Find updates on the Oklahoma film + music industries!
Find updates on the Oklahoma film + music industries!
DIRECTOR'S NOTE 
CLICK THE IMAGE TO HEAR A MESSAGE FROM
TAVA MALOY SOFSKY, DIRECTOR OF OF+MO!
Tava Maloy Sofsky, Director of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), brings another video intro to our October 2020 announcing our new opportunity for filmmakers and those interested in joining the action in the film industry to receive a scholarship for the Oklahoma Film and Television Academy's (OFTA) Film Crew 101 Certification Program!
LEARN ABOUT THE OFTA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Start your new career in the film industry!
In 2019, nearly 40 film and television projects filmed in communities around the state, making it one of the busiest years Oklahoma has ever had for film and television production. 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!
JOIN OF+MO AT THESE EVENTS
Norman Music Festival's NMF Transmissions
Streaming | October 9 + 30 (more TBA)
Scene Skeleton Video Series
Streaming | Wednesdays at 7:30PM
OKLAHOMA FILM + MUSIC SPOTLIGHT
SUZANNE WATSON | lead film producer
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.
October's Spotlight features Suzanne Watson, lead producer of the Oklahoma film “Hosea”, which screened at the 2019 deadCenter Film Festival last summer. Watson talks about how impressed she was by the expertise and professionalism of our local crew and the many reasons why they chose to film in Oklahoma.
Click the image to watch this month's spotlight video!
INNOVATION INSIGHT
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office's "Innovation Insight” series profiles a variety of Oklahoma film and music professionals who have found creative ways to continue their craft or businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue adjusting in these uncharted waters, our creatives around the state continue finding innovative ways to use technology and we agree with their mindset: “The show must go on”.
October’s Innovation Insight features Grand Illusion, LLC, a prop fabrication, special effects service and equipment company based in central Oklahoma. Founded by local industry member Jeremy Ralstin, Grand Illusion, LLC, has expanded its company’s services to address the health and safety needs of the film and television industry amid the current COVID-19 climate by providing custom built mobile washing stations. Equipped with touchless features, including two faucets, paper towels and sanitizer, the company presently has six stations in its inventory, which are currently being utilized by the feature film “Reagan” and will be available for rental through local company NGP once production wraps in mid-October.
FILM + MUSIC NEWS
OF+MO Scholarships Available for Film Crew 101 Certification
As part of its sponsorship of the Oklahoma Film and Television Academy (OFTA), OF+MO will provide Film Crew 101 Certification Scholarships in service of the continued education and growth of the state’s camera ready workforce.

OFTA’s “Film Crew 101” podcast highlights different departments within film and television production and features educational commentary from special guest artists within those respective fields. These podcasts offer a variety of topics, including careers in departments such as post-production, sound mixing, hair, make-up gaffing, production management, coordination and assistance.

An extension of the podcast cast series, the OFTA Film Crew 101 Certification Program is a self-guided learning tool that uses the podcasts and unlocks quizzes related to each episode. Upon successful completion of all podcast program requirements, OFTA will issue the participant an official “career-ready” certification. OF+MO is providing 100 scholarships to eligible applicants for the program, which traditionally costs $99.


“Hosea” Now Digitally Available to Rent or Own
Small Groups Films, in association with azUspeak productions and Twin Oak Films, celebrated the digital release of the Oklahoma-produced film “Hosea” on September 25, 2020. Written and directed by Ryan Daniel Dobson, “Hosea” is a modern-day retelling of an ancient story through the eyes of its forgotten female character.⁠ Utilizing the state’s film incentive program, “Hosea” was filmed throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding region in 2018, and is now digitally available to rent or own on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Prime and Vudu.
"The Last Exorcist" to Release on Digital and DVD
Uncork’d Entertainment, in association with Thriller Films and Affiliated Media & Films, is proud to announce the digital and DVD release of “The Last Exorcist” on October 13, 2020. The film, starring Danny Trejo (“Machete”) in a titular role, tells the story of two sisters who are haunted by a demon from their past, which has taken possession of their mother. Terri Ivens (“The Bay”), Rachele Brooke Smith (“Cold Moon”) and Oklahoma’s own Cate Jones (“She’s The Eldest”) are also featured in the film, which created 117 local jobs for industry members throughout its filming in 2017. The City of Tulsa served as the film’s primary production hub with additional filming in Skiatook, Okmulgee and Edmond.


New Projects in the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Queue
OF+MO is pleased to announce three new projects and five projects with new start dates that have all been pre-qualified to utilize 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. New production dates will be provided as soon as possible by those productions.

New + Updated Projects
  • "Parked for Love" - October 12, 2020 (new start date)
  • “Unplugging” – October 15, 2020
  • "Killer Infatuation" - October 19, 2020 (new start date)
  • "Sinister Sorority" - October 31, 2020 (new start date)
  • "Hollywood Deal" - October 31, 2020 (new start date)
  • "Black Bags" - November 3, 2020
  • "Unbreakable Boy" - November 19, 2020
  • "God's Not Dead 4" - January 12, 2021 (new start date)
  • "American Underdog" - June 30, 2021 (new start date)
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 Filming in Oklahoma page of our website. For a current listing of films in the rebate queue, please visit the Filming in Oklahoma page of our website.
Find crew and casting calls in Oklahoma on the jobs page of our website!⁠ Have one? Send it to us at filminfo@oklahomafilm.org.
Norman Music Festival Debuts Livestream Series
OF+MO is proud to be a presenter of Norman Music Festival’s new livestream series, NMF Transmissions, kicking off Friday, October 9 at 8:00 p.m. with Norman-based psych rockers Helen Kelter Skelter. After being forced to cancel the 2020 rendition of Norman Music Festival (NMF) amidst the continued heath crisis, Norman Music Alliance, who presents NMF, is now bringin this new, free, electrified livestream concert series to digital airwaves. The series celebrates Oklahoma artists with spirited performances, laser light shows and dynamic action to capture the energy of the beloved festival, but enjoyed from the safety of a viewer’s couch.

New Web Series Scene Skeleton Debuts this Month
OF+MO is proud to be a presenter of Scene Skeleton, a free weekly video series featuring conversations with experienced panelists from across the nation discussing strategies, best practices and other music industry topics, launching September 30. Created by Chad Whitehead, talent buyer for Tower Theatre, Ponyboy and Patchwork Presents, this series is designed to support local musicians as they navigate the music industry by giving them access to people with decades of experience. Each episode will begin with a conversation before moving into an artist-submitted Q&A session. Topics include how to release an album, promoting a concert, managers/agents, branding and more.

THAT'S A WRAP
CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH THE JR NOW WEBINAR ABOUT FILM!
WATCH NOW! The Journal Record’s Now Webinar Series to Feature Oklahoma Film
OF+MO is proud to be a sponsor of The Journal Record’s (JR) Now Webinar Series, a free, weekly online discussion with timely topics moderated by Journal Record Interim Editor Joe Dowd. OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky joined local filmmakers Todd and Alex Greenlee alongside Richard Janes, co-founder of the newly launched Oklahoma Film and Television Academy (OFTA), on October 2, 2020, to discuss Oklahoma's thriving film and television industry with an emphasis on workforce development. This was the first webinar within the series to focus on film and television with subsequent sessions beginning in November, where OF+MO will take a deep dive into industry sectors such as workforce, community and infrastructure development.
OF+MO Hosted Okie Roundup During AmericanaFest's Thriving Roots
For the fifth year in a row, OF+MO hosted “Okie Roundup: An Oklahoma Showcase Live from the Mercury Lounge” during the 20th annual Americana Music Association's virtual Thriving Roots event, which ran September 16-18. Thriving Roots was designed to replace this year’s conference and bring the global Americana music community together from across the world for three full days of engaging insight.
This year’s “Okie Roundup” showcased Americana talent from across the state with performances from Travis Linville, Carter Sampson, Stephen Salewon, Samantha Crain, John Fullbright and Red Dirt Rangers.
WATCH NOW! Passes are still on sale at $99 with the content re-watchable up to a year, including the Okie Roundup, panels and more concerts.
Stephen Salewon performing at Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Photo credit: Sean Payne
Red Dirt Rangers performing at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Photo credit: Molly McElwain
Tom Skinner Skyline Music Fest Goes Virtual
OF+MO was proud to be a presenter of the Tom Skinner Skyline Music Fest, best known as Skinnerfest. In its fourth year, Skinnerfest aired as a streaming event through Mercury Lounge Live on October 2, 2020. The festival featured two sets recorded live at the iconic Tulsa venues Cain’s Ballroom and Mercury Lounge, with all proceeds benefitting Red Dirt Relief Fund, raising over $11,000 during the event.
WATCH: In case you missed it, they will stream a free "encore" performance of the show on Giving Tuesday, December 1, as a way of saying thank you for supporting Oklahoma music people in crisis, especially during this pandemic!
Water from the Rock Productions Presents Inaugural Jazz Festival
OF+MO sponsored the inaugural Jazz on the Green, presented by Water from the Rock Productions, on Friday, September 11. Michael Fields Jr., a Tulsa-based international recording artist, bassist and founder of Water on the Rock Productions brought together a celebrated list of local, regional, national and internationally acclaimed cross-genre jazz musicians with styles ranging from smooth, contemporary and modern, to pop and r&b, for the inaugural Jazz on the Green festival. Due to continued safety concerns presented by COVID-19, Jazz on the Green decided to host a virtual livestream event, which brought in nearly 9,000 views from nine states.
Behind-the-scenes of "Joey and Ella".
Film Projects Wrap in Oklahoma
Click on each film title for details on each project, which filmed in Oklahoma utilizing the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program.
CURRENT CREW + CASTING CALLS
FEATURED ARTISTS

MCKINLEIGH LAIR | film
documentary filmmaker
“Lately I’ve been trying to develop my voice as a filmmaker through identifying the stories that only I can tell. Often when we share identities with the communities we are representing on camera, it leads to more authentic, empathetic representation. Being an Oklahoman will always be part of my personal story and it feels fulfilling to bring that part of myself to my work.”
LATIN MOJO BAND | music
Latin jazz band
“The Latino Community has always had a positive impact on the landscape and economy of the State of Oklahoma. The Latin community, consisting of multiple cultures, traditions and food, has one common thread – music! Music brings everyone together.” 
FEATURED OKLAHOMA LOCATION
HARWELDEN MANSION | tulsa
The Harwelden Mansion is one of Tulsa’s finest examples of English Tudor-Collegiate Gothic architecture located just south of downtown near The Gathering Place. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the four-story, 15,000 square foot mansion, carriage house and gardens were built in 1923 by wealthy oilman Earl Harwell and his wife, Mary, and occupy a full city block. The couple spared no expense on the property using the finest craftsmen and superior materials to bring their stunning vision to life. Although the mansion has undergone some remodeling over the years, it is relatively as it was when first built as best practices were used in honoring the mansion’s original construction.

Today the Harwelden Mansion is an event center and boutique hotel with six luxury bedroom suites available to reserve as well as entire floors available for indoor events, or outdoor events among the property’s stunning garden and riverfront views. The Harwelden Mansion can be seen on-screen in Tulsa-based artist Casii Stephan’s “Undone” music video, the documentary “Harwelden: The Mansion That Oil Built” and the feature film “Convicted”, starring Aiden Quinn and the late Kelly Preston. Special events at the mansion in October include an afternoon tea at the top of the month as well as historic tours of the property every other Thursday for eager audiences wanting to see its beauty in person.

If you are interested in showcasing your community or featuring your location in the Oklahoma Locations Directory, please contact Yousef Kazemi at Yousef.Kazemi@TravelOK.com or visit our website for more information.
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
A great way to continue to support Oklahoma musicians and filmmakers is to watch local live streaming events. Visit our online Events Calendar to find streaming film and music events in the state.
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.

Stay Connected with Your Legislator
Connect with your local area state legislators at oklegislature.gov or by using the Oklahoma Legislative Guide for the 57th 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.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE WHY YOUR NEXT
FILMING PROJECT SHOULD BE IN OKLAHOMA!
About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma's film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit okfilmmusic.org.
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