Oklahoma City, Okla. — The film and television industry is gaining significant attention in Oklahoma as several major productions, both blockbusters and independent films, have set up shop in the state. With this momentum building, state lawmakers are exploring ways to further bolster the sector, advancing new legislation aimed at attracting more talent and investment.
A recent report presented to industry stakeholders underscored the success of Oklahoma’s $30 million annual film and television rebates, a key factor in the state’s growing reputation as a production hub. Among the advocates for continued expansion is Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who has called for an increase in the state’s incentives to foster even more growth in the industry.
“We’ve really become a hub in the United States when it comes to film and television production and storytelling,” Pinnell told FOX 25 earlier this month. “They’re going to set the vision and values for future generations. We’re doing that right here in Oklahoma.”
On Monday, the Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Natural Resources took up a bill aimed at furthering that goal. House Bill 2110 proposes renaming the Compete with Canada Film Act to the Bringing Sitcoms Home From Hollywood Act—a move to shift the program’s focus from films to live audience episodic television.
Under the proposed legislation, eligible projects could receive a rebate of up to 30% of documented expenditures, provided the project meets a minimum budget requirement of $200,000. The bill aims to create more job opportunities while building the state’s entertainment industry infrastructure.
Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, raised concerns during the hearing, questioning whether such large rebates should be reserved for one specific industry. “My question would be: would you agree that we could create a lot of jobs in any industry if we gave a rebate of 30% of the production costs to businesses in that industry? And if that’s the case, why do you believe we should specifically do that for this industry instead of a different industry or every industry?” Hall asked.
Rep. Mike Osburn, the bill’s author, responded by highlighting the unique nature of the film and television industry’s potential for long-term growth in Oklahoma. “That’s a fair question, and I agree with that. We certainly could create a lot of jobs by doing that. The difference is that we’re setting up an industry here in Oklahoma. We’re trying to prop up an industry, we’re trying to start an industry here,” Osburn explained.
Osburn also emphasized that no money would be appropriated immediately under the bill, stating that the legislation’s primary purpose is to lay the groundwork for future funding opportunities. “We are simply putting the bones in place so that we can accept whatever that happens to be later,” he said.
As the debate continues, Oklahoma’s push to attract more film and television productions could lead to significant economic growth and job creation in the state. With the introduction of House Bill 2110 and the ongoing conversation about increasing production incentives, lawmakers hope to solidify Oklahoma’s place as a top destination for the entertainment industry.
