In a recent economic study, the "Filmed in Oklahoma Act" (FIOA) has reportedly generated over half a billion dollars in economic impact for the state of Oklahoma, according to details shared by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office and several regional partners, they announced that from FY 2021 to FY 2023, the economic influence of film and TV projects reached $484 million with a substantial portion of qualified spending bolstering worker wages and direct purchases, boasting a 4.4:1 return on investment for the local economy, as reported by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Oklahoma's Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell praised the initiative, stating, "Storytellers are some of the most important people in the world as they set the vision and values of future generations, and I’m proud we are telling more and more of those stories in Oklahoma," citing the unique municipal and tribal partnerships that have contributed to the program's success the way municipalities and tribal partners create their own localized incentives that work with the state rebate has been incredible, these partnerships set Oklahoma apart and make this kind of lasting economic impact possible. Amidst an increasing number of productions selecting Oklahoma as their backdrop, the state has witnessed significant growth in film and TV industry wages, which now average $79,450, a notable increase from figures reported in late 2019, as detailed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Jeanette Stanton, the Director of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, pointed out the profound effect of Governor Stitt’s legislative action on the state’s filmmaking prospects, "This economic study reveals what we already know, more film and TV projects are choosing Oklahoma than ever before," she underscored the draw of the state following the production of successful works such as "Reservation Dogs" and "Killers of the Flower Moon". Meg Gould, Executive Director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture, emphasized the importance of continuing to fund these incentives to keep Oklahoma competitive in the global production arena and to further develop the local filmmaking industry and workforce, as stated by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The program has not only bolstered economic growth but also shaped the local workforce, according to Jill Simpson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office, who said, "The program is working efficiently and as intended in growing a local workforce, diversifying the economy, and infusing both state and city economies with new dollars", as we raise Oklahoma’s profile within the industry and beyond through both homegrown and recruited projects we provide updated images of the Oklahoma people and places we all know and love, this translates to increased tourism in our state. The comprehensive report, which includes a $531 million economic impact and the creation of 22,000 jobs from FY2021-FY2024 under FIOA’s umbrella, serves as a testament to the flourishing film and television industry in the sooner state, as per the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
For anyone looking to dive deeper into the figures, the full report detailing the outcomes and benefits of the "Filmed in Oklahoma Act" is accessible through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce website, providing an in-depth look at the transformative effect the legislation had on the economic landscape and the job market within the film and television sector of Oklahoma.
