Published: June 22, 2009 10:00 pm      

Lights, camera, action!

Oklahomans might soon be seeing more of their familiar haunts illuminated on the silver screen and find film sets and Hollywood stars just around the corner. New legislation making Oklahoma more attractive to big-time film and television productions has the potential to create jobs and spur economic development throughout our state.

Last month I signed a measure that will keep Oklahoma competitive with surrounding states in attracting film and television productions. Several years ago, Oklahoma was one of the first states in the region to pass an incentives package aimed at luring film productions to the state. This new legislation keeps Oklahoma at a competitive advantage. Under the law that takes effect in July, productions that spend at least $25,000 in Oklahoma can qualify for a 37 percent rebate. Total rebates for any year are capped at $5 million.

Last year the film and television industry had an impact of more than $20 million in the state, and with new incentives that number could grow dramatically in the years to come.

Oklahoma has much to offer the film industry. From vibrant cities, small towns and historic streets to a varied terrain that includes forests, plains and mountains, filmmakers can find an array of locations without traveling far. Our state also boasts hard-working and talented people for casts and crews.

Our state is already hosting six weeks of filming for the movie “The Killer Inside Me” starring Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba. Filming locations in Oklahoma include Guthrie, Oklahoma City, Cordell, Enid and Tulsa. That production will spend several million dollars in Oklahoma.

Another film, “You Can’t Win,” based on the 1926 autobiography of author and outlaw Jack Black and produced by Oklahoma native Brett Cranford, will start filming next month in and around Guthrie. The movie will employ cast, crew and extras from Oklahoma.

Nurturing a film and television production industry in Oklahoma is part of a comprehensive strategy to build a diverse and strong economy that will benefit Oklahoma today and a generation from now. It’s an opportunity for our state to boost its involvement in an exciting industry and a chance to prove to the world what we already know — that Oklahoma is a star.

GOV. BRAD HENRY may be reached via his Web site at www.governor.ok.gov.