- Oklahoma has long encouraged film making in the state with its generous film incentives and beautifully historic locations.
- Many famous movies have been filmed in Oklahoma including Reagan, The Grapes of Wrath, and Where the Red Fern Grows.
- Check out Boiling Point Media to make your next film in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Film Industry Has Grown
Oklahoma has quickly become a haven for filmmaking. Between some of the most striking landscapes you’ll set your eyes on and enduring state support for the industry, the movie business has been thriving. In 2001, Oklahoma first became a major player in the industry. Growth continued, accompanied by major growth in infrastructure like film studios, as well as an uptick in its available film project workforce. From 2015 – 2020, movie-making had pumped almost $100 million into the state’s economy. And now, opportunities for filmmaking in the state are at an all time high.
Films Produced In Oklahoma
It is not every state that sees such abundant luck in the movie industry. State legislation has played a large role. Then, of course, there are Oklahoma’s majestic and enduring landscapes and landmarks. In The Grapes of Wrath, movie makers captivatingly elicit the destitution of the dust bowl during the Great Depression. And in Where The Red Fern Grows, producers capture the beauty of the Oklahoma countryside. At the same time director Francis Ford Coppola, captures the class dynamics of city-life in outsiders, whereas the Tulsa King comes to Oklahoma to make a big splash in small-town life. Here’s some of the top movies that were filmed in Oklahoma.
The Grapes Of Wrath
The iconic book turned movie is a well-known name in many households. The movie brings to life the incredible story of a family in Oklahoma, impoverished by the dust bowl, hoping to find a better life. The movie did the important task of portraying the destitution, hopelessness, and still, the resilience of American farmers during this time in history. Set across a strikingly barren landscape that may still catch people’s imaginations today, the movie poignantly depicts the then harshness of the Oklahoma landscape, along with themes of hope and resilience.
Where The Red Fern Grows
This film, set amid the captivating scenery of the Ozarks, captures a young boy’s fervent dream to buy two hound dogs to one day call his own. Living within the throes of the depression, and with no money of his own, only through sheer faith and hard work does the boy work to make his dream come true. The boy faces further challenge and adventure as he romps around the tall and iconic scenery of the Ozarks, facing his own tragedies and triumphs. The picturesque tale is a lesson in friendship, loyalty and faith.
The Outsiders
The Outsiders is a fan favorite of many, and set very distinctively in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The movie, a coming-of-age tale of a young boy growing up in a town fettered by class division, is full of parallels between the main character’s unnamed town and Tulsa. The characters, as well as those iconic city-side scenes, will forever be emblazoned in the minds of millions of Americans.
Twister
This hair-raising film will probably forever be the first image that comes to mind when people hear about tornados.. With incredible graphics and thrilling action scenes, Twister satisfies all the adventure-seeking needs and may very well be the best tornado movie of all time. Moreover, with the movie’s incredible scenery, this piece of Oklahoma countryside will stay as a lasting impression of this country’s iconic Tornado Alley among many viewers.
Hellraiser: Judgment
This seductive thriller in the Hellraiser franchise, will keep many people up at night. As two detectives investigate the case of a serial killer, they encounter mystery and horror that are out of this world. The special effects are gripping as they tell the story of a new side of horror.
American Underdog
This movie captures the real-life tale of Kurt Warner, a grocery worker turned pro-NFL football quarterback. Captured in the heartland of American football, this film enriches Oklahoma with a more than worthy reputation. The makers of the film, Jon and Andrew Erwin, decided on Oklahoma to recoup the wins of past projects, as their breakout film “I Can Only Imagine,” was filmed there as well. Old wins aside, this movie successfully portrays a story of heart & soul within a beloved American pastime.
Tulsa King
Tula King follows the story of an exiled New York mafia capo named Dwight, who’s been sent by his former boss to set up shop in Tulsa Oklahoma after 25 years in prison. The story starts out quietly in the city, but events certainly don’t end that way. The film’s producers set out for Oklahoma’s due in part to the state’s historic film incentive, as well as its growing production capabilities.
Reagan
Following the story of an American president from childhood to presidency, Reagan shows that with bravery and determination, any individual can surpass all odds. A Hollywood actor turned president, Reagan was a unique figure, but not only because of his unique origins. Reagan was able to tackle some of the most important issues of the day. Directed by Sean McNamara, Reagan is destined to be an important portrayal of one of the most significant times in history.
Top Reasons to Film In Oklahoma
The reasons to film in Oklahoma are abundant. Oklahoma has historically been a very friendly state to filmmakers. You will find only positive encouragement from the state in the form of film incentives. These incentives are competitive and generous, as the state has been developing them for a long time to compete with the likes of other states. In Oklahoma, you will also find a culture that’s built to help you succeed, as well as majestic landscapes and historic destinations that will only leave you inspired.
Government Funded Incentives
When you come to film in Oklahoma, you will have not only a rich legacy of movies behind you, but also strong government support. The government started offering a competitive film incentive in 2001 to compete with those of other states and Canada. From then on, the incentive only grew. In the mid 2000s the Oklahoma legislature continued to revise its film incentive, lowering the minimum budget for a project, and adding a 2% increase to the rebate with the incorporation of Oklahoma music. By FY21, the state had filmed 34 projects and made $170 in film expenditures in that year alone. This film incentive is projected to increase in the coming years with the hopes of attracting even more filmmakers to the state.
Culture
In the past few decades Oklahoma has become a destination for economic development, business, and also for film. The state’s central location, well-trained workforce, and its low costs of living, makes Oklahoma a prime destination for filmmaking. As does the state’s film-centric culture. More than 20 Oklahoma colleges, universities and technical schools offer specialized industry programs and workshops. In addition, Oklahoma offers rebate incentives for services like music production, animation and post-production services. The state is so oriented to film production that the Oklahoma Film + Music Office often has even created relationships with productions and Oklahoma residents by establishing a number of film-friendly cities.
Diverse Locations
Within Oklahoma, you will find not just an eager workforce, but also some of the most diverse locations you’ll ever find. From modern cityscapes, to mountain parks, to quiet rural life, Oklahoma has got a huge range to offer the movie scene. Once you see it for yourself, you won’t think of settling anywhere else.
Landscapes
Oklahoma contains some of the most diverse and picturesque landscapes you will see in any state. From hilly planes, to desertscapes, to mountain parks, Oklahoma has the magic, the mystery and iconic scenery you would see in any Hollywood big budget film. Don’t forget, if you are looking for an iconic sunset scene in your film, Oklahoma ranks as one of the best states for sunsets.
Lakes
With more than 200 lakes, the country has more miles of shoreline than the Gulf and Atlantic coasts combined. And the state features more than just shoreline, but also waterfalls, lakes, and state parks at sunset. When you get to Oklahoma, you’ll see that the state is not just farmland or cityscapes, but also diverse and scenic waterscapes that are ready for any aspiring movie maker to make a splash.
Cityscapes
Cityscapes in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are the works of a genius. Filled with modern-tempo city life, incredibly scenic architectural and artistic landscapes, and historic backdrops, these two cities have all the aspects of modern urban life that a cinematic genius could need.
Communities
Not only does Oklahoma offer rich and thriving communities, it also offers various community landscapes that are very different from one another. From a downtown loft and a busy main street to wide open space in a more rural setting, Oklahoma’s got it.
Musical Talent
Oklahoma’s music scene is strong and only rising. There are over 2,700 featured music professionals in the Oklahoma music directory available to assist on your film. Not only that, but the state has been the starting ground for very renowned artists, including many you’ll recognize, such as Garth Brooks, Reba McIntire, and Blake Shelton. As a movie producer on the scene, you’ll have access to the likes of these artists, but also to students from a top ranked business music school (as named by Billboard Magazine). Furthermore, not only will you have access to these rising professionals, but also to state-of-the-art recording studios, skilled engineers and legendary music venues.
Boiling Point Media – A Top Ranked Oklahoma Film Company
Boiling Point Media is a relatively new agency and production company, with a focus on providing filmmakers with the best in visual effects, animation, and post-production services on its production side. With an Emmy winning producer that has worked on some of the popular movies like Ghoster (2022), The Jurassic Games (2018) and The Adventures of Jurassic Pet (2019), Boiling Point has taken time to build up its effective abilities and a comprehensive team. We are a young team, but we are no strangers to filmmaking. We’ve been privileged to work on some amazing projects, and the best is yet to come.
Reasons to use Boiling Point Media
Boiling Point Media has evolved from a small agency doing visual effects to a highly skilled visual effects team with some of the most up-to-date, cost-effective technologies the industry can find. If you’re shooting your movie in Oklahoma, check out Boiling Point and all of the fabulous production technologies and talented production staff we have to offer.
Experienced Film Directors
Ryan Bellgradt is an Emmy award winning producer that has been Boiling Point Media’s Virtual Productions and VFX supervisor since the company started in 2008. As one of the company’s founders, Bellgradt has seen the company and its production services come from its early days of production to the firm’s current capabilities. Serving his team using VFX as well as high quality post production services, Ryan Bellgradt is one of the most evolved and experienced film directors you’ll find out there.
LED Volume Wall Production
Boiling Point’s LED Volume Wall is one particular advanced technology and capability the company brings to the table. The LED Volume Wall is a 1,350 square foot video wall that creates immersive and 3D background scenes that makes the viewer feel like they’re at any particular virtual location. By allowing the production team to more creatively and realistically tell stories, Boiling Points LED Volume Wall is also helping take movie making to its next phase of its evolution.
Superior VFX Team
From creative directors, to VFX set supervisors, to producers, to teams of 2D / 3D VFX artists and vendors, Boiling Point Media has got the visual effects-experienced professionals you’re looking for. Including its Emmy winning producer Ryan Bellgradt this superior team’s comprehensive and evolved set, Boiling Point is unmatched by other film studios in the area.
High Quality Post Production Services
Boiling Point’s team is highly skilled in all things post production. They are adept at skills like modeling, which can allow you to create digital versions of the characters and props that can then be animated. Another high-quality post production skill you can find at Boiling Point is composting: the technique of combining visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. You can also find help with sky replacement, allowing you to set the mood of your choice for any scene. These are only some of the high quality post production services you’ll find at Boiling Point.
Choose Boiling Point Media For Your Oklahoma Film
What more can you ask for from a film production company? Set in a beautiful state with beautiful locations and access to the best in technology, you can’t go wrong with Boiling Point Media. We are dedicated to bringing the absolute best out of the content you bring to us, just as we have done with the dozens of other movies we’ve helped produce. Whether you are making an independent film or international release, we want to make sure that we achieve the picture that is true-to-your vision. We strive relentlessly to go above and beyond for you in that, and every regard. And of course, we are determined to make all of your stay in Oklahoma, from taking it all in, to capturing the most minute effects detail, as pleasant as possible. Reach out to us today to discuss your film.
The filmmakers at Boiling Point have extensively studied and completed post production services on numerous film projects. Between your great ideas, our post production expertise, and our LED volume wall, we can bring your film to life. Check out our website to learn more about the films we have produced as well as our filmmaking capabilities. If you are looking to produce a film, need VFX, or just need post production work, give Boiling Point a call and bring your film to its boiling point.
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