In the weeks since Oklahoma City’s film community gathered for a February Chamber forum, the local film office hasn’t slowed down. The Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries Office has kept its momentum going, from the Oklahoma State Capitol to Austin, Texas, all while positioning OKC as a hub for both local talent and major productions. In early April, the office was a sponsor of Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol, where creators and advocates met with lawmakers to discuss the economic and cultural power of storytelling in the state. Days later, the office helped host a filmmakers panel and mixer at OKCine Latino, supporting community connection and elevating underrepresented voices in film. But the most high-profile moment came in March, when the office hosted a celebration at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin. The event coincided with the premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King,” the second feature from Oklahoma native Andrew Patterson starring Matthew McConaughey. While Patterson is staying out of the press, the OKC party helped boost visibility for the state’s presence at one of the industry’s most influential festivals. These events signal a growing confidence in OKC’s role as both a production destination and a supporter of creative careers—and bigger projects are already on deck. OKC FILM AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES OFFICE KEEPS THE CAMERA ROLLING
Filming recently wrapped on “New Year’s Rev,” a feature tied to punk rock icons Green Day. The movie used multiple city locations, further showcasing OKC’s production potential. Last week, the city approved a custom rebate for a new film based on the 1995 OKC bombing, a project that will keep production close to home. "...in the first two years, we have pre-qualified 10 film projects and 85% of the first tranche of rebate funding." - Jill Simpson “The past few months have represented a flurry of activity for OKC Film,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the OKC Film and Creative Industries Office. “We have devoted a significant amount of time to film industry advocacy on both the state and local levels and supported a variety of film festivals and training programs. With a steady stream of inquiries from producers interested in filming here, in the first two years, we have pre-qualified 10 film projects and 85% of the first tranche of rebate funding.” From small mixers to international premieres, OKC’s film office continues to show up and show off. The next few months could bring even more proof that OKC isn’t just film friendly, it’s film ready.
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