Oklahoma City film industry gains national momentum

Oklahoma City’s film industry is rapidly expanding through a mix of blockbuster productions, independent films and both traditional and vertical episodic projects, supported by continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development and industry growth. 

Through the work of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office, Oklahoma City has evolved from an emerging filming destination into a proven production hub capable of supporting feature films, television projects, commercials and digital media productions at scale. 

Operated through the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber in partnership with the City of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust, the Oklahoma City Film Office has played a central role in recruiting productions, coordinating filming logistics and building the long-term infrastructure needed to support sustained industry growth across the region. 

Since 2023, productions supported through the Oklahoma City Film Incentive Program have generated more than $91.3 million in direct local spending and more than $329.1 million in total economic impact, according to Oklahoma City Film Office data. During that same period, the program has committed more than $2.8 million in rebate payouts. 

Those productions continue to generate economic activity far beyond film sets, supporting local hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, construction vendors, equipment suppliers, creative professionals and small businesses throughout the metro. 

One of the clearest examples of Oklahoma’s growing production capabilities was Twisters, the blockbuster disaster film that brought large-scale filming activity, extensive crew hiring and significant national attention to the state. The production showcased Oklahoma’s ability to support studio-level filmmaking while highlighting the region’s diverse filming environments and production resources. 

The momentum has continued through additional high-profile independent projects choosing Oklahoma City for production. Nimrods, the upcoming Green Day-inspired comedy starring Mason Thames, Kylr Coffman and Ryan Foust alongside Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, further reflects the industry’s growing confidence in Oklahoma as a production destination. 

The production pipeline also continues to expand. Hot Summer began filming in May, and The Life Golden began shooting this month, while Bad Boy, Pipe Cleaner Boy, Copperhead and Season 2 of Filmmakers’ Table were recently prequalified through the incentive program, adding to an increasingly active slate of productions connected to Oklahoma City. 

“I am so pleased with the performance of the Oklahoma City Film Incentive Program in its first three years,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office. “We have experienced more than $329 million in economic impact from a direct investment of $2.8 million. That is a strong return and shows the continued potential of this industry in Oklahoma City. Film and television production creates quality, well-paying jobs, diversifies our economy at a critical moment and continues to contribute to the momentum we are seeing across the city.” 

Oklahoma City’s continued success within the film industry is supported by a rapidly expanding production ecosystem that now includes 417 crew members across the Oklahoma City MSA, 432 support companies, three certified sound stages and two virtual production studios. 

The city is also continuing to strengthen its long-term workforce pipeline through higher education partnerships and industry training opportunities. Six college and university programs across the region now offer film, media and digital production-related courses, helping prepare the next generation of filmmakers, editors, technicians and production professionals. 

The Oklahoma City Film Office serves a seven-county region and works closely with state and local partners, educational institutions and industry organizations to strengthen workforce development efforts while continuing to recruit new productions to the area. The office also administers a city rebate program that can be stacked with Oklahoma’s state film incentive program, further strengthening the region’s competitiveness for major productions. 

Oklahoma City’s growth mirrors broader statewide momentum. Between 2019 and 2023, Oklahoma ranked No. 18 nationally for film incentive programs, while employment in the industry grew by 56.2% and total compensation increased by 169%, according to industry data included in the Film Office’s materials. 

Oklahoma’s affordability, centralized location, film-friendly permitting process and diverse filming environments continue to attract producers seeking efficient alternatives to traditional coastal production hubs. Oklahoma City alone offers access to urban districts, historic neighborhoods, open landscapes, modern facilities and virtual production capabilities within a concentrated geographic area. 

National recognition has continued to follow that growth. Oklahoma City Community College was recently named one of the top film schools in the United States and Canada, while Oklahoma City has repeatedly been recognized among the top places to film in the country. 

As production activity continues to expand, Oklahoma City’s film industry is becoming an increasingly important contributor to the region’s economy, workforce development efforts and national visibility within the entertainment industry.