OKC again named among 'best places to live and work as a moviemaker,' moves up in rankings
Published: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 By: Nate Fisher Source: VeloCityMovieMaker's annual list of "Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker" included Oklahoma City at No. 13 of the big cities list, outpacing cities such as San Diego, Dallas, Kansas City, Portland and San Francisco. The magazine highlighted not only the passage of the Filmed in Oklahoma Act, which increased the incentives cap from $8 million to $30 million of the state's film rebate program (20% to 38%), but also the talent of local crews and the fact that "we've got everything you need for a major production," according to filmmaker Mickey Reece as quoted in the piece. The sector's economic impact on the state in the 2021 fiscal year was more than $170.4 million in direct, local expenditures, growing from 2019's $75 million, and $3 million in 2014. Recent projects made in OKC include "American Underdog," "Reagan," "Wild Indian" and more.
The importance of raising the incentive cap on film and TV production and other forms of industry support was echoed by Oklahoma Film + Music Office Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. "“This last year, Oklahoma’s film and television industry welcomed a multitude of new opportunities that would not have been possible had it not been for the support and dedication of leadership at the state and local levels, crew and businesses,” she said in a recent release. “We’re incredibly grateful to be laying the groundwork for the future of Oklahoma film and television with our partners."
“Oklahoma City’s film industry has been growing so rapidly the last few years we can hardly keep track of all the productions in town at any given time,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt in a recent release. “This recognition as a top U.S. city for filmmakers reflects that. None of this success would be possible without the hard work of our talented local crews, as well as visionary investments that local entrepreneurs are making in production facilities. Our community is innovative and welcoming to the film industry, and I think that word is getting out.”