Oklahoma’s Film Rebate Program
ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST FILM INCENTIVES
Discover the allure of filming in Oklahoma with the state’s enticing Film Enhancement Rebate Program. Offering a CASH rebate with a base of 20%, this incentive has the potential to escalate to an impressive 30%. The additional 10% can be earned by meeting specific criteria, including shooting on a certified sound stage, conducting post-production within the state, or filming in a rural setting.
Filming Opportunities in Oklahoma
Oklahoma stands out as one of the emerging locations for film production. The diverse range of picturesque landscapes and unique settings across Oklahoma provide filmmakers with a rich and versatile backdrop for their projects. Oklahoma boasts a blend of urban and rural environments. From vibrant cityscapes to vast prairies and historic small towns, this diversity allows filmmakers to capture a wide array of scenes without the need for extensive travel. Additionally, Oklahoma’s film-friendly incentives and supportive infrastructure contribute to its appeal. The state of Oklahoma offers competitive tax incentives, grants, and rebates for filmmakers, fostering a conducive environment for both large-scale productions and independent films. With a skilled local workforce and a burgeoning film industry, Oklahoma not only provides a cost-effective option for filmmakers but also embraces the creative community, making it one of the best places to bring cinematic visions to life.
Oklahoma City Film Rebate Act of 2021
In 2021, Oklahoma introduced the Filmed in Oklahoma City Act, offering a cash rebate of up to 38%. This act is a testament to Oklahoma’s commitment to being a hub for filming opportunities.
REBATE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Cash Rebate: Up to 30% for eligible productions.
- Low Minimum Spend: Only $50,000, with a minimum of $25,000 spent locally.
- Appealing to Independent Filmmakers: Accessibility for projects of all scales.
OKC Film Rebate
Application Timeline
Benchmarks
Apprentices
OKC Film Rebate
Oklahoma offers an incentive with a base of 20% to projects that film principal photography in the state.
Oklahoma City Film Rebate Application Timeline
To qualify for the Filmed in Oklahoma Act rebate program, a project must satisfy the eligibility and benchmark requirements specified in the Administrative Rules. For projects with a budget below $7.5 million, Oklahoma Film & Music Office will assess and inform applicants of approval or denial based on the schedule detailed below.
| Production | Deadline for Applicants | Award Date | For Films Shooting in: |
| First Series | Jun 15, 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | August-January |
| Second Series | Aug 15, 2024 | Sept 1, 2024 | October-March |
| Third Series | Oct 15, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | December-May |
| Fourth Series | Dec. 15, 2024 | Jan 1, 2024 | February-July |
| Fifth Series | Feb 15, 2024 | Mar 1, 2024 | April-September |
| Sixth Series | Apr 15, 2024 | May 1, 2024 | June-November |
Benchmarks
Benchmarks refer to specific criteria or conditions that must be met in order for a rebate to be valid or applicable. Note that projects with a budget of a minimum of $7.5 Million may undergo ongoing reviews and may be either awarded or denied. If a project attains conditional prequalification, it must adhere to three benchmarks leading up to principal photography, where the production is obligated to submit specified documentation in accordance with the Administrative Rules. During principal photography, the production must include members of OF+MO on the daily call sheet distribution list. Within 90 days of completing the production (or the last qualified expenditure, if later), the production is required to submit its final application on the Oklahoma Film & Music Office website.
45 days before principal photography, the production is required to submit the following:
-
- This marks the final day for a project to submit an eligibility application.
- 50% proof of funding for the entire production budget.
30 days before principal photography, the production must submit:
- 100% proof of funding for the complete production budget.
- The current one-line schedule.
- An updated script if applicable.
-
10 days before principal photography, the production must submit:
- A certificate of general liability insurance with a minimum coverage limit of $1,000,000 (or a binder with a start date no later than the estimated Start of Pre-Production).
- A certificate of automobile liability insurance with minimums of $250,000/500,000/250,000 coverage (or a binder with a start date no later than the estimated Start of Pre-Production), or certification that no Production employee will operate a vehicle as part of the Production.
- A certificate of workers’ compensation insurance in compliance with Oklahoma law.
-
Apprentices
Every production eligible for the Filmed in Oklahoma Act rebate program must enlist in a specific count of apprentices based on their actual qualified production expenditures.
- Direct QPE less than $7.5 million: 2 apprentices
- $7.5 million to $15 million Direct QPE: 4 apprentices
- $15 million to $25 million Direct QPE: 8 apprentices
- Direct QPE exceeding $25 million: 16 apprentices
Who is considered an Apprentice?
As per the Administrative Rules, an individual qualifies as an Apprentice, as defined by the act, if they satisfy the following conditions:
- The Apprentice is a resident of Oklahoma.
- The Apprentice is under the guidance of an experienced Master Tradesperson or Department Head in the specific trade, craft, or profession practiced during the production.
- The Apprentice is engaged in a trade acknowledged by Oklahoma Film & Music Office as essential for film production.
- Unless explicitly authorized in writing by the Oklahoma Film & Music Office, the Apprentice must work under the supervision of the Master Tradesperson or Department Head for at least half of the days the said supervisor is actively involved in the film.
- The Apprentice must complete a questionnaire or survey provided by Oklahoma Film & Music Office, which is to be submitted to Oklahoma Film & Music Office along with the Final Application.
Required Safety Bulletins
As part of the prequalification requirements, productions must agree to send pertinent safety bulletins to cast and crew once production has begun.
Oklahoma City Rebate Uplifts
An uplift payment allows you the flexibility to acquire your desired items immediately and settle the cost through consistent monthly payments. Opting for uplift is frequently a preferable choice compared to using credit cards, as uplift entails straightforward interest charges. Whereas certain credit cards impose interest on accumulated interest. Projects endorsed under the Filmed in Oklahoma Act have the potential to receive a rebate ranging from 20% to 30%, contingent upon the specific percentage uplift opportunities for which the project qualifies. The available uplifts are detailed as follows:
%
Base Incentive
%
Rural County Uplift
- 25% filmed on location in a county with a population less than 250,000.
- *Note: To qualify as being filmed in a rural county, filming must take place on location, excluding soundstage production.
%
Small Municipality Uplift
- 25% filmed on location in a municipality with a population less than 25,000.
- (For projects approved for the Filmed in Oklahoma program before June 7, 2023, 25% filmed on location in a municipality with a population less than 13,000).
- *Note: To qualify as being filmed in a rural municipality, filming must take place on location, excluding soundstage production.
%
Soundstage Uplift
- 25% filmed at a certified soundstage facility.
- *To meet certified soundstage uplifts, 3% of direct expenditures must be spent at the soundstage, in addition to meeting the minimum filming percentage threshold.
%
2% / 5% TV Uplift
- 2% for a pilot or 5% for a season.
- *If a pilot is part of a multi-film deal, the project can qualify for the multi-film 5%, but cannot also receive the pilot 2%.
%
Multi-Film Deal Uplift
- 5% if part of a multi-film deal.
%
Post-Production Uplift
- If at least 3% of qualified expenditures are spent on Oklahoma post-production.
%
Music Uplift
- If at least 1% of qualified expenditures is spent on Oklahoma music production.
Post Production Only Rebate
A standalone post-production incentive offers a 20% base for work done in Oklahoma after filming outside the state. Additional uplifts are available for various factors, including TV production, multi-film deals, and post-production using Oklahoma music.
Eligible Oklahoma Post-Production Expenditures
There are additional opportunities for rebate percentage uplifts listed below.
- Color grading
- Editorial work
- Visual effects
- Animation
- Deliverables (excluding marketing and advertising)
- Music production, recording, mixing, or composition
- Licensing of Oklahoma music
- Editing equipment or editing facility rental
- Wages for Oklahoma crew or Oklahoma Expatriate crew engaged in post-production services.
Post Production Only Rebate Application Timeline
Applications for the independent post-production incentive will follow the same timeline as projects filmed within the state. However, instead of considering the first date of principal photography, the initial date of post-production in Oklahoma becomes the focal point. Further details about the application timeline can be found below. It is important to note that unlike projects filmed in Oklahoma, applications for the stand-alone post-production incentive are exempt from the benchmarks. Nevertheless, they are obligated to provide comprehensive proof of funding in the Eligibility Application.
According to the Administrative Rules, submissions for the stand-alone post-production incentive can be made no earlier than one year before the commencement of post-production activities in Oklahoma.
| SAPI-E | Deadline for Applicants | Award Date | Post Starting |
| First Series | Jun 15, 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | July-Jan. |
| Second Series | Aug 15, 2024 | Sept 1, 2024 | Sept.-March |
| Third Series | Oct 15, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | Nov.-May |
| Fourth Series | Dec. 15, 2024 | Jan 1, 2024 | Jan.-July |
| Fifth Series | Feb 15, 2024 | Mar 1, 2024 | March-Sept. |
| Sixth Series | Apr 15, 2024 | May 1, 2024 | May-Nov. |
Post Production Only Rebate Eligible Uplifts
An uplift payment allows you the flexibility to acquire your desired items immediately and settle the cost through consistent monthly payments. Opting for an uplift is frequently a preferable choice compared to using credit cards. This is because an uplift entails straightforward interest charges, whereas certain credit cards impose interest on accumulated interest.
Stand-Alone Post-Production applications are eligible for the following uplifts, in addition to the 20% base incentive:
- 2% / 5% TV Uplift
- 2% for a pilot or 5% for a season
Film Rebate Awarded to Boiling Point
Boiling Point, centrally situated in the heart of Oklahoma City, proudly shares its success story intertwined with the Filmed in Oklahoma Act. Garnering a 3% Post-Production Uplift Rebate, Boiling Point stands as a testament to the flourishing film industry in Oklahoma. Positioned in the prime locales of both OKC and Oklahoma Film Rebate areas, our stage is exceptionally suited for an array of productions, ranging from virtual production and TV commercials to music videos and beyond.
Why Choose Boiling Point
Boiling Point offers cutting-edge services including an advanced LED Volume Wall boasting a 1,350 sq. ft. space with a pixel pitch of 2.8mm. Our movie studio technology is integrated with Unreal Engine and NCAM camera tracking for unparalleled immersion. The studio is equipped with movable LED dollies and high-brightness panels for realistic lighting effects, complemented by Aximmetry Broadcast Control Software for seamless production. To learn more about our movie studio, check out our LED Wall page .
Work With Boiling Point
For those aspiring to produce a film with Boiling Point, we remain steadfast at the pinnacle of our craft in successfully creating and producing films in Oklahoma City. The allure of the OKC Film Rebate is an opportunity not to be missed, and Boiling Point is primed to offer support. Our studio is equipped with live virtual camera trackers enabling dynamic movement and seamless integrations. Boiling Point Media is at the forefront of innovative in-camera VFX technology, blurring the lines between real-world actors and virtual environments. Recent additions to our comprehensive list of services include an LED wall and Unreal Engine environment design. To discover how to leverage the 3% Uplift OKC Film Rebate at Boiling Point, reach out via email, an in-person visit, or a phone call.