Find training options, career opportunies, new film releases and more!
Find training options, career opportunies, new film releases and more!

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

As we begin shifting from the spring to summer season, Oklahoma’s film, television and music industries are moving ahead full force! We’ve been particularly pleased with the productive engagement and success we’ve seen at a number of recent partnered events. Oklahoma Film Day at the Capitol was an impressive showcase and celebration of the state’s film and television industry, allowing our state lawmakers and film professionals to directly connect with one another; and the recently wrapped Gypsy Café raised over $47,000 to fund financial assistance grants for Oklahoma music professionals in crisis. 

This month, we’re heading to Denver for SeriesFest, an award-winning television festival, where we’ll seek business opportunities among industry experts who’ll be in attendance. With three television series currently in production or pre-production in our state, this will be an opportune time to showcase the consistent growth of our state’s film and television industry as well as promote our local camera-ready workforce, professional businesses and film friendly communities who are ready to engage, collaborate and set the scene for productions in Oklahoma. 

Speaking of which, we anticipate a busy year ahead with film and television production in the pipeline as we remain open for business. If you haven’t revisited the FAQ page on our website, please check out this new and improved section as it provides answers to many of the questions we see on a daily basis - from the details of the film incentive program to how to find a job on productions in Oklahoma. 

Make sure to stay connected with us on social media (@okfilmmusic) for more exciting film and music news ahead – and we look forward to connecting with you soon! 
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!

JOIN OF+MO AT THESE EVENTS

EDUCATION + WORKFORCE

Open Call for Oklahoma Singer to Record a Pre-selected Song for Oklahoma Tourism Campaign
The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, in partnership with OF+MO, is hosting an open call for a singer to record a pre-selected song, which will be used in a tourism campaign. The tourism campaign will showcase the extraordinary vocal talents found in our great state.
deadCenter Film Opens dC University Class IX Enrollment
deadCenter Film has partnered with Metro Technology Centers to offer deadCenter University Class IX, a FREE two-day film program open to 80 students 9th-12th grade taking place June 9-10. Students will learn the basic principles of filmmaking demonstrated through interactive sessions while meeting industry professionals, networking with other film students and gaining exclusive exposure to inspiring films and panels. Registration is open through June 1.

Meridian Technology Center’s First Capital Film Crew Institute Offering Production Training Courses
Meridian Technology Center announces open enrollment for film career training courses offered through its new initiative, the First Capital Film Crew Institute. Courses offered provide affordable, practical and transferable film crew training allowing individuals to gain skills for a new industry while maintaining their current employment. The curriculum will be taught by industry experts and will include traditional instruction as well as hands-on work in scenarios that mirror the industry.
Oklahoma Film & TV Academy Offers Set Ready Course in May
Oklahoma and the surrounding region have become a bustling hub of film production and there is no better time to train to become a crucial part of a film crew. The Oklahoma Film & TV Academy (OFTA) presents their next Set Ready course, a foundational training program that provides students with the practical working knowledge needed to begin working on set right away, Saturdays and Sundays May 14-15 and 21-22. Students will spend four full days learning the ins and outs of production basics from industry professionals with a host of credits and awards to their names.
Recently, OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky was proud to be a featured guest speaker and congratulate the students who recently completed OFTA’s Set Ready Course. This was the “15th Slate” or group of graduates to complete the course.
REGISTER FOR MAY'S COURSE BY FRIDAY, MAY 6, TO RECEIVE 30% OFF!
The Film Education Institute of Oklahoma and Francis Tuttle Technology Center Offering Film 101 Course
The Film Education Institute of Oklahoma has partnered with Francis Tuttle Technology Center to offer Film 101, an introductory course aimed to prepare students with practical skills they can use to enter the film and television industry. The course, taking place May 10 - June 9, will be taught by Ben Richardson, an award-winning director, actor, writer and producer, with over 10 years of experience in the Oklahoma film industry. This course will equip students with knowledge of the basic production process, an understanding of department crew roles, essential vocabulary used on set and various other foundational knowledge one needs to succeed in an entry-level position on a film, TV or commercial set. 
Oklahoma City Offering OKC Rescue Program to Small Business Owners and Non-Profits
Oklahoma City business owners and non-profits with 100 or fewer full-time employees can apply for financial support from the OKC Rescue Program to help recover from the impacts of COVID 19. The program covers business services like marketing, accounting, or business planning; outdoor facade improvements; or COVID-19 mitigation expenses like ventilation and outdoor seating. The OKC Rescue Program is administered by the Alliance for Economic Development for Oklahoma City and is funded by the City of Oklahoma City’s allocation from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR OKLAHOMA CREW + CASTING JOB POSTINGS

BUSINESS + INFRASTRUCTURE

Rep. Scott Fetgatter; Tava Maloy Sofsky, OF+MO; Sen. Chuck Hall
Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance Hosts Film Day at the Capitol
The Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance (OKMPA) hosted Oklahoma Film Day at the Capitol for legislators on April 20 bringing together state legislators and the state’s film industry for an afternoon of insightful demonstrations, meetings and conversations highlighting the economic impact of the film and television industry in Oklahoma. Alongside speakers Rep. Scott Fetgatter, Sen. Chuck Hall and more, OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky shared statistics on the economic impact of the state’s new film incentive program, which OKMPA was instrumental in helping see established through their advocacy and outreach efforts.

General Brent Wright, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce; Senator Chuck Hall; Brent Kisling, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce

Commerce, Oklahoma Film & Music Office Honor Senator Hall
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and OF+MO honored Senator Chuck Hall for his work to support and grow Oklahoma’s film industry through SB 608 which created the “Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021.” Senator Hall co-authored SB 608 alongside Representative Scott Fetgatter.
FEATURED BUSINESS
Tull Rigging
Tull Rigging is a labor and tech provider for live events, concerts, televised events, commercials, conventions, corporate events and upscale private parties in Oklahoma.
"With the growth created by the Maps programs, OKC has reached a level of sustainability for the local workforce in the live events industry. In 2018 Tull Rigging employed approximately 150 workers. In just one short year, partially due to aggressive marketing strategies executed by SMG, ASM Global & The Paycom Center, our Tull Rigging staff increased to 572 W-2 status employees."
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A FUTURE FEATURED BUSINESS

COMMUNITIES + LOCATIONS

OF+MO Partners with SeriesFest Season 8 in Denver
Celebrating its eighth year, OF+MO is proud to be a returning partner of SeriesFest, an award-winning annual independent television pilot festival based in Denver, which will be held May 5-11. OF+MO’s partnership with SeriesFest provides the opportunity to promote the state of Oklahoma as a top destination for film and television by directly engaging the event’s special guests and attendees as the branded partner of the festival’s official registration area and workspace center.

Click the image to watch the Newbar/OF+MO stage at Gypsy Cafe!
WATCH! The Oklahoma Film + Music Office Hosted Stage at Bob Childers’ Gypsy Café
OF+MO was proud to host a stage during the Bob Childers’ Gypsy Café, Oklahoma’s largest homegrown songwriter festival, which returned to Stillwater at the end of April. In its 11th year, the festival has announced it was the most successful one yet. Thanks to near-perfect weather and record attendance, they raised $47,064 to fund financial assistance grants for Oklahoma music professionals in crisis.
In case you missed it, watch this video from the Newbar stage, presented by OF+MO. 
Briana Wymore, City of Seminole; Yousef Kazemi, OF+MO
OF+MO Featured at Seminole Film Friendly Workshop
Recently certified through the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, the City of Seminole hosted a free film friendly workshop for local leadership, residents and business owners to learn more about the benefits of Oklahoma’s film and television industry as well as how the community can continue to promote the region as a destination for production. OF+MO was represented by Outreach & Production Manager Yousef Kazemi who spoke to the program’s benefits as well as the need for continued community support and presented City of Seminole PIO and Film Liaison Briana Wymore with a commemorative film friendly certificate on behalf of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. Many thanks to the City of Seminole for hosting this event and welcoming our presentation for those who attended.

Oklahoma Southwest Alliance Conference Spotlights Oklahoma’s Film & TV Industry
With a mission to improve the quality of life by identifying opportunities for sustainable economic growth, diversification and stabilization, the Oklahoma Southwest Alliance (OSA) held its annual Economic Development Conference April 20-21 in Chickasha and invited OF+MO to make a presentation highlighting the current momentum of the state’s film and television industry. The well-attended conference included business and civic leaders throughout the Southwest Oklahoma region, and provided OF+MO the opportunity to share more information on the economic impact of film and TV production in Oklahoma as well as initiatives like the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, which could be valuable to communities looking to attract the industry to their regions. A handful of communities represented by OSA have received “film friendly” certification after completing the program’s requirements, including Duncan, Lawton, Weatherford and Chickasha, the latter of which received their commemorative film friendly certificate at the event.

FEATURED LOCATION
Woodward Arts Theatre
Downtown Woodward is home to one of Oklahoma’s premiere performing arts centers. Built in 1929, the Woodward Arts Theatre was originally a movie house showcasing the newest on-screen talkies. Currently operated by the Woodward Arts & Theatre Council, the facility now serves as a performance space, which hosts community plays, arts camps, renowned global entertainers, touring shows and other special events. The City of Woodward is also home to two film festivals – Twister Alley and the Thunderbird Drone Festival – both of which have been hosted at the theatre. Featuring stunning design throughout the space, including a marquee sign restored to its former neon glory, this film friendly location is ready to set the scene for your next film or television production.

Many thanks to the Woodward Arts & Theatre Council and the City of Woodward, which was recently certified “film friendly” after completing the requirements of the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, for sharing this location with us.

If you are interested in showcasing your community or featuring your location in the Oklahoma Locations Directory, please contact Yousef Kazemi at Yousef.Kazemi@OKCommerce.gov or visit our website for more information.

OKLAHOMA FILM + MUSIC SPOTLIGHTS

CREATIVE CAREERS OKLAHOMA
Film & Television Part 3: Production
Last year, OF+MO joined Junior Achievement (JA), Creative Oklahoma, Jesse James Films and Maverick Arts as well as nearly 30 local industry professionals to highlight careers in the state’s film and television industry to over 30,000 middle and high school students participating in JA’s Inspire Virtual Program. Throughout this FREE five-part video series, learn about these featured careers: acting, special effects, production accounting, screenwriting, makeup artists, casting, production management, grip, gaffer, costume design, production sound mixing, producing, directing, cinematography, music composition, art development and direction, and vocal work.
Production refers to when the film is actually shot and all those Pre-Production plans are put into play and a LOT of people join the crew! From carpenters to camera operators, sound operators to makeup artists, electrical teams to drivers, and production managers to extras, everyone has a role to play!
FEATURED FILM CAREER
Sam Tayler | camera operator

"My favorite aspect [of working in the Oklahoma film industry] is the people. Closer than friends, we’ll always be there for each other. It is a very tight-knit group, and we stick together when things go awry."
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A FUTURE FEATURED FILM CAREER
FEATURED MUSIC CAREER
Adam Seely | concert production technician
"Just get out there at first [is my advice]! Go to shows, go to shows, go to shows! Tell the bands how awesome the show was, learn all you can and practice in the lower levels until the time comes when things start to click, and you start to make a name for yourself as someone who SHOWS UP! That’s most important."
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A FUTURE FEATURED MUSIC CAREER

FILM ACTIVITY

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.  
NOW FILMING
OF+MO is pleased to announce five projects are filming this month utilizing Filmed in Oklahoma Act Rebate Program.

Filming in May
  • "Reservation Dogs (Season 2)"
  • "Untitled Tulsa Project"
  • "A Thousand Tomorrows"
  • "Little Amens"
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.
Find crew and casting calls in Oklahoma on the jobs page of our website!⁠ Have one? Send it to us at filminfo@oklahomafilm.org.
NEW RELEASES
WATCH: Projects Filmed in Oklahoma Releasing this Month!

CURRENT OPEN CALLS

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL LOCAL AND NATIONAL CALL FOR ENTRIES
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!
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!

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.⁠
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 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.

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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