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.
Opinion
Lights, camera, action!
- Opinion
-
-
OUR VIEW: Feb. 14 vote about ideas
If you read any of the letters to the editor in the past two weeks regarding Tuesday’s District 2 Edmond school board race, then you already know that this election is not about the individual candidates so much as it’s about what type of school board do Edmond residents really want governing their school district?
-
What are your presidential 10 Commandments?
As we brace for the upcoming presidential campaign, we should be honest about our responsibility in the process. Before we get pushed, pulled, bribed, frightened, bullied, flattered, fooled or charmed into voting for a candidate, let’s take a mature thoughtful look at what the profile of the president should look like. In order to do that, let’s do an exercise. Sit down with a pencil and paper and draft your proposal for the Ten Commandments to be obeyed by the president. Let me share some of my suggestions.
-
What would Reagan do today in Oklahoma?
As we celebrated the 101st anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth on Feb. 6, several of us at Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs started discussing what Reagan might do today. Here are some of the ideas we came up with.
- LETTER: School counselor says Roy ready to help all students
- LETTER: Supporter calls Duncan 'a firecracker'
-
Consequences of an overregulated nation
Overreaching government regulations are costing jobs and killing our economy. They are a heavy burden on our nation and its citizens — in some cases worse than our nation’s increasingly out-of-control debt.
-
LETTER: Supporter: Duncan shows passion for children’s needs
To the Editor:
The families in the Edmond Public School District are fortunate to have Kathleen Duncan as their advocate on the Edmond Board of Education. Duncan has worked tirelessly for the welfare and benefit of the Edmond schools’ students. -
LETTER: Teacher supports Duncan’s re-election
To the Editor:
On Feb. 14 patrons of District 2 have an opportunity to re-elect the current president of the Edmond School Board, Kathleen Duncan. Duncan has served as a board member for 10 years. When people move to the Oklahoma City area, they buy a home here because of the exceptional quality of Edmond Public Schools. This speaks to Duncan’s goal of “Excellence in Education for All Edmond Public School Students.” -
LETTER: Supporter: Duncan understands diverse issues
To the Editor:
Kathleen Duncan understands the diverse issues that effect our schools. She carefully studies the district’s issues and works tirelessly as an advocate for all students. Her votes as a board member have an impact for years to come and she takes that responsibility very seriously. - LETTER: Reader says incumbent's personal agenda in the way
- More Opinion Headlines
-
OUR VIEW: Feb. 14 vote about ideas
