The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) is proud to present Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol on Monday, March 25. This free event, being held 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol, will bring together state legislators, local film and music professionals, businesses and related organizations to highlight the impact of the state’s film and music industries.
“Oklahoma Film and Music Day is a unique opportunity for our local industry to connect with state leaders and show them firsthand the strength and impact that the film and music industries have to the economy and overall business culture in Oklahoma,” said OF+MO Director Jeanette Stanton. “We encourage all those working in Oklahoma’s film and music scene to join us for this special event to connect with their lawmakers and network among their peers.”
Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Cherokee Nation Delegate to Congress Kim Teehee, who also serves as the director of government relations for Cherokee Nation and senior vice president of government relations for Cherokee Nation Businesses, will provide opening remarks to kick off the event with a variety of special guest speakers programmed throughout the day, including legislative leaders Rep. Brian Hill and Rep. Scott Fetgatter.
“Cherokee Film is committed to growing Oklahoma’s film and media industries while supporting creatives and Native storytelling and increasing economic opportunities within the Cherokee Nation reservation,” said Jennifer Loren, Senior Director of Cherokee Film. “Oklahoma’s Film and Music Day is a great time for Cherokee Film’s full time staff of more than 40 employees to come together with others to show our support for these industries.”
The event’s commencement will also feature a special performance of the National Anthem by a legislative quartet whose members include Representatives Kenton Patzkowsky, Gerrid Kendrix, Ronny Johns and Mark Vancuren. Additionally, Oklahoma Film and Music Day will feature live music performances throughout the event from talented local musicians, including Kalyn Fay, Jacob Tovar, Abbigale Dawn, Dylan Stewart and Stephen Salewon.
“We are excited to bring live music from local talent to the Capitol on Oklahoma Film and Music Day,” said Red Dirt Relief Fund Executive Director Katie Dale. “It’s one more way to shine a light on the impact that music creators make in our communities and in our lives for culture and commerce in this state.”
More than 50 exhibitors will be on display with booths representing Oklahoma’s robust film and music sector, including organizations specializing in career development opportunities, workforce training, business services, community resources and more. A special exhibit featuring costumes and props from the Academy Award-nominated film “Killers of the Flower Moon” will also be displayed for guests to enjoy.
Oklahoma Film and Music Day is made possible with the support of partners, including Cherokee Film, Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office, Red Dirt Relief Fund and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC).
“The film and media industries are a vital part of Oklahoma’s present and future,” said Executive Director of Oklahoma City Film Jill Simpson. “A single film production in Oklahoma City during the summer of 2023 infused the local economy with $42.6 million in new dollars. Productions, both large and small, create well-paying jobs and support a wide array of local vendors and small businesses. Their growth and sustainability are directly tied to continued support for city and state film incentive programs.”
“Supporting legislative initiatives with and for our statewide film and music industries, including an incentive increase, is paramount to each and every community and individual that is part of our creative workforce,” said Tulsa FMAC Executive Director Meg Gould. “And, as we continue to see our neighbors just outside of Oklahoma invest, grow and compete with us for the same productions and exposure, unified messaging, goals and support could never be more important. Unity is a crucial element that will contribute to the needed transformational change.”
Following Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol, OF+MO will host a free reception in partnership with The Soundbar, Jayram Law and V Marketing 2:30-5:30 p.m. at The Sound Bar, 712B N. Broadway Ave. in Oklahoma City.
“In the 20 years since I brought my entertainment law practice home to Oklahoma City from Los Angeles, I’ve marveled at the remarkable transformation in the entertainment industry’s perception of Oklahoma’s resources as a filmmaking and creative hub, and the power of Oklahoma artists to capture the world’s imagination,” said Jayaram Law Partner and Attorney Jay Shanker. “Thanks to the recognition of state leaders – government, business and tribal enterprises – of what a great engine for economic development these initiatives represent, we’re now primed to make Oklahoma’s entertainment industries among the state’s best and brightest sources of economic growth.”
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.