Oklahoma film industry growing with ‘Flower Moon,’ ‘Minari’

Kaleb Gonzalez

Contributing

Writer

Oklahoma’s growing film industry is attracting big-budget projects for movies and television this year with its incentive program.

According to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, about 11,000 jobs were created with a direct fiscal impact of $170.4 million from film and television productions utilizing the incentive program in the last couple of years.

The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 is a key factor in the growth of the film industry. The incentive program created funding of $30 million a year for the next decade.

Oklahoma City ranks No. 13 out of 25 big cities, and Tulsa ranks No. 5 out of 10 small cities in 2022, according to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

UCO has begun to implement more film courses in the Mass Communication Department this semester, such as non-linear editing, and nonfiction-cinematography.

“We are working very hard to create these opportunities for students who are interested in exploring a film career,” said Assistant Professor Milos Ajdinovic of the Department of Mass Communication.

Ajdinovic said that UCO is in a great location to get involved in the growing industry.

“We are in a great location. We can become a part of it by connecting to the industry and connecting with studios like Prairie Surf and the Oklahoma City Community College. We must see what the demands are, and we have already shown that we can highly rank in Oklahoma,”

Ajdinovic said.

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Martin Scorsese, is one of several big-budget productions that have been shot in Oklahoma in recent years, and it is set to release in May 2023 on Apple TV+. Other recent productions include “Tulsa King,” “Stillwater” and the Oscar-winning “Minari.”

Madelyn Fisher

Contributing Writer

Canine influenza has been on the rise in the United States since December 2022. States like Oklahoma and Texas have experienced the most recent cases as numbers continue on a steady upslope around the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), canine influenza H3N8 originated in horses and had been around for more than 40 years. However, in 2004, the virus began showing up in canines before officially adapting to become a dog-specific illness.

Dr. Joshua Posey, who has been a DVM for over 15 years, said canine flu is currently classified as an endemic and there is currently no reason to believe that will change.

Despite this, Posey said that it is every dog owners’ interest to have their pets vaccinated at their next annual wellness appointment or even sooner.

“All dogs are susceptible, but getting vaccinated will be especially important for dogs who are taken to dark parks or on doggy dates, as well as for dogs who are taken for grooming and boarding.”

The vaccine process consists of two initial injections that should be given within two to four weeks of one another. After these initial shots, dogs should receive an annual booster to ensure their best protection from the virus. The vaccine does not ensure total immunity, but will make recovery from the virus much easier should a dog contract it.

Canine influenza is highly contagious and owners should be cautious allowing their pets to interact with other dogs that may show symptoms. Like the human flu, canine influenza can be spread through touch, saliva, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces. This can include kennels, daycare facilities, and even your own home. Dr. Catie Hennessey said owners should watch out for symptoms like coughing and sneezing, While those will be the most

(PROVIDED) common indicators other symptoms can appear too including a snotty nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

According to the CDC, few cases of canine influenza end in death, but owners should remain vigilant. While most cases are mild, the virus can lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. Dr. Posey said dogs that are geriatric or immunocom- promised due to health or medication should be vaccinated, as they will be at a higher risk than other healthy pets.

As cases continue to appear, more vets in Oklahoma have begun to offer the canine influenza vaccine. Owners should call ahead of time to ensure their preferred veterinarian has the vaccine available.