House hopes to increase film opportunities in Oklahoma

Kaleb Gonzalez

Contributing

Writer

The Oklahoma House of Representative voted March 9 in favor of House Bill 1362, which would increase the film incentive cap by more than double, advancing the bill to the Senate in hopes of creating more film opportunities in Oklahoma.

If approved, HB 1362 would increase the annual film incentive cap from $30 million to $80 million. The bill received its first reading in the Oklahoma State Senate March 13.

Director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office Jeanette Stanton says this is a big step in the right direction.

“There are many competitive states that have an incentive program, and Oklahoma wants to be a big player in that. More increased funds mean more film productions can apply,” Stanton said.

HB 1362 would also lower the cash rebate to 30% on project expenses, compared to the current 38%. To apply for the incentive program, the

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Stanton said that more film productions create job opportunities and economic growth because of all the jobs needed to produce a single film.

Before a film is released, there are three tiers of production that require many jobs. Preproduction requires people such as directors, producers, contractors, and much more. Production requires cast and crew, composers, designers, beauty artists, and more. Postproduction requires video editors, VFX designers, colorists, and sound designers.

About 11,000 jobs were created with a direct fiscal impact of $170.4 million from film and television productions utilizing the incentive program in the last couple of years, reported the Oklahoma Film and Music Office.

Stanton says there are more opportunities now than ever for students interested in filmmaking.

“Once a student has graduated, they can apply to be an apprentice, and every film is required to hire apprentices. There are tons of organizations and festivals for filmmakers to submit their work and meet other filmmakers. Right now is a great time, and opportunities seem to be everywhere,” Stanton said.

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