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For us, July not only marks the month we celebrate Independence Day, but also kicks off a new fiscal year where we welcome a fresh season of film and television productions who qualify for the “Filmed in Oklahoma Act.” The demand for filming in Oklahoma is higher than ever, and we look forward to announcing the next slate of projects impacting the state very soon. In the meantime, don’t be surprised to see a film or television crew in your neck of the woods as we have active productions occurring in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and everywhere in between.
We continue to stay busy on the film and music event front having just wrapped with deadCenter Film Festival and a variety of speaking engagements, including our recent presentation at the Oklahoma Mayors Conference in Durant, which saw nearly 100 leaders from across the state in attendance. Additionally, we've just returned from AFCI Week in Los Angeles where we were honored to represent Oklahoma alongside many of our local film commissioners. Our Oklahoma footprint has expanded as executives and other film commissioners around the world are hearing about the growth of our film and television industries and our rise in becoming top of mind as a filming production hub.
Whether it’s the upcoming WoodyFest or a number of local film festivals, we hope you’ll find a reason to beat the heat and chill with some great Oklahoma music and movies. Until next time, stay connected with us through our social @okfilmmusic, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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Congratulations to OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky, and all of those selected for The Journal Record's Oklahoma Film Industry Power List
This 2022 Oklahoma Film Industry Power List highlights influential members of our state’s film industry. The 27 people profiled in these pages represent myriad talents and hold a spectrum of roles in and related to film production in Oklahoma and beyond. OF+MO is so thankful for everyone involved in supporting the continual growth of this industry.
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| JOIN OF+MO AT THESE EVENTS
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OF+MO Wraps Panel Series and More at 2022 deadCenter Film Festival
The 2022 deadCenter Film Festival returned in person this year with events taking place in and around Oklahoma City. OF+MO was proud to be a returning partner of the festival where we presented our FREE film panel series at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art as well as co-hosted the Oklahoma Film Reception at The Big Friendly. In addition to the local filmmakers and special guests featured on our panel series, which explored various facets of independent film, documentaries, television and establishing a career in the industry, OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky also led a conversation with 2022 deadCenter ICON Jennifer Loren, Director of the Cherokee Nation Film Office and Original Content. Many thanks to our participating panelists for their valuable insight and contributions as well as those who attended. Congratulations to all of the amazing filmmakers featured at this year’s festival, particularly our homegrown talent, as well as deadCenter on a successful year and return to live events.
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Current Casting, Career and Internship Opportunities
CREW
CASTING
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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| BUSINESS + INFRASTRUCTURE
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FEATURED BUSINESS
AMP EQUIPMENT
Based in Tulsa, AMP EQUIPMENT and its subsidiaries have been the leader in Oklahoma film equipment rental for decades.
"The prime reason for forming AMP was to create a company in Oklahoma with enough equipment to facilitate motion picture production, and within the first few months of forming, AMP provided equipment for “So This Is Christmas” and “Home Run” concurrently."
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OF+MO to Host Panels at WoodyFest
OF+MO is proud to be a returning partner of the 25th Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, Okla., July 13-17. One of the longest running festivals in Oklahoma, this year’s event will honor Guthrie’s 110th birthday with performances by third & fourth generation Guthrie songwriters alongside festival veterans and newcomers alike. The festival will host educational panels and programs throughout the week. As part of the partnership, OF+MO will present three of the programs.
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OF+MO Receives Nomination for Outstanding Film Commission
OF+MO is humbled to be recognized by the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) with a nomination for Outstanding Film Commission for our work with "Reservation Dogs" at the upcoming 9th Annual LMGI Awards. We're honored to have worked with FX Disney and the amazingly talented filmmakers of "Reservation Dogs" in Oklahoma on this special television series, and share this recognition with them as well as our skilled local crew, businesses, communities, local film offices and state, city and tribal leadership who all played a pivotal role in supporting this production. Congratulations to “Reservation Dogs” who also received a nomination for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Television Series. Winners will be announced August 27.
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 | Left to right: Dr. Jerri Stoutermier, Oxford Productions; Jordyn Jorgenson, Visit Muskogee; and Jeanette Stanton, OF+MO
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| OF+MO Featured at Muskogee Film Friendly Workshop
One of our newest communities certified through the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, Visit Muskogee hosted a free film friendly workshop for local leadership, residents and business owners. Featuring a presentation from OF+MO Deputy Director Jeanette Stanton, the workshop provide additional insight into the benefits of the state's film and television industry as well as how the newly 'film friendly' certified community of Muskogee can further engage opportunities to promote the region as a destination for production and benefit from expanded economic impact and opportunities for local workforce and businesses. Many thanks to the City of Muskogee, Visit Muskogee, Bare Bones Film Festival, Oxford Productions, the beautiful Roxy Theatre and all who contributed to host this event.
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 | Left to right: Craig Parham, Mayor of Amber and President of the Mayors Council of Oklahoma; Tava Maloy Sofsky, OF+MO; Mike Fina, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League; and Kim Peterson, Mayor of Guymon and President of the OML Board of Directors
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| OF+MO Shares Film Industry Role at Mayors' Council of Oklahoma Summer Conference
Mayors from across the state gather every summer for the Mayors' Council of Oklahoma Summer Conference to learn, network and further their leadership skills through the conference programming. Our Director, Tava Maloy Sofsky, gave a presentation on the role the film industry plays in Oklahoma and how municipalities can increase their opportunities.
Thank you to the Oklahoma Municipal League for inviting our office to speak at this event!
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 | Left to right: Shawn Florchack, Sr. Manager, Production at FX Networks; Tava Maloy Sofsky, OF+MO; Matt Magielnicki, Vice President, Production at Fox Studios; Jeanette Stanton, OF+MO
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| | Oklahoma’s Film & TV Industry Shines at 2022 AFCI Week
Represented by OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky and Deputy Director Jeanette Stanton, OF+MO was proud to be a presenting partner of the 2022 AFCI Week, an annual event organized by the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) in Los Angeles for members, sponsors and affiliates representing film commissions and related industry organizations from around the world. In addition to attending educational sessions and networking receptions, OF+MO was proud to be a co-presenter of The Physical Production Power Brunch alongside The Hollywood Reporter as well as Entertainment Partners, Production Service Network, Warner Bros. and the Fort Worth Film Commission. This event welcomed executives from the industry’s most prestigious film and television studios and allowed OF+MO to shine a spotlight on the state’s flourishing film and television industry alongside both fellow Oklahoma film commissioners and those from around the world. While in L.A., OF+MO also took the opportunity to connect with new and current business clients, including FX ("Reservation Dogs") who hosted a tour of their facilities at Fox Studios.
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Three Oklahoma Cities Achieve Oklahoma Film Friendly Certification
OF+MO is proud to announce the cities of Pawnee, Davis and Okmulgee have achieved ‘film friendly’ certification after completing the requirements for OF+MO’s Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program. Administered by OF+MO, the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program seeks to help communities develop the necessary protocol and permits to attract and support film and television productions in their areas. The program first began in 2010 with OF+MO successfully hosting statewide informational workshops across all Tourism Countries designed to educate and assist communities with readying themselves for incoming film and television productions. Since that time, the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program has expanded its mission with the present goal of establishing certified Film Friendly communities in all 77 Oklahoma counties, so that everyone who chooses may be represented in this booming industry and have the necessary toolkit to do so.
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FEATURED LOCATION
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
Located in Muskogee, Oklahoma, a ‘film friendly’ certified community, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) has celebrated and recognized the state’s rich music culture since it first opened nearly 25 years ago. Currently housed in the historic Frisco Freight Depot, OMHOF features a treasure trove of Who’s Who in Oklahoma music spanning genres and artists of all kinds from Merle Haggard to Kristin Chenoweth. The location itself boasts an impressive museum, performance stage and event hall that can be utilized for multiple types of events and gatherings, including film production and live music. OMHOF hosted portions of the 2021 Oklahoma Arts Conference as well as the weekly live television series “Oklahoma Music Shop,” a showcase for local musicians that can be streamed on Roku and YouTube.
Many thanks to OMHOF and Visit Muskogee for sharing this location with us.
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| OKLAHOMA FILM + MUSIC SPOTLIGHTS
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NATHAN GARDOCKI | unit production manager
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| 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. This Spotlight features local Unit Production Manager and Business Owner Nathan Gardocki discussing the growing synergy of Oklahoma’s film infrastructure as it pertains to the success of the state's film incentive. Gardocki’s film credits include “Reagan," "13 Minutes," "Ike Boys" and "The Girl Who Believes in Miracles."
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FEATURED FILM CAREER
Austin Gill | lighting technician/key grip
"One of my favorite parts of this wacky industry is how it’s so community based. There are so many forms of art that are solo projects or done by a small group of people. Film, however, is dependent on all different types of creative minds coming together to create a singular piece of art. Oklahoma is filled with fantastic artists and minds. Getting to spend my days surrounded by such people is so much fun."
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| | | FEATURED MUSIC CAREER
Holly Jones | pianist/composer
"The quality of people here [is a benefit of having a music career in Oklahoma]. People are open and friendly and hard working. I love living here and consider this home."
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NOW ACCEPTING REBATE APPLICATIONS
Applications are now OPEN for Oklahoma film incentives! Film and television projects interested in applying for incentives under the ‘Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021’ may now do so on the Incentives Page of our website.
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- "Untitled Tulsa Project"
- "Little Amens"
- "One Day as a Lion"
- "Angels Walking"
Please note that these dates are subject to change pending the production’s compliance with the benchmarks and administrative rules for the rebate programs. 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 one project in the last month, utilizing Oklahoma's film incentives.
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NEW RELEASES
WATCH: Projects Filmed in Oklahoma Releasing Soon
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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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