Film program draws broad interest from Oklahoma communities

By Brooklyn Porter, Journal Record

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Amid a period of tremendous growth within Oklahoma’s film industry, over three dozen communities have signed onto a state program designed to signify that they’re ready to host productions.

In all, 39 communities and one tribe have completed the requirements of the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, officials said.

Created in 2021 by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, the free program helps cities and tribes across the state prepare for and attract film productions by providing certification to signify a community’s readiness to host productions. It also provides Oklahoma communities with resources that educate and assist them in preparing for incoming film and television productions, which supporters say can result in economic growth.

“Achieving certification signifies to the film industry a community’s readiness to host productions, which can lead to increased economic impact for local businesses and workforce opportunities for residents,” said Yousef Kazemi, the state film office’s outreach and production manager. “The requirements of our program let film and television productions know that those communities which are certified have systems and a collaborative process in place to best support their business needs while filming on location.”