your next film + music destination
P.O. Box 52002 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 522-9635 In State (800) 766-3456 Toll-Free @OKFilmMusic - #OkieFilm - #OkieMusic
TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 introduction 08 Culture 14 Testimonials + quotes 23 Oklahoma Countries A sampling of images from all 6 diverse countries in Oklahoma
68 film industry resources 72 music industry resources 76 community support click on section to go to page
INTRODUCTION 3
A letter from our director Dear Fellow Filmmakers + Music Makers,
Thank you for the opportunity to showcase the state of Oklahoma as a viable location for your future film, television, or music project. Oklahoma is currently experiencing a cultural renaissance, and its cities are emerging as some of the nation’s top places for business and economic development. In 2017, Forbes shared Nerd Wallet’s ranking of Tulsa #1 and Oklahoma City #5 in the Top Ten Cities for Young Entrepreneurs. The following year, Tulsa’s Gathering Place was crowned as the #1 Best New Attraction by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Poll and Bon Appétit listed Nonesuch in Oklahoma City as America’s #1 Best New Restaurant. This speaks volumes for Oklahoma being a desirable and innovative destination to live and to create, which also allows you to maximize your budget and overall experience. Our local film and music industries have flourished and continue to strengthen, in part, due to the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program, one of the strongest competitive incentives in the United States. In this presentation, we’ve highlighted our cash rebate program, along with Oklahoma’s diverse locations and other resources for filming. While our state and its people are strategically investing in workforce and infrastructure development, we are proud to open our doors for all people and hold a place of consideration for film, television, and music productions ranging in diversity and size. We hope you will share our enthusiasm, as we know Oklahoma is primed to offer film-friendly resources to meet your needs. We look forward to welcoming you to our great state and working with you and your team.
Best regards,
Tava Maloy Sofsky Director
Oklahoma Film + Music Office Tava.Sofsky@OKCommerce.gov OKFILMMUSIC.ORG
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OKLAHOMA
OUR LOCATIONS ARE matched
BY OUR PEOPLE The State of Oklahoma would serve as your “spokes”, providing landscapes and intriguing locations representative of true Americana, giving your talent and crew the best in accommodations, services, facilities, hospitality, entertainment, friendliness, accessibility, a dedicated workforce, excited partners and a “can do” spirit… all at a value.
INTRODUCTION 5
Across its 77 counties, in Oklahoma you’ll have access to 12 different ecoregions (geographical units) with different flora, fauna, terrains, sub-climates and ecosystems. (Click Here) You can capture the experience of Rocky Mountain foothills to cypress swamps, salt plains, waterfalls, caves, sand dunes, tallgrass prairies, hardwood forests and pine-covered mountains. And along the way, more shoreline than the East and Gulf Coasts combined!
the American bison is the Oklahoma state animal
WELCOME TO
downtown - oklahoma city
Balloon fest - Poteau
6
OKLAHOMA
Sequoyah State Park - Hulbert
Tallgrass Prairie - Pawhuska
Buck Atoms - tulsa
oklahoma Oklahoma averages more than 230 sunny days a year. While Oklahoma has four distinct seasons, our average annual temperature is a pleasant 61.5º F. Oklahomans are early risers and the last to leave when it comes to getting the job done. They’re dedicated people who value a day’s work, and are committed to doing whatever it takes to see our state succeed. We’re known for our genuine friendliness, resourcefulness and resilience.
INTRODUCTION 7
Landscape. Cityscape. Escape. One of the fastest-growing states in America, the list of reasons why Oklahoma is a great place to do business is getting longer – almost as quickly as the list of reasons why people love living here. In Oklahoma, we understand that partnership among business, government and civic leaders is integral to our success. Our low costs, diverse economy and business-friendly environment provide value, stability and profitability – and now we’re poised to do even more. Let us introduce you to the crossroads of America that is Oklahoma, a state that has rediscovered its strengths and redefined itself for the future.
downtown - tulsa
The Gathering place - tulsa 8
OKLAHOMA
Bricktown District - oklahoma city
devon boathouse - oklahoma city
THIS LAND IS GRAND CULTURAL • Named one of MovieMaker’s top 13 places to live and work as a filmmaker in 2019 • 500+ Museums across the state • Burgeoning scene for murals and public art • OKC Thunder – NBA 6-time division champions • 150+ Music venues • 30+ Film festivals including the top-rated deadCenter film festival • 30+ Craft breweries • 40+ Recording studios • 90+ Instrument and music supply stores • 35+ Native American tribes • The only Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM@UCO) in the United States • Historic Route 66 with more drivable miles than any other state • Official U.S. Olympic/Paralympic Rowing & Canoe/Kayak Training Site • Class II-IV OKC’s $45.2M Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Center • Olympic Quality USA BMX Headquarters • Top-rated OKC’s $132M Scissortail Park • Top-rated Tulsa’s Riverfront $465M Park: Gathering Place
NATURAL • 160+ Miles of multi-use trails in OKC and Tulsa • 1,000s of miles of hiking trails crisscross Oklahoma’s diverse regions • 55,646 Miles of shoreline – more than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined • 11 Distinct mountain ranges – home to the 1.4-billion-year-old Arbuckle Mountains • 12 Ecoregions – the most diverse terrain per mile in the United States • 30+ State Parks BUSINESS • Competitive cost of business • Centrally located • Educated workforce • Higher quality of life • Oklahoma City and Tulsa named top 20 cities for lowest cost of living • 145+ Universities, Community Colleges and Trade Schools
CULTURE 9
Cain’s ballroom - tulsa
woody guthrie center tulsa
red rock canyon Grill oklahoma city
okc museum of art oklahoma city
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BOOKMARK 10
OKLAHOMA
Chesapeake Energy Arena - oklahoma city
american solera - tulsa
OKC National Memorial - oklahoma city
circle cinema - tulsa
CULTURE 11
rodeo cinema - oklahoma city
red earth festival - oklahoma city
the myriad gardens - oklahoma city
guestroom records - oklahoma city
12
OKLAHOMA
rt. 66 museum - clinton
Church studio - tulsa
riversport adventures oklahoma city
CULTURE 13
Click here to view
TESTIMONIALS & QUOTES
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OKLAHOMA
“Oklahoma has been so generous to me and so supportive. And I’ve been so happy to represent my state all over the world, to bring Oklahoma all around the world.” Leona Mitchell, Chickasaw operatic soprano, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee
“The passage of our recent legislation demonstrates that Oklahoma is ‘open for business to the film and television industry’ and I am proud that this bipartisan legislation will provide the film industry the best opportunity to succeed in Oklahoma.” Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Secretary of Tourism and Branding
“Just to be raised in Oklahoma puts you on the board in the game of life. If you were raised in Oklahoma, you were raised with all you need. There’s a rightness and a good-heartedness there that’s not anywhere else. There’s only one Oklahoma.” Garth Brooks, country music singer/songwriter, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee
TESTIMONIALS 15 INTRODUCTION 15
“Oklahoma is a surprise; it’s so shockingly beautiful. It’s really varied and mysterious. The sky is huge and it’s kind of beautiful, spiritual.” Meryl Streep, Actor, August: Osage County
“We saw no reason to shoot Rudderless anywhere but Oklahoma. They’ve been downright generous.” William H. Macy, Director, Rudderless
“We were so warmly welcomed and the location was the right one so everyone, it goes without saying, was happy to be there.”
“The colors are the colors of the Moors in England, heathery and there’s stands of besieged oaks, real tumbleweeds, gorgeous, changing, cinematic disguise.”
Dermot Mulroney, Actor, August: Osage County, The Chickasaw Rancher
Julia Roberts, Actor, August: Osage County
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OKLAHOMA
“The musical talent pool in Oklahoma right now is remarkable. When I come home from tour, I can go out almost any night of the week in OKC, Norman or Tulsa and listen to an amazing band or songwriter. It is really special!” Samantha Crain, singer/songwriter
“Whatever created me [Jimmy Webb] the songwriter, it was done in Oklahoma. The vernacular of hometown America is a language I speak. It’s a language that makes for comfortable radio and for iconic touchstones. In Oklahoma, there’s a gentle humanity that connects everyone. There’s nothing on this earth more genuine than an Okie.”
“From the state’s immense beauty to all of the incredible people who worked so hard, I would urge other film producers and directors to look towards Oklahoma for their projects.” Jean Doumanian, Producer, August: Osage County
“It’s a great time to be a musician in Oklahoma! There are so many opportunities. Everyday our industry gains momentum!” Jabee Williams, hip hop artist, Grammy award winner
Jimmy Webb, critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter/composer, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee
TESTIMONIALS 17 INTRODUCTION 17
“I was amazed at the locations—epic Midwest vistas, picturesque historic sites, modern/urban backdrops, and everything in between. Oklahoma made us feel welcome, the Film + Music Office supported us at every turn, and our crew was top-notch to work with. I’d do it all again tomorrow.” Brent McCorkle, Writer, Editor, I Can Only Imagine
“There are few things more meaningful to me as a songwriter than being able to perform in my hometown. It’s like arriving to perform in my living room with people who represent the things I hold most dear. I’m beyond proud of how the scene has grown over the years, and will always be proud to call myself an Okie.”
“Oklahomans make up 60-70 percent of our crew, and 13,000 people responded to our need for local extras. We felt adopted into this amazing community from day one.” Andrew Erwin, Director, Editor, I Can Only Imagine
“The people of Oklahoma are so welcoming and sweet; there’s a sense of faith, family and community that you just don’t see in Los Angeles.” Madeline Carroll, Actor, I Can Only Imagine
Lauren Nicole Clare, singer/songwriter
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OKLAHOMA
“All the museums that you have here, and seeing the federal building and paying tribute to that was really quite moving, and really it’s the people more than anything else. They’re so great.”
“With young talents on the rise and maturation blooming, I foresee an increase in local feature productions and TV series that would provide year to year productions due to multiple shooting seasons.”
Dennis Quaid, Actor, I Can Only Imagine
Keshav Tyagi, Director, Blueberry Hall
“I’ve been a lot of places, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else right now as a musician with a family. Tulsa is growing as a powerhouse of music, arts, and commerce. The community of players around here (new and seasoned) invites others to join in, instead of competing to exclude. I’ve personally grown so much just from being put on the spot and in so many situations I would never have asked for, but were right in front of me, helping me develop skills and network. I’m proud to be a part of the live music scene here, and I look forward to growing with it!”
“This is the land my tribe was forever promised as our permanent home and I am very loyal to it.” Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, Emmy award-winning classical composer, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee
Jacob Tovar, singer/songwriter TESTIMONIALS 19 INTRODUCTION 19
“I have worked on several feature films in Oklahoma, including three that I directed. The crews are experienced and efficient, the locations are beautiful and affordable to access and the overall environment for filming is the best I’ve ever seen. People are excited to see movies come to their town and throw open the doors to accommodate you. It was great to be in an environment of yes, after experiencing no so many times in other places.”
“I strongly believe that the film industry in Oklahoma is a valuable addition to the State.” Mark Jarrett, Location Manager Wildlife, American Gods
Lance McDaniel, Director: Crazy Enough, Light From the Darkroom
“I’ve been in Oklahoma a few years now, and it’s validating to be accepted by the community here. Being from Israel, I didn’t know if I could ever feel at home making music in a foreign land. But I do. I feel like I have a base in the heart of the U.S. to tour from and evolve as an artist. I’ve found many great new friends and supportive people on this journey. It’s also refreshing to be able to support other artists from around here who are on their journeys as well. Oklahoma has woven itself into my music. I’m thankful for catching a ride on winds ‘sweeping down the plain’. For wide open skies ... and for all that’s about to come and is here now.” Bat-Or Kalo, singer/songwriter 20
OKLAHOMA
“Over the last several years there has been a resurgence of the music industry in Oklahoma and one can’t ignore Oklahoma’s rich musical heritage consisting of artists ranging from Merle Haggard to Wanda Jackson to The Flaming Lips. Working with musicians my whole life, nothing compares to the creative and freeing experience that I receive in Oklahoma,”
“I’ve always been proud of where I’m from – I have a lot of pride in my hometown and I’ve never been shy about sharing that.” Kristin Chenoweth, actress and singer, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee
Scott Booker, CEO of The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma.
“We spent a weekend doing something we’ve wanted to for years which is to go out to the Little Sahara desert and natural sand dunes. You go up and you just go, ‘how can this even be here?’ That was amazing and as someone that is thinking about where to put your roots down, there’s so many cool places to escape in Oklahoma that should be highlighted.” Taylor Hanson, Musician, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee TESTIMONIALS 21 INTRODUCTION 21
“I’m very appreciative that I got to shoot my feature film directorial debut in Oklahoma. It’s a special place with breathtaking views and hard-working crew that you won’t find anywhere else. The Oklahoma Film + Music Office was there to help us with logistics and showed us so much support that I’d be delighted to shoot in the state again.” Brent Ryan Green, Director, The Veil, Producer, I Can Only Imagine
“I am so glad that I grew up in Oklahoma...it will always be home to me no matter where I go.” Carrie Underwood, singer/songwriter/fashion designer/actress, Oklahoma Music Trail Inductee
“Tulsa has been, ever since I was about 19, the place in America that reeked of literary magic to me. I had plucked up the courage, and written a fan letter to R.A. Lafferty, from an address I found in the back of a book of authors in my local library...He told me how to become an author, and his advice was very good advice, and so I did. It left me quite certain that the finest literary advice in the world came from Tulsa, Oklahoma, for it did in my case.” Neil Gaiman, Author, American Gods
“We’ve had actors who come to Oklahoma after being in the business for a long time, and once they get here, they’re always overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Oklahomans.” Jeff Robison, Writer, Rudderless, Producer, Scent of Rain and Lightning
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OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA COUNTRIES
In this section, you will find an array of the best images from each Oklahoma Country. For thousands of images and detailed shots of each location, visit the Oklahoma Locations Directory
COUNTRY guide
This handy guide features the tourism regions of Oklahoma to help navigate your journey through our state.
Click country name to visit section.
WHY ARE THEY CALLED “COUNTRIES”? Oklahoma offers up a sprawling landscape that is home to the most diverse regions in the nation. Made up of more than 12 separate ecoregions, Oklahoma embodies diversity with the ability to emulate the most authentic of America’s terrain in one location. Dividing this inspiring landscape into 6 “Countries” helps to showcase Oklahoma’s distinct persona, imagery and locations.
INTERSTATE
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RED CARPET COUNTRY OKLAHOMA
66 INTERSTATE
35
GREEN COUNTRY INTERSTATE
O K C
40
FRONTIER COUNTRY INTERSTATE
44
INTERSTATE
GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY
35
CHICKASAW COUNTRY
Click country name to visit web page.
CHOCTAW COUNTRY
MYSTERIOUS
CAPTIVATING GENUINE
authentic
INTERESTING
breathtaking CINEMATIC breathtaking
DIVERSE RED CARPET DIVERSE
INTERESTING COUNTRYINTERESTING
authentic VINTAGE
authentic
MYSTERIOUS UNIQUE VINTAGE
SUBLIME
Click to return to country map
Great Salt Plains State Park - JET
alabaster caverns - freedom
COUNTRIES 27
RED CARPET COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
black mesa state park - kenton
28
OKLAHOMA
gloss mountains - fairview
COUNTRIES 29
RED CARPET COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
lit tle sahara state park - waynoka
lit tle sahara - waynoka
Leonardo’s - enid
30
OKLAHOMA
marland mansion - ponca city
COUNTRIES 31
AUTHENTIC
NATURAL
GENUINE
BEAUTIFUL
INTERESTING
breathtaking CINEMATIC breathtaking
DIVERSE FRONTIER DIVERSE INTERESTING COUNTRYINTERESTING
authentic VINTAGE
authentic
MYSTERIOUS MYSTER DIVERSE
SUBLIME
Click to return to country map
Main Street - guthrie
Scot tish Rite Temple - guthrie
COUNTRIES 33
FRONTIER COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
downtown - guthrie
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OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City Capitol - oklahoma city
Pops - arcadia
COUNTRIES 35
FRONTIER COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
leadership square - downtown okc
dust bowl - oklahoma city
skyline - downtown okc
36
OKLAHOMA
skydance bridge - oklahoma city
red prime steakhouse - downtown okc
spiraling staircase - oklahoma city
COUNTRIES 37
FRONTIER COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
lake hefner - oklahoma city
the Skyliner motel - stroud
EXT. INT. Airport 38
OKLAHOMA
VINTAGE
CAPTIVATING GENUINE
authentic
INTERESTING
breathtaking CINEMATIC breathtaking
DIVERSE GREEN DIVERSE
COUNTRY INTERESTING INTERESTING SUBLIME VINTAGE
authentic
BREATHTAKING AUTHENTICMYSTERIOUS
CINEMATIC
Click to return to country map
GREEN COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
price tower - bartlesville
Downtown - bartlesville
EXT. Road 40
OKLAHOMA
lake eufaula - eufaula
hughes ranch - bartlesville
COUNTRIES 41
GREEN COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
natural falls state park - colcord
42
OKLAHOMA
sequoyah state park - hulbert
COUNTRIES 43
GREEN COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
tallgrass prairie preserve - pawhuska
44
OKLAHOMA
downtown - tulsa
philbrook museum of art - tulsa
Boston ave church - tulsa
COUNTRIES 45
GREEN COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
downtown - tulsa
46
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa Home - tulsa
Photo ©Daniel Jeffries
mt Ta bus station - tulsa
EXT. INT. Bus Station COUNTRIES 47
MYSTERIOUS
CAPTIVATING GENUINE
authentic
INTERESTING
breathtaking CINEMATIC breathtaking
DIVERSE CHOCTAW DIVERSE INTERESTING COUNTRY INTERESTING
authentic VINTAGE
authentic
MYSTERIOUS UNIQUE VINTAGE
SUBLIME
Click to return to country map
tyler slawson
StingrayAerial.com
downtown - durant
COUNTRIES 49
Choctaw COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
beavers bend state park - Broken bow
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OKLAHOMA
oklahoma state penitentiary - mcalester
Photo ©Nick Oxford for The New York Times
COUNTRIES 51
Choctaw COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
TALIMENA DRIVE - talihina
52
OKLAHOMA
COUNTRIES 53
Choctaw COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
talimena drive - talihina
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OKLAHOMA
COUNTRIES 55
MYSTERIOUS
CAPTIVATING GENUINE
authentic
INTERESTING
breathtaking CINEMATIC breathtaking
DIVERSE GREAT PLAINS DIVERSE
INTERESTING COUNTRYINTERESTING
authentic VINTAGE
authentic
MYSTERIOUS UNIQUE
SUBLIME
VINTAGE
Click to return to country map
Soda Fountain Eatery - Anadarko
Quartz Mountain Resort - Lone Wolf
COUNTRIES 57
GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
wichita mountain wildlife refuge - indiahoma
Photo ©Dennis Skogsbergh
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OKLAHOMA
Cot ton Field - Altus
COUNTRIES 59
GREAT PLAINS COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
Medicine River - medicine park
downtown - medicine park
Washita Bat tlefield national historic site - cheyenne
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OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum - Clinton
COUNTRIES 61
MYSTERIOUS
CAPTIVATING GENUINE
authentic
INTERESTING
breathtaking CINEMATIC breathtaking
DIVERSE CHICKASAW DIVERSE INTERESTING COUNTRYINTERESTING
authentic VINTAGE
authentic
MYSTERIOUS UNIQUE
SUBLIME
VINTAGE
Click to return to country map
Chickasaw national recreation area - Sulphur
ole Red - Tishomingo
Tucker Tower - Lake Murray State Park - ARDMORE
COUNTRIES 63
CHICKASAW COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
toy and action figure museum - pauls valley
artesian hotel - Sulphur
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OKLAHOMA
turner falls
COUNTRIES 65
CHICKASAW COUNTRY
Click to return to country map
McSwain Theatre - Ada
66
OKLAHOMA
Blue Moon Cafe - Ada
Kemper Home - Pauls valley
McSwain Theatre - Ada
COUNTRIES 67
Film Industry Resources
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OKLAHOMA
FILM resources WORKFORCE + INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Oklahoma’s film and entertainment industries are burgeoning with an abundance of quality support services, professional crew, diverse locations, higher education and deepening infrastructure. The rise in local film offices, such as the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture and the Cherokee Nation Film Office, has changed the game for artist resources in the state, as well as our OF+MO Film Friendly workshops that help make filming on-location a smooth process for filmmakers and communities. The industry continues to broaden film resources, career advancement and “workforce readiness” training programs in collaboration with private and public partners, including statewide universities, colleges and tech schools. The curation and accessibility of sound stages, post and recording facilities and increased support services will also meet the demands of industry growth.
PRODUCTION + LOCATIONS DIRECTORIES 1,450+ REGISTERED CREW
Oklahoma has hardworking film professionals based throughout the state. As a one-stop shop for productions looking to crew up in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Production Directory can connect your project with local producers, writers, production managers, accountants, camera operators, costume designers, transportation coordinators, location scouts and more Click here to browse the database of Oklahoma crew.
300+ REGISTERED SUPPORT SERVICES
Our local businesses are ready to offer up heartland hospitality to productions large and small. Access the Oklahoma Production Directory to view our roster of registered support services throughout the state, including production companies, equipment rental, housing and accommodations, travel agencies, soundstage facilities, casting agencies and more. Click here to browse the database of Oklahoma support services.
2,400+ FEATURED LOCATIONS
From cities and towns to restaurants and businesses, Oklahoma is full of unique filming locations — which span across our state’s 12 ecoregions, giving us some of the most diverse terrain per mile in America, according to the EPA. Access the Oklahoma Locations Directory to view a sampling of our unique terrain and picturesque communities. Click here to browse Oklahoma locations.
THE TULSA OFFICE OF FILM, MUSIC, ARTS & CULTURE
The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC) is a division of Tulsa Regional Tourism at the Tulsa Regional Chamber. The mission of Tulsa FMAC is to develop and connect resources to further grow and enhance the region’s creative industries, including film, music, and arts, all while promoting Tulsa as a creative hub and cultural destination. For more information, visit tulsafmac.com.
THE CHEROKEE NATION FILM OFFICE
The mission of the Cherokee Nation Film Office is to grow the state’s film industry by promoting northeast Oklahoma as a destination for filmmakers; maintaining a database of Cherokee Nation locations, resources and talent; providing cultural and historical consultation on film projects; and creating an environment that cultivates Native filmmakers. For more information, visit Cherokee.film. RESOURCES 69
HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
With increased production activity in Oklahoma, film education is at the forefront of the industry as we grow our state’s crew base and infrastructure through continued education. Plans are underway in development of a valued film and television academy, which will provide incoming students and professionals an opportunity to gain introductory industry skills as well as master skills for in-demand film professions from industry experts. Currently the state offers numerous film training and education courses through our statewide universities, colleges, career schools and workshops, providing a groundswell of talent from which to draw interns and apprentices. Key film programs that are training the next generation of Oklahoma filmmakers include the Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), a program led by Oscar-winning producer Gray Frederickson (“Godfather” trilogy) featuring state-of-the art filmmaking equipment and facilities that are oneof-its-kind in the entire Southwest; Oklahoma City University (OKCU), a downtown Oklahoma City program started by Fritz Kiersch (“Children of the Corn”) with the support of Harbour Winn and others that blends the emphases of film theory and hands-on production experience; the University of Oklahoma (OU), which features 10 editing bays and two broadcast studios available for students to use; Jenks High School, who introduces young aspiring artists to a Film and Television Program with documentary, screenwriting and intro to filmmaking classes, whose accolades include several Emmy nominations as well as an Emmy award win in 2012 for a short documentary film; and many more. Click here for more film educational opportunities.
FILM FESTIVALS
There’s no shortage of opportunities for filmmakers to have their works seen by audiences eager to partake in Oklahoma’s film festival scene. Boasting nearly two dozen events spread throughout the state annually, Oklahoma offers a wide variety of genre-driven film festivals, including deadCenter Film Festival, celebrating 20 years in 2020. Annually, it screens over 100 films, hosts legendary special events, provides one-one-one opportunities between filmmakers and distribution professionals, and provides a window into independent film with the Icon panel series in downtown Oklahoma City; Bare Bones Film Festival, an 11-day film festival in Muskogee showcasing independent film projects with budgets of less than $1 million; the Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival, screening some of the best new films of Jewish culture from Israel and around the world annually in Tulsa; the Oklahoma CineLatino Film Festival, promoting the Latino cultural impact on cinema in the United States, focusing on a unique mix of filmmakers, artists, film lovers and history at the heart of the Hispanic Community at Historic Capitol Hill in Oklahoma City; the Tulsa American Film Festival, screening independent works with special focuses on Latino American, Native American, Oklahoma-based, and student filmmakers; the BisonBison Film Festival, showcasing the work of student filmmakers enrolled in academic programs in the Mid-America region; and many more! Click here to view all Oklahoma film + music events.
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OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA FILMOGRAPHY
Oklahoma has long been the backdrop for films of all genres. From the 1920 silent film The Daughter of Dawn to the modern films of today, our diverse landscape has inspired cult classics like The Outsiders and Rumble Fish, the unforgettable elemental thriller Twister, the picturesque drama To The Wonder, the Oscar-nominated stage play adaptation August: Osage County, the hyperreal fantasy TV show American Gods, the award-nominated Wildlife, the obstacle course reality TV series American Ninja Warrior and the inspirational drama I Can Only Imagine, based on the true story of the Oklahoma band MercyMe. History and landscape have also inspired Oklahoma to spawn Native American films such as Te Ata, Mekko, Running Deer, The Cherokee Word for Water, Barking Water, Four Sheets to the Wind and many more. Click here to view Oklahoma’s filmography.
RESOURCES 71
Music Industry Resources
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OKLAHOMA
MUSIC RESOURCES WORKFORCE + INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Music has long been an integral part of the Oklahoma experience. Our state is home to many music superstars, including country music’s Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood, as well as Tulsa legend Leon Russell, the Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson, folk star Woody Guthrie and indie rock stars The Flaming Lips. Bands, singer-songwriters and performers continue to garner national attention after budding from Oklahoma’s rapidly growing local music scene. Our historic venues, vetted recording studios and talented music business professionals statewide make Oklahoma the perfect place to create your next music project.
MUSIC TALENT + SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTORIES 1680+ REGISTERED MUSIC TALENT AND MUSIC BUSINESSES
Tune in to Oklahoma’s thriving music industry with the Oklahoma Music Directory, the state’s official listing of talented musicians, venues and music businesses. Artists and businesses can register to be listed in the guide for free so fans can browse a sampling of their talent and stay connected with the pulse of the Oklahoma music scene. Click here to browse Oklahoma Musicians, Music Businesses and Venues.
RESOURCES 73
HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Oklahoma is known for a prolific musical heritage deeply rooted in the folk, country, and bluegrass genres, but that was just the beginning. Over time, our Americana roots blossomed into a diverse talent base that spans across every genre imaginable, and the state’s music education opportunities have paved the way for new voices to be heard. Among numerous university music programs, The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) in downtown Oklahoma City prepares students for careers in the music industry through a focused curriculum and real-world networking opportunities. Started and led by Scott Booker, who is also the manager of Oklahoma’s own Flaming Lips, ACM@UCO’s campus houses four professional recording studios, five large rehearsal spaces, fully-equipped classrooms and practice rooms, two technology labs and a five-hundred capacity performance lab. Additionally, The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts has partnered with Oklahoma State University to offer music industry students real-world experience in state-of-theart venues. Courses in musicianship, music technology and music entrepreneurship, as well as classes related to general business are available for students to study. The Bachelor of Science in Music Industry degree serves students interested in the three music industry income streams: music production, music publishing, and live entertainment. Click here for more music educational opportunities
MUSIC FESTIVALS
From the hearts of cities to backwoods campsites, Oklahoma’s festival scene is growing rapidly. Throughout the year, you can find many opportunities to see local and national artists of every genre hit the stage at popular new events and long time favorites, such as Norman Music Festival, a free three-day festival with more than 300 musicians performing at more than 20 venues in Norman every April; Hop Jam, a craft beer and music festival in the Brady Arts District in Tulsa every May, started by the Oklahoma pop trio Hanson; Rocklahoma, a camping festival in Pryor serving up hard-rock shows each Memorial Day weekend; OKM Music Festival, bringing classical and contemporary music for a weeklong extravaganza every June in Bartlesville; the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, featuring more than 90 folk and bluegrass artists on the weekend closest to July 14, Woody Guthrie’s birthday; and many more! Click here to view all Oklahoma film + music events
MUSIC HISTORY
Oklahoma has a rich music history with legends generating from every corner of the state. Find memorabilia, artifacts, videos and more at local museums such as the Woody Guthrie Center, home to the Woody Guthrie Archives, preserving Woody Guthrie’s legacy and life story in the Brady Arts District in Tulsa; the American Banjo Museum, a world-class 21,000 square foot facility honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo in the Bricktown district in Oklahoma City; the Church Studio, (opening late 2020), a 100-year-old church converted into a world-class recording studio by award-winning singer/songwriter & producer Leon Russell in 1972 – once complete, it will continue to be a recording studio, and be home to a rare collection of over 4,500 items celebrating the history of the church, the Tulsa Sound and Leon Russell in Studio Row in Tulsa; the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OK POP) (opening 2020). Once it is built in the Tulsa Arts District, OKPOP will be a museum dedicated to the creative spirit of Oklahoma’s people and the influence of those artists on popular culture around the world.
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PERFORMANCE VENUES
Oklahoma’s music industry is thriving with legendary shows offered every night of the week. From outdoor stages, such as Guthrie Green in Tulsa and the Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City, to stadium-sized shows at the BOK Center in Tulsa, and the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, to more intimate settings such as Ole Red in Tishomingo, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and The Blue Door and Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City, the state has over 150 music venues.
RHYTHM & ROUTES OKLAHOMA MUSIC TRAIL
From the danceable fiddle tunes of the 1930s to the silky jazz melodies of the 1940s to the charttopping songs that brought Oklahoma to the forefront of country music in the 21st century, Oklahoma’s music history runs deep. Whether you want to revisit a time when western swing ruled the airwaves and the electric guitar’s potential was still untapped or see more of the state where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain, the Rhythm & Routes Oklahoma Music Trail has a trail to suit every musical taste. For more information, visit TravelOK.com/MusicTrail.
“Desi and I have traveled all over this country as well as Europe and Central America. We’ve spent time in and fell in love with cities like Nashville, LA, and Dublin. We have often talked about moving to Dublin for a few years... but deep down we know that Tulsa is home. We have a wealth of amazing talent to work and collaborate with here. We have the Woody Guthrie Center providing us with a fulfilling mission teaching children how to play together as a band in an After School Program. Now we have the Bob Dylan archives, the Gathering Place, Tulsa FMAC, the OK Pop Museum, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office and so many other great things to come that list is too long to recount. No matter where we go or what we do, Oklahoma will always be the place we call home.” CODY CLINTON, singer/songwriter of Desi & Cody
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Community Support
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Community support STATE PARKS As a division of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office has access to a variety of scenic locations, including those belonging to our partner division Oklahoma State Parks. From the sandy dunes of Little Sahara to the rolling hills of the Osage, you will have unprecedented access to Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes and ecoregions among 30+ different state parks. Oklahoma State Parks has overseen the successful on-location filming of several movies whose cast and crew often recreationally visited the parks in their area to take advantage of the many offered amenities, such as hiking, cycling, camping and more. Click here for more information.
“In our film, Rudderless, there was a scene that took place at a street festival that required a grand stage. Without the donation of a stage from Toucan Productions, there is no way we would have been able to pull off the scene on our budget. Honestly, it would have had to be re-written. A local brewery jumped in and helped our production at every turn. We featured their beer in our film as the main character’s go-to drink of choice. The company paid a modest product placement fee. Taco Mayo not only allowed us to use their brand name in our film, they supplied all of the food to stage an elaborate faux commercial in our film. Our lead actor was an ad exec, and having their help with supplied food saved us thousands of dollars. All in all, companies from all over Oklahoma fell over themselves to help provide product and services for Rudderless. There is no doubt it improved our production value.” CASEY TWENTER, Writer/Director, Rudderless
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STUDIO OKLAHOMA Studio Oklahoma was created by The Oklahoma Film + Music Office to provide opportunities for like-minded community partners to support Oklahoma’s thriving creative class and serve as a platform to promote and connect Oklahoma’s filmmakers and music makers to national and international audiences. While there are statewide and local organizations supporting the over arching Oklahoma film and music industries annually, our office is proud to collaborate with our growing pool of over 30 Studio Oklahoma partners, as we expand our promotional efforts and elevate Oklahoma to a top ten destination for film, television and music production. Click here for more information.
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TRIBAL Home of 38 federally recognized, sovereign tribal nations in the U.S., Oklahoma’s landscape is accentuated by its diverse population. Oklahoma has the third largest number of tribes, behind Alaska and California, and has the capacity to approach the use of tribal workforce’s, land and equipment unlike any other state. For more information on specific tribes, follow the links below.
Tribal Nation Links Absentee Shawnee Tribe Caddo Tribe Cherokee Nation Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes Chickasaw Nation Choctaw Nation Citizen Potawatomi Nation Comanche Nation Eastern Shawnee Tribe Fort Sill Apache Tribe Kaw Nation of Oklahoma Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
Kiowa Tribe
Ponca Nation
Miami Nation
Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma
Muscogee Nation
Sac & Fox Nation
Osage Nation
Seminole Nation
Ottawa Tribe
Shawnee Tribe
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Tonkawa Tribe
Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Wichita & Affiliated Tribes
Click tribal names for more information.
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P.O. Box 52002 Oklahoma City, OK 73152 (405) 522-9635 In State (800) 766-3456 Toll-Free @OKFilmMusic - #OkieFilm - #OkieMusic