Filmed in Oklahoma, “To the Stars”, “Braking for Whales” and “Treasure Lies” are all now available on streaming and video on-demand platforms. Additionally, “The Adventures of Rufus: the Fantastic Pet” will be available on DVD, digital and on-demand platforms May 26. All four films utilized the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program administered by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office (OF+MO).
After celebrating its world premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, Samuel Goldwyn Films acquired the distribution rights for “To the Stars”, which tells the story of a withdrawn farmer’s daughter who forges an intimate friendship with a worldly but reckless new girl in 1960’s small town Oklahoma. The film, directed by Martha Stephens (“Land Ho!”), features a dynamic ensemble cast, including Kara Hayward (“Moonrise Kingdom”), Liana Liberato (“If I Stay”), Malin Akerman (“Watchmen”), Shea Whigham (“Take Shelter”) and Tony Hale (HBO’s “Veep”), to name a few. Creating nearly 175 jobs for local cast and crew, “To The Stars” was filmed in 2018 in northern Oklahoma with the City of Enid serving as the primary production hub with additional filming in Wakita, Kremlin, Hennessey, Pond Creek, Perry and Bartlesville. READ MORE
Gravita Ventures is proud to release “Braking for Whales” (formerly titled “Whaling) on VOD and digital platforms. Written and directed by Sean McEwen (“Bernie”), the film tells the unexpected journey of a dysfunctional brother and sister who are forced to come to terms with each other over their recently deceased mother’s final wish. “Braking for Whales” features leading performances from Tammin Sursok (“Pretty Little Liars”) and Tom Felton (“Harry Potter” franchise) with supporting rolls from Wendi McLendon-Covey (“The Goldbergs”) David Koechner (“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy”) and Austin Swift (“Live By Night”). Over 80 locals were employed on the film, which was produced in 2017 with statewide filming locations, including Oklahoma City, Jenks, Catoosa, Pauls Valley, Guthrie and Wynnewood. READ MORE
Filmed in the City of Yukon last June, ii Films is celebrating the DVD and on-demand release of their faith-based, family film “Treasure Lies”. The film tells the story of a hardworking, all-American kid who learns a lesson in faith when he unexpectedly gains possession of a winning lottery ticket that could forever change his life. Directed by Brett Varvel (“The War Within”), “Treasure Lies” boasts a breakout performance by Caleb Miby (“Gremlin”) alongside Cameron Arnett (“Overcomer”, “I Still Believe”), Brooks Ryan (“Unplanned”) and Dariush Moslemi (“Miles Between Us”, “The Current”), to name a few. The film was originally scheduled to regionally screen in select theatres; however, release plans were amended due to the country’s safety regulations and response to COVID-19. READ MORE
Being released by Lionsgate and ACE Entertainment, Inc., “The Adventures of Rufus: the Fantastic Pet” will be available on DVD, digital and on-demand platforms May 26. Produced by Oklahoma City’s Boiling Point Media, this family, adventure-fantasy movie tells the story of teenagers Scott and Emily, who suddenly discover Rufus, a mysterious creature, and Abbott, a wizard. Together, with the help of an ancient spell book, they must gather ingredients to make a secret dust to save the magical world of Rufus and Abbott before a group of villainous servants with mysterious powers of their own capture the spell book for themselves. This unique mixture of “Harry Potter” meets “Fantastic Beasts” carries universal themes of friendship, heroism and environment. READ MORE
For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program, visit the Incentives Pagelink.
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About Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit okfilmmusic.orglink.