Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol spotlights local industries

By Staff Reports

The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), in partnership with Cherokee Film, Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries Office and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture, is proud to present Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 1. Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol, this free event 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.

“Attending Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol is essential in showcasing the significant economic and cultural contributions of our creative industries, particularly during a year with numerous legislations filed to potentially further develop this sector,” said OF+MO Director Jeanette Stanton. “This event provides a unique platform for professionals to unite in connecting with state leaders, and we’re incredibly grateful to our participating partners, vendors, workforce, talent and more without whom this event would not be possible.”

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. will provide opening remarks to kick off the event, which will feature a variety of special guests, music programming, activations and more scheduled throughout the day, including introductory music from Rep. Tammy Townley, who will sing the National Anthem, and alumni from Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp who will sing the State Song of Oklahoma.

"I am excited to kick off the 2025 Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol," Pinnell said. "Last year, Oklahoma ranked sixth in film and TV employment growth, fourth in total compensation growth and ninth in change in annual compensation per worker, making us the only state to rank among the top 10 in all three measures. Film and music are forever industries in Oklahoma, and their growth and positive impact are being felt across all 77 counties."

Additional music programming comes courtesy of partners such as Cherokee Film, who will feature Agalisiga Mackey; The Oklahoma Opry and Guitars for Vets program; the University of Central Oklahoma’s selected jazz trio; and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture presentation from the Tulsa Symphony.

“Film and Music Day at the Capitol is always one of our favorite days of the year,” said Meg Gould, executive director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. “The creative industry in Oklahoma has never been bigger, and getting to present a unified front to legislators is so important for the industry and our creative workforce, especially as neighboring states and international incentives continue to grow and compete for the same exposure and opportunities.”

More than 55 exhibitors will be on display with booths representing Oklahoma’s robust film and music sectors, including organizations specializing in career development opportunities, workforce training, business services, community resources and more. A special exhibit featuring costumes and props from the hit film “Twisters,” as well as a music collection assembled by OK Pop, will also be on display for guests to enjoy.

“The film and music industries continue to thrive in Oklahoma. Both are important to growing and diversifying our state’s economy while creating high-paying jobs for our local workforce,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the OKC Film and Creative Industries Office. “We thank our lawmakers for their support of the Filmed in Oklahoma Act passed in 2021. In its first year, the act generated a six-fold increase in incentivized spending for productions both large and small. Between 2021 and 2023, it infused our economy with a staggering $484 million in incentivized spending, providing an essential tool for growing a self-sustaining film industry in Oklahoma. We look forward to connecting with state leaders on April 1 to share the many positive things happening in our sectors.”