types of PA’s and their duties, the paperwork you need to get paid, the kit box you need to put together to turn up to work and your resume/networking skills. This course starts THIS SATURDAY, August 7, and will take place August 7, 8, 14 and 15. Register today!
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Prairie Surf Media and Oklahoma City University to Host Master Class with Richard Rosser
Prairie Surf Media (PSM) and Oklahoma City University (OCU) are proud to present a two-day Master Class with prolific filmmaker Richard Rosser August 21-22, 2021 at OCU. Take a deep dive into film organization and logistics while exploring the complexities of production management and film scheduling.
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Prairie Surf Studios Hosts Panel Discussion and Networking Event
Prairie Surf Studios invited OF+MO to promote the state’s film workforce, business and education resources to the ever-growing community of film industry members at the Prairie Surf Pathways: An Introduction to Oklahoma Film event last month. This all-day event successfully welcomed participants from across the state who were able to benefit from the program's keynote panel, breakout sessions, exhibitor hall and networking reception.
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Metro Technology Centers Host CareerTech Oklahoma Summit
Metro Technology Centers invited OF+MO to participate as a panelist at the CareerTech Oklahoma Summit this week. We had a lively discussion about film workforce training opportunities with our colleagues at deadCenter Film Festival, Oklahoma City Community College, the Film Education Institute of Oklahoma and Metro Tech in front of an engaged audience of educators from around the state.
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Current Crew + Casting Calls
CREW
CASTING
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| BUSINESS + INFRASTRUCTURE
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| | Shuttered Venue Operators Grant: Appications are Still Open
The Small Business Administration has awarded $8 billion nationwide for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, with 93 grants in Oklahoma receiving over $57 million so far.
Applications are still being accepted & are open to shuttered venues, promoters, talent reps & more.
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FEATURED BUSINESS
Freestyle Creative
Freestyle Creative is an award-winning Oklahoma City marketing and film production company specializing in marketing strategy, advertising, branding, design, video production and photography.
"Freestyle is doing a lot of work in the marketing, creative and commercial space with clients including the State of Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma City Convention Center, and Braum’s. Due to our film background, we approach our marketing and commercial work from a cinematic perspective and with more of a storytelling focus."
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Save the Date: Upcoming Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program Meeting August 25
OF+MO will host its third quarterly Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program Meeting virtually on Wednesday, August 25, at 1:00 p.m. CST. Our featured guests at this meeting include Oklahoma film location professionals Alison Naifeh and Chris Kucharski who will highlight the importance of community and how they collaborate with city leaders when bringing productions like “Stillwater” and “Reservation Dogs” to areas across the state.
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Broken Arrow Achieves Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Certification
With recent production successes, including hosting portions of the 2021 Academy Award winning film “Minari” as well as the faith-based film “When Will Jesus Return”, OF+MO is proud to announce the City of Broken Arrow has completed the requirements for the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program and achieved certification becoming the second community in the state to be designated ‘film friendly’.
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City of Shawnee Achieves Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Certification; Establishes Local Film Office
OF+MO, in conjunction with the City of Shawnee and the Shawnee Film and Music Office, is proud to announce the community of Shawnee has achieved ‘film friendly’ certification after completing the requirements for OF+MO’s Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program. In addition to becoming certified through OF+MO’s Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, Shawnee City Commissioners voted in May to approve the creation of the Shawnee Film and Music Office within the city’s tourism department. Headed by Tourism Director Stacy Cramer Moore, the Shawnee Film and Music Office will support film, television and music production in the area by coordinating the necessary permits, streamlining communications, promoting local assets and ensuring the health and safety of both the community and industry guests.
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 | Left: Tava Maloy Sofsky, Director of OF+MO; Middle: Kenny Baker, production consultant; Right: Alison Naifeh, Local Locations Scout
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| City of Stillwater Hosts Celebratory Screening of "Stillwater"
Mayor Will Joyce and the City of Stillwater City Council hosted a curated celebratory screening of Tom McCarthy's "Stillwater" starring Matt Damon ahead of the film's theatrical release on July 29, 2021. OF+MO was proud to attend the event, which featured state, city and community leadership as well as some of the film's local cast and crew, including oil roughneck Kenny Baker, who served as the inspiration behind Matt Damon's character in the film. Baker toured the state with both McCarthy and Damon as well as local film location professionals, including Alison Naifeh, during pre-production for research ahead of the production in Oklahoma. Congratulations and many thanks to Mayor Joyce and the Stillwater City Council for hosting this successful event highlighting film production in Oklahoma.
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FEATURED LOCATION
Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center
With a professional and exciting state-of-the-art atmosphere, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (BAPAC) is the cornerstone of the arts district in downtown Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and continues to be the premier venue for major performances from across the nation. Since opening its doors in the summer of 2009, the BAPAC has welcomed tours, pop concerts, specialty shows and various other events to the area, while also acting as the official location for Broken Arrow Public Schools fine arts programs. A 1,500 seat venue with a flex space pre-stage area, the facility includes dressing rooms, green rooms, a fully automated rigging system, scene shop, lobby and in-house ticketing capabilities. BAPAC is open to hosting film and television productions provided those terms are agreed upon by the venue and production and do not conflict with any previously scheduled events.
Many thanks to the leadership at the BAPAC and our newly certified film friendly community, the City of Broken Arrow, for allowing us to promote this location in our database for future film and television consideration.
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| OKLAHOMA FILM + MUSIC SPOTLIGHTS
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DAVID SHIPPS | orchestrator/conductor
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| The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO)’s “Oklahoma Film + Music Spotlight” features various filmmakers, musicians and industry leaders who have experienced the positive benefits of making film and music in Oklahoma.
August's Spotlight features David Shipps, orchestrator and conductor, who had the opportunity to come back home to Oklahoma from his now Nashville, Tennessee, home to record scoring at Castle Row Studios in Del City.
Click the image to watch this month's Spotlight video!
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FEATURED FILM CAREER
Lori Hammond | craft service key
"Oklahoma’s film industry has taught me that where there is work, there is the opportunity to progress even from the humblest beginnings - and there is more work now than ever before."
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FEATURED MUSIC CAREER
Geoff Koch | teacher/composer/producer
"It’s the spirit here that is so amazing. Oklahoma has a can do attitude and people aren’t afraid to work hard. The cost of living makes sense for an artist and as the industry grows you can just see what’s coming. Hold on, it’s going to be a crazy ride!"
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NOW FILMING
OF+MO is pleased to announce one major motion picture filming this month utilizing Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program. Due to safety and public health concerns surrounding COVID-19, some productions have temporarily modified or suspended their production dates in Oklahoma.
Filming in August
Please note that these dates are subject to change pending the production’s compliance with the benchmarks and administrative rules for the rebate program. For a current listing of films in the rebate queue, please visit the Now Filming section of our website.
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THAT'S A WRAP
OF+MO is pleased to announce the completion of two projects in the month of May, all utilizing the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program.
Wrapped in July
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WATCH: Projects Filmed in Oklahoma Releasing this Month!
- "Stillwater" in theatres now
- "Joey & Ella" now streaming on Amazon Prime
- "Reservation Dogs" premieres August 9 exclusively on FX on Hulu (details below)
- "What Josiah Saw" world premiere at 2021 Fantasia Fest August 13 and 15
- "Sinister Sorority" world premiere on Lifetime August 15
- "Blueberry Hall" world premiere at Madrid International Film Festival August 23-27
- "The Battle of Honey Springs" will premiere at the Honey Springs Battlefield August 28
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FX Wraps First Season of "Reservation Dogs" in Oklahoma; Announces August 9 Premiere
OF+MO is proud to announce that FX has wrapped principal photography on season one of the series “Reservation Dogs” in Oklahoma. Co-created by Oklahoma’s own Sterlin Harjo (“Mekko”, “Barking Water”) and Academy Award winner Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”, Thor: Ragnarok”), “Reservation Dogs” marks Harjo’s first foray into scripted television as well as the first full time, scripted network television series to film the entirety of its season in Oklahoma. The pilot episode of “Reservation Dogs” recently celebrated its world premiere at New York City’s prestigious Tribeca Film Festival where it was lauded for its sharp writing, and authentic portrayal of Indigenous cultures. FX has announced the series will debut on the network’s streaming brand, FX on Hulu, in the United States beginning August 9, 2021.
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| | Start your new career in the Oklahoma film industry!
As the entertainment industry continues to flourish both globally and here in Oklahoma, the need for the continued development and expansion of our local film industry workforce and companies is critical. We invite you to explore resources to learn more about ways you can plug in to the industry and start your careers now!
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Start your new career in the Oklahoma music industry!
Home to some of the most renowned musical acts and venues in the world, there are more exciting opportunities in Oklahoma’s music industry than ever before. We invite you to explore our website’s resources to learn more about ways you can plug in to the industry and start your careers now!
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Listen to Oklahoma Music on Spotify
OF+MO has made it easy to listen to Oklahoma music with 18 playlists (so far) on Spotify. Genres include blues, hip hop, indie, pop, Red Dirt, Oklahoma music in film, and more!
Get your music added! If you’re an Oklahoma artist who is registered in the Oklahoma Music Directory, we invite you to be featured on one of our playlists by updating your listing with your Spotify page or emailing us at filminfo@oklahomafilm.org.
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At Your Fingertips!
Instantly access the Oklahoma Production, Locations and Music Directories with the OKLAHOMA FILM + MUSIC OFFICE APP to explore and connect with Oklahoma's talented crew, accommodating support services, diverse locations and legendary musicians. For more information, visit the iTunes Store.
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Stay Connected with Your Legislator
Connect with your local area state legislators at oklegislature.gov or by using the Oklahoma Legislative Guide for the 58th Legislature app, which provides current contact information and photos of each representative. This free app is provided by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC). Find it in the app store.
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| About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
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SUPPORT • CONNECT • PROMOTE
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