Since 2021, Oklahoma has climbed to the number 13 spot of the biggest Television and Film industries in big cities.
Tulsa is ranked number 5 of the lists for small cities and towns by MovieMaker magazine. In 2021 the Filmed in Oklahoma act helped independent film companies by providing them with cash rebates for their productions.
The boosting film industry is creating jobs for those wanting to join the industry. An estimated 33 films and TV productions are looking for recent college graduates to fill the 10,000 jobs available to Oklahomans.
Green Pastures Studios, a film and TV studio in Oklahoma, is working on creating student internships to teach them how to be successful film makers and studio workers; they also help set up future job opportunities.
This studio has everything that a film maker would need, including the best equipment and tools for teaching students; these studios are starting to bring in big actors and are producing big films, such as a film titled “Killers of the Flower Moon” starring Leonardo DiCaprio set to hit theaters next year.
Oklahoman casting companies have also skyrocketed due to the surge of films. Companies such as Freihofer Casting have gone from working on one film a year to doing 13 films in the year 2020.
This increase in films also has an impact on the state’s economy. In 2015, six films produced around $8 million in sales. Last year 33 films came out of the stated producing $161 million in revenue.
When asked what he wants to know about film production, film club vice president Jayden Walker says, “I want to know everything there is,” and he is already on his way towards being a part of the film industry.
Young film makers such as him who are also in the campus film club have many options coming out of their college semesters, and internships at these film studios provide the opportunity to give students the knowledge and skills that they need to grow.
Walker eventually wants to make a phsychological thrille comedy about a man who does not save the world, so he goes back in time to train his younger self to become stronger.
Another student, Sierra Williams, want sto make a mystery film where she herself goes missing.
To get involved in the campus film club, students can reach out to the club’s advisor, Marlon Edwards, at marlon.edwards@langston.edu.
