Film Resources
Filming in Oklahoma
- Reopening Oklahoma
- Incentives
- Locations
- Production Directory
- Permitting
- Safety + Diversity on Set
- Labor Laws + Organizations
- Oklahoma Geography
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) believes the highest priority to maintain our state’s film industry amid the COVID-19 Pandemic is the safety of Oklahoma’s filmmakers, crew members, talent, vendors, location owners and cities. As such, and in accordance with the State of Oklahoma’s three-phased approach to safely reopen the economy, known as The Open Up and Recover Safely (OURS) plan, OF+MO has released Considerations for Oklahoma Filmmaking during COVID-19 in a printable PDF along with a newly added Reopening Oklahoma webpage with additional related resources for filmmakers at this time.
The Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program offers a cash rebate of 35-37% on qualifying Oklahoma expenditures to film and television productions filming in the state. The rebate is extended to film, television and commercial productions. The rebate currently has a $8 million rolling cap per fiscal year (July 1-June 30) and has been renewed through 2024. There is no per-project cap, but each production must have a minimum budget of $50,000 and spend $25,000 in qualified Oklahoma spend. Rebate funds are pre-qualified for eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Discover the variety of filming locations in Oklahoma by browsing the Oklahoma Locations Directory. Find the perfect location for your next project! Can’t find what you’re looking for? OF+MO is here to help! Feel free to contact us for additional locations support.
The Oklahoma Production Directory is the one-stop shop for productions looking to crew up in Oklahoma as well as to find film-friendly Support Services.
Search our extensive list of Oklahoma’s film industry professionals in the Oklahoma Production Directory.
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office is here to help you find the best Oklahoma locations for your project and to minimize red tape during each shooting day. In order for us to achieve this goal, it is important that any production looking to shoot in Oklahoma fill out the following intake form so that we can best connect you to the proper permitting authority. Once filled out, someone from our office will contact you as soon as possible.
Oklahoma Safety and Diversity Resources
Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
The Oklahoma SafeLine is a confidential, toll-free, 24-hour hotline for Oklahomans seeking help or information about domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault. Translation services are available in 150 languages. Call the toll free 24-Hour Oklahoma SafeLine at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233).
ACLU Oklahoma – What to do if you experience Sexual Discrimination
Detailed outline of what sexual discrimination is, and what to do if that occurs to you.
Cherokee Nation Film Office
The Cherokee Nation Film Office offers a consulting service to help ensure projects about the Cherokee Nation are culturally and historically accurate.
Civil Rights Enforcement Unit
The Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) is a unit of the Attorney General’s Office that is dedicated to:
- Educating the public regarding anti-discrimination rights and responsibilities.
- Partnering with the public to positively and proactively advance the cause of civil rights for the equal benefit and enjoyment of all Oklahomans.
- Enforcing the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act, Okla. Stat. tit. 25, §§ 1101-1706, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation, and enforcing other civil rights related laws.
- Accepting, serving, and reporting on complaints of racial profiling by state, county, and municipal law enforcement.
Contract Services Resources – Contract Services Administration Trust Fund – Industry Wide Safety Bulletins
Safety Bulletins are researched, written and distributed by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee for use by the motion picture and television industry.
Director’s Guild of America (DGA) Resources
DGA Safety Hotline – The DGA is here to assist members with questions and concerns related to safety. The Guild’s worldwide Safety Hotline is in operation 24/7. Individuals can ask safety-related questions or report an issue or accident by calling the hotline in the U.S. or internationally at (310) 289-5326, or toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 342-3457.
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, or if you would like to have a discussion about your situation, please call Mayra Ocampo, Assistant Executive Director at (310) 289-2006 or email her at mocampo@dga.org. After business hours, please contact the DGA’s Safety Hotline at (800) 342-3457.
Diversity Center of Oklahoma
The Diversity Center of Oklahoma offers training to organizations about how to be more gender diverse in policy and practice.
GLAAD Media Reference Guide
The GLADD Media Reference Guide is intended for creators in entertainment media who want to tell LGBTQ people’s stories fairly and accurately.
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) 24/7 Safety Hotline Program
When a member calls the IATSE Safety Hotline, the caller can either leave a message for or talk to a safety representative who will begin handling the issue. Depending on the circumstances, the safety representative will contact the Local’s representative and assist them with the issue, or call the employer directly. Call toll free: 844-IA AWARE, 844-422-9273.
Oklahoma Department of Human Services Oklahoma Native American Resource Guide (PDF)
Oklahoma City Vet Center
The Oklahoma City Vet Center can help with resume crafting and employment referrals.
Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL)
The Oklahoma Department of Labor’s mission is to foster a safe, healthy, fair and productive Oklahoma. The services provided by ODOL touches the lives of almost every Oklahoman – helping workplaces stay safe, inspecting the thousands of elevators and escalators, boilers, amusement rides to ensuring workers are compensated for time spent on the job, and providing invaluable safety consultations across all industries.
Oklahoma Fair Employment Practice Agencies and Tribal Employment Rights Offices
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) works with the Fair Employment Practice Agencies (FEPAs) and the Tribal Employment Rights Offices (TEROs) to manage charges of discrimination and the protection of the employment rights of Native Americans.
Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns
The Office of Disability Concerns (ODC) provides accurate and timely information, referral and advocacy. They act as an intermediary to persons with disabilities and provide services for those with disabilities. Call locally at (405) 521-3756 or email odc@odc.ok.gov.
Producers Guild of America (PGA) Safety Initiative & Resources
The PGA Safety Initiative develops programming to educate producers in the regulations and responsibilities of protecting people, locations and equipment on their sets.
Screen Actors Guilds – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Sexual Harassment Hotline
If you believe you have experienced workplace harassment or unlawful discrimination, call your union at (855) SAG-AFTRA / (855) 724-2387 and press 1.
FOR AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES: 844-SAFER SET / (844) 723-3773
SAG-AFTRA’s EEO & Diversity department – (323) 549-6644 / (212) 827-1542
SAG-AFTRA Code of Conduct (PDF)
TIME’S UP
Guide to Equity and Inclusion during Crisis
Guide to Working in Entertainment
This summary is not a complete text of the Oklahoma Labor Law, nor is it written in the exact language of the law. It is intended as an informal educational tool. Please visit the Department of Labor for more information.
Right to Work
Oklahoma Child Entertainment Policies
Income Tax Withholding
Unemployment Insurance
Insurance Requirements
Workers’ Compensation
Labor Organizations
Located just south of the geographic center of the United States, Oklahoma is equidistant from Los Angeles and New York City. Across its 77 counties, you’ll have access to 12 distinct eco-regions where you can experience everything from the trademark great plains and sweeping prairies to the unexpected lush forests, expansive plateaus and sand dunes. Dividing this inspiring landscape into 6 “countries” helps to showcase Oklahoma’s distinct persona, imagery and locations.
Central
Cities included in this region are:
Edmond
El Reno
Guthrie
Norman
Oklahoma City
Purcell
Shawnee
Stillwater
Northeast
Cities included in this region are:
Bartlesville
Broken Arrow
Claremore
Grove
Okmulgee
Muskogee
Pawnee
Sand Springs
Sapulpa
Tahlequah
Tulsa
Northwest
Cities included in this region are:
Enid
Guymon
Kenton
Kingfisher
Ponca City
Woodward
South Central
Cities included in this region are:
Ada
Ardmore
Davis
Pauls Valley
Sulphur
Tishomingo
Southeast
Cities included in this region are:
Atoka
Durant
Idabel
McAlester
Poteau
Talihina
Southwest
Cities included in this region are:
Altus
Anadarko
Cheyenne
Clinton
Duncan
Elk City
Lawton
Getting Around Oklahoma
Air Transportation
Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
Main number: 405.316.3200
E-mail: wrwa@okc.gov
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Main Number: 918.838.5000
E-mail: taaweb@tulsaairports.com
For a list of all regional and local airports, please visit the Airport Directory.
Ground Transportation
Oklahoma has several toll roads. For information on Turnpike tolls + access, please visit Pikepass.
For more information about traveling on Oklahoma’s highways, please visit the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Information
Size Limitations
Width: 8’6”
Height: 13’5”
Semitrailer in Tractor-Semitrailer Combo: 59’6”
Full Trailer: 29’
Weight Limitations (in lbs.)
Single Axle: 20,000
Tandem Axle: 34,000
Gross Vehicle Weight: 80,000
For inquiries regarding:
– Operation of vehicles in intrastate commerce over 26,000 GVWR (manufacturer’s weight rating) or GCWR (truck and trailer) and don’t need an authority from the Corporation Commission, call 405.521.6738.
– Operation of vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 passengers or more, call 405.521.6738
– Oversize or overweight permits, call 877.425.2390
– Certification to operate as an escort vehicle for oversize trucks, call 405.425.2206
– Motor Vehicle Records (MVR), call 405.425.2262
– Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), call 405.425.2020
Film Industry Associations, Organizations, Grants + More!
Please find lists below of film industry resources. If you are looking for a resource that you do not see, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 766-FILM.
Local Film Offices
National Film Associations
Local Film Membership Organizations and Unions
National Film Membership Organizations and Unions
Directors Guild of America (DGA)
Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA)
International Cinematographers Guild – IATSE 600
Location Managers Guild of America (LMGA)
Producers Guild of America (PGA)
Producers Guild of America Green
Screen Actors Guild (SAG)
Society for Cinema and Media Studies
Sundance Film Institute
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC)
Local and Regional Film Grants
National Film Grants
American Documentarylink
American Zoetrope Screenwriting Contestlink
Bluecat Screenplay Competitionlink
Catapult Film Fundlink
Chicken + Egg Pictureslink
Cinequest Screenwriting Competitionlink
Creative Capitallink
David Ross Fetzer Foundation for Emerging Artistslink
Filmmakers Without Borders
FordFoundation: Just Filmslink
Hot Docs: Blue Ice Group Documentary Fundlink
ITVS Commissioned Fundinglink
MacArthur Foundation Open Documentary Calllink
National Endowment for the Humanities
New York Women in Film & Television Grantslink
NVTF’s Independent Pilot Competitionlink
Panavision
POV: Call for Entrieslink
Roy Dean Grant/From the Heart Productionslink
Showtime’s Tony Cox Screenplay Competitionlink
Slamdance Writing Competitionlink
Sundance/Sloan Commissioning Grant + Fellowshiplink
The Alter-Cine Foundationlink
The Fledgling Fundlink
Tribeca Film Institute Documentary Fundlink
Tribeca Film Institute Sloan Filmmaker Fundlink
Tribeca Institute New Media Fund
Women Make Movies
Developing + Marketing Your Film
Oklahoma Film Jobs + Education
- Getting Started in Film
- Educational Opportunities
- Crew Calls
- Casting Calls
- Call for Entries
- Internships
- Volunteer
Start your new career in the film industry!
Welcome to Oklahoma’s film community, where there is a place for you! In 2019, nearly 40 film and television projects filmed in communities around the state, making it one of the busiest years Oklahoma has ever had for film and television production. As the entertainment industry continues to flourish both globally and here in Oklahoma, the need for the continued development and expansion of our local film industry workforce and companies is critical. Visit our Getting Started in Film page to learn more about ways you can plug into the industry and start your careers now!
ACTING CERTIFICATIONS + WORKSHOPS
Reel Talent Studio
Located in the South Tulsa area, Reel Talent Studio is a training facility and hub for actors, whether well-established in the film community, or just starting out. Reel Talent Studio is your connection to the many film opportunities in Oklahoma. With on-going classes throughout the year plus summer camps for students, RTS will help equip you for your next audition or booking.
The Actor Factory
Located in Norman, Oklahoma, The Actor Factory trains adults and young performers in the disciplines of Acting Technique, Improv, On-Camera Acting and Auditioning. Weekly classes are taught by working professionals; actors, casting directors and casting assistants. Weekend workshops are offered by other industry leaders from across the country; talent agents, talent managers, casting directors, screenwriters, film makers and more from Los Angeles to New York City.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Oklahoma City Community College Digital Cinema Production
Enjoy hands-on filmmaking classes in the best-equipped filmmaking facility in the region, complete with a 6,000-square-foot sound stage and cutting-edge cameras, equipment and filmmakers.
FILM CERTIFICATIONS + WORKSHOPS
Documentary Filmmaking Workshop – March 27-28, 2021
Join local documentary filmmaker McKinleigh Lair for a two-day crash course in documentary storytelling. Students will learn about the general stages of the production process, beginning with technical skills – like setting up camera and audio equipment and editing in Adobe Premiere – and advance to analytical skills, like dissecting storytelling strategies in successful films. Students will then work together to create their own mini doc. Due to COVID-19 safety measures, class size is very limited. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to reserve your seat in the class!
Metro Technology Centers COVID-19 Compliance Officer Safety Protocols Workshop – March 10, 2021
This course is recommended for producers, supervisors, on-set leaders, coordinators, health & safety team members (including COVID teams and Compliance Officers), and general production staff. In response to the highly transmissible novel coronavirus, COVID-19, that has caused a global pandemic, a new department of health & safety team members and COVID Compliance Officers are necessary for film and television production to continue. This program is designed to provide education on the virus and the most current health and safety information relevant to the community of filmmakers, producers, crew, and industry professionals. Students will learn steps for developing a job specific COVID safety plan to ensure that everyone on the cast and crew – from the lead actor to the makeup artist to the truck driver – follows social distancing and sanitation guidelines. Successful completion of this training provides a certificate of completion demonstrating to your team that you’re knowledgeable about upholding a safe production environment and that you value crew’s health and safety.
Oklahoma Arts Institute
The Oklahoma Arts Institute (OSAI) hosts the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, an intensive, two-week academy in the literary, visual, and performing arts for Oklahoma’s most talented high school students, as well as the Oklahoma Fall Arts Institute, a series of four-day weekend workshops for educators and adult artists of all ability levels.
Oklahoma Film & TV Academy
Founded in 2020, the newly launched Oklahoma Film & TV Academy is working to develop a production-ready workforce for the Oklahoma film and television industry with instruction and classes in tiers such as Film 101, Specialized Courses and On-Set Experiences.
University of Tulsa – Screenwriting and Filmmaking Camps
The Department of Film Studies at The University of Tulsa offers residential screenwriting and filmmaking camps for high school students. They will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the art and craft of screenwriting and filmmaking for one exciting week each.
TECH + TRADE SCHOOLS
Metro Tech
The Digital Cinema and Web Specialist major at Metro Tech prepares students for emerging careers using digital video, web development and film studies. Students learn storytelling, video, audio, film production and editing, and finalizing content for various digital distribution. Students experience video production both in studio and in the field and develop digital portfolios to demonstrate their creative and technical skills.
Moore-Norman Technology Center Digital Video Production
Receive hands-on training with digital video production equipment to learn all aspects of studio and field production, including directing, audio, lighting, graphics, videography, editing, color grading and sound editing. Class participation includes working on short films for the annual Moore-Norman Technology Center Red Carpet Film Festival.
UNIVERSITIES
Oklahoma City University
Offering the only four-year BFA in Film Production curriculum in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City University film department nurtures thoughtful, hands-on filmmaking while providing up-to-date training in the technology and procedures of modern media production. Located in downtown Oklahoma City, the film program was started by Fritz Kiersch (“Children of the Corn”) with the support of Harbour Winn and others.
Oklahoma State University Screen Studies Program
As one of six programs within the Oklahoma State University’s English Department, the Screen Studies program incorporates film studies, television studies, and studies in new media. The interdisciplinary nature of the program emphasizes scholarship and coursework across disciplines, and encourages diverse research approaches to film and media, whether avant-garde or genre, American or international, classical or contemporary. At the graduate level, the program seeks students who want to immerse themselves in critical theory as a way of opening up new ways of thinking about the moving image.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University Digital Cinema Program
The Digital Cinema degree equips students to compete and thrive in a media saturated world. Students develop their area of expertise while participating with other students in hands-on production labs, in the course of an internship experience and in a senior capstone project. Students emerge equipped to engage a marketplace where visual media plays a central role in nearly all communication. The Digital Cinema program at OKWU produces highly qualified graduates with the skills to succeed in the 21st Century Marketplace.
Oral Roberts University Cinema, Television and Digital Media Program
Oral Roberts University’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Cinema, Television and Digital Media (CTD) is a residential program that can equip you to become a Holy Spirit-empowered professional in the ever-changing world of media production. You’ll blend theory, technology and creativity in extensive hands-on practical experiences.
University of Central Oklahoma College of Arts, Media and Design
The University of Central Oklahoma’s (UCO) College of Arts, Media and Design is comprised of the Department of Art, Department of Design, School of Music, Department of Theatre Arts, Department of Dance and the Oklahoma Center for Arts Education. Now known as the College of Fine Arts and Design, the program strives to be a cultural resource for its students and the community.
University of Oklahoma Creative Media Production Program
With state-of-the-art facilities and a second in the nation ranking, the Creative Media Production Program teaches students practical skills such as recording, lighting, and editing as well as critical analysis and research techniques that prepare students for work in the field or the studio. The CMP program is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in the film, corporate production, radio, or television industries.
University of Oklahoma Film and Media Studies Program
The Film and Media Studies at the University of Oklahoma is an interdisciplinary program in the College of Arts and Sciences that combines courses offered in the Department of English, the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (MLLL), the Department of Communications, the School of Art and the College of Education. The program is designed to give students a broad understanding of the role of film and media in modern society.
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), located in Chickasha, is the state’s public liberal arts college. Its mission is to provide the public with a distinctive and accessible liberal arts and sciences education. In combining an interdisciplinary core curriculum with superior instruction in major fields of study, USAO aims to provide a thorough education that prepares students for meaningful, purposeful lives.
University of Tulsa Department of Film Studies
The 33-hour major leading to a B.A. in Film Studies at the University of Tulsa provides liberal arts students with the history, theory and production techniques of film. The Department of Film Studies equips its majors with the technical expertise to enter professional employment as well as the knowledge and experience necessary to continue study in graduate school.