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DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Dear friends, peers and industry colleagues,
As we move into the new fall season, you’ll begin to see cooler temperatures but you’ll also see some new changes here at the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO). A new opportunity has presented itself and I have chosen to move forward serving the film industry in a different capacity so I’ll be leaving my post here at OF+MO on October 3, 2022.  
It has been a privilege serving the State of Oklahoma’s film and music industry and doing my part to lead us in becoming one of the most highly sought production hubs in the U.S. After working professionally in the film industry both in Los Angeles and around the world for nearly two decades, I was blessed to have been recruited for this position over eight years ago. It’s a stretch to call this a job because I love this industry so much. At the same time, it requires tireless hours and dedication, always putting the people of the state first — a service that I’ve taken very seriously!  
I’ve developed lifelong relationships and witnessed unprecedented growth. I’d like to give credit to my amazingly talented team (past and present) for their support and dedication, as well as state leaders and local industry members for enduring the race we run every single day. I couldn’t be prouder of the major milestones we’ve accomplished together during my tenure. 
From an outside perspective, I’ve witnessed the changing perception of Oklahoma in identifying us as one of the most innovative, pro-business, film-friendly states in the nation. Our workforce has grown significantly, and I was proud to champion and represent some the hardest working industry professionals I’ve ever met. Internally, it’s been incredibly rewarding to assist in shifting the mindset that these industries are real sectors and are diversifying our state’s economy. For all these reasons and more, I am leaving this position on a high note, and I am confident the state will continue investing in these industries, which are bringing diverse economic and cultural value to all people and all corners of our state!
Because my team at OF+MO and our local industry deserve bragging rights, I want to make sure you know that we recently brought home the “Outstanding Film Commission” award, a prestigious honor given by the Location Managers Guild International (LGMI) to a film commission who has gone above and beyond supporting productions in their jurisdiction, including our state's first fully-scripted television series, “Reservation Dogs” — a major breakthrough for the State of Oklahoma!
As I move ahead, I will remain in Oklahoma and you’ll be seeing me wearing a different hat just from a new perspective. Until then, stay tuned for further announcements and please direct any questions to OF+MO Deputy Director Jeanette Stanton at Jeanette.Stanton@OKcommerce.gov. Please stay in touch by emailing me directly at tavamaloysofsky@gmail.com for future correspondence. 
While I will always be proud of my legacy of leadership, I look forward to witnessing Oklahoma’s full potential in embracing these sectors in the future! 
Respectfully, 
The OF+MO Team: left to right: Lindsay Martin, Tava Maloy Sofsky, Yousef Kazemi, Jeanette Stanton and Kati Thomason
OF+MO Receives 2022 LMGI Award for Outstanding Film Commission
OF+MO, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, was honored to receive the award for “Outstanding Film Commission” at the 2022 Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) Awards. A first-time nominee and now winner, OF+MO was recognized by the LMGI for its efforts in production assistance for the hit FX television series “Reservation Dogs,” which is currently streaming its second season on Hulu. Co-created by Oklahoma’s own Sterlin Harjo, “Reservation Dogs” was the first scripted television series to be produced in-state and has had a direct, positive economic impact on multiple locations throughout Northeast Oklahoma, including Okmulgee, Tulsa, Sand Springs, Terlton, Inola and Beggs.

JOIN OF+MO AT THESE EVENTS

AmericanaFest
Nashville, TN | September 13-17

EDUCATION + WORKFORCE

CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR OKLAHOMA CREW + CASTING JOB POSTINGS

BUSINESS + INFRASTRUCTURE

FEATURED BUSINESS
Midwest Drone Productions, LLC
Based in Tulsa, Midwest Drone Productions, LLC, is involved with the film and music industries as well as working with production companies on documentaries and marketing projects. We also provide services for network television. Recent credits include the feature films “Minari,” “Unplugging” and the forthcoming “Fancy Dance” as well as two seasons of the hit FX series “Reservation Dogs.”
"[The benefits of basing our company in Oklahoma is] Oklahoma has so many different types of landscape and that means good filmmaking opportunities. Also, the real estate industry moves lots of large tracks of land, which utilize drones for such marketing."
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A FUTURE FEATURED BUSINESS

COMMUNITIES + LOCATIONS

OF+MO Returns to Nashville for 2022 AmericanaFest
OF+MO is proud to be a returning partner of the Americana Music Association’s annual Americana Music Festival & Conference (AmericanaFest) in Nashville, Tenn., September 13-17. Gathering thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals from all over the world, AmericanaFest will feature seminars, discussion panels and networking events as well as the festival’s marque event, the Americana Honors & Awards Show, which will feature performances by genre-leading talent. Additionally, Oklahoma musicians John Fullbright and Kaitlin Butts are among over 200 artists who will be performing at many of Nashville’s most prominent music venues throughout the five-day festival.
Left to right: Yousef Kazemi, OF+MO; Chris Castor, Thunderbird Drone Festival Director
Thunderbird Drone Festival Highlights Technology Advances in Film
With a stellar audience turnout throughout its two-day event in the film friendly community of Woodward, Okla., Thunderbird Drone Festival highlighted technology advances in film and more. As part of their partnership, OF+MO Outreach and Production Manager Yousef Kazemi represented the office at the event, which featured an international film festival, drone technology panels and classes, and first-person view (FPV) races and demos. In addition to exhibiting at the event, OF+MO was proud to present the award for best "Made in OK" film at the festival’s awards ceremony, which was also attended by Executive Director of Commerce Brent Kisling. Congratulations to all of the filmmakers and participants at this year’s festival as well as the Thunderbird Drone Festival team on a successful second year.

Three Oklahoma Cities Achieve Oklahoma Film Friendly Certification
OF+MO is proud to announce Durant, Ponca City and Stroud 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.
FEATURED LOCATION
Bear Claw Bakery and Café
Located in the film friendly certified community of Pawnee, Bear Claw Bakery and Café is brimming with small town charm and hospitality. The cozy café resides in a beautiful historic building near the heart of Pawnee’s town square where patrons can partake in delicious breakfasts and lunches featuring quiche, sandwiches, pastries, coffee and more. In addition to a small selection of take-home goodies and gifts, the owners also operate Tecknicolour Stained Glass & Art, LLC, in the same building, where visitors can access a stunning showroom from the café. With operating hours 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday (closured on Sunday and Monday), the café can offer a more flexible schedule when it comes to the filming of approved productions.

Many thanks to the owners of Bear Claw Bakery and Café 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

Okie Roundup: An Oklahoma Showcase Live from the Mercury Lounge
In 2020, OF+MO partnered with Tulsa-based Mercury Lounge and Creative Entertainment Network to create one hour of content to showcase Oklahoma’s Americana roots at the 2020 AmericanaFest/Thriving Roots event. Due to the pandemic, Americana Music Association, located in Nashville, Tennessee, created Thriving Roots, which was designed to replace the 2020 conference and bring the global Americana music community together from across the world for three full days of engaging insight through a virtual platform.
“Okie Roundup” showcases Americana talent from across the state with performances from Travis Linville, Carter Sampson, Stephen Salewon, Samantha Crain, John Fullbright and Red Dirt Rangers.
FEATURED FILM CAREER
Tate Steinseik | special effects make-up artist

"Coming home to work in the Tulsa scene was an amazing decision. New York I will always love and miss, but the real difference are the people. There is so much pure talent here. People who have been planted and growing a real scene here. In the past couple of years, I've seen such a phenomenal growth, both on a state level and most recently the Cherokee Film Studios. "
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A FUTURE FEATURED FILM CAREER

FEATURED MUSIC CAREER

Spunk Adams | saxophonist/producer/teacher
"Best advice I would give someone [interested in working in the music industry] is to travel as much as possible. Take time and dive into who you are so your music can truly speak to who you are."
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 websitePlease take note of the quarterly evaluation application deadlines for FY23 (September 15, 2022, December 15, 2022 and March 15, 2023). 
NOW FILMING
OF+MO is pleased to announce four projects are filming this month utilizing Filmed in Oklahoma Act Rebate Program.

Filming in September
  • "What Rhymes with Reason"
  • "Adolescence"
  • "Open Track Season 1"
  • "Snowed in for Christmas"
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.
THAT'S A WRAP
OF+MO is pleased to announce the completion of two projects in the last month, utilizing Oklahoma's film incentives.
  • "Tulsa King"
  • "Little Amens"
On-set of "Tulsa King" - left to right: James Russell (Oklahoma boom operator), Grant Provence (Oklahoma sound mixer), Tava Maloy Sofsky (OF+MO) and John Martinez (Oklahoma sound utility)
That's a Wrap on Paramount+ Series "Tulsa King," Streaming November 13
“Tulsa King,” Oklahoma’s largest fully-scripted television series, has wrapped principal photography in Oklahoma. The series employed over 115 local crew members behind-the-scenes, not including local cast, extras and day player positions. Filming took place across the state, including Oklahoma City, Bethany, Edmond, Guthrie and Tulsa. The series will premiere on Paramount+ November 13. 

NEW RELEASES
WATCH: Projects Filmed in Oklahoma Releasing Soon
  • "Reservation Dogs" season two is now streaming exclusively on Hulu
  • "Ghoster" will be available on DVD and On-Demand October 11
  • "Tulsa King" premieres November 13 exclusively on Paramount+

CURRENT OPEN CALLS

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL LOCAL AND NATIONAL CALL FOR ENTRIES
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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