The Oklahoma Film + Music Office congratulates both Oklahoma City and Tulsa for making the Top 25 List of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2026,” coming in at #24 and #18, respectively, in the big cities category. Selections came from cities across North America as MovieMaker compiles this list based on surveys, production spending, film incentives, additional research and personal visits where possible, making the list a meaningful barometer of industry health. Together, these rankings reflect the continued growth and resilience of Oklahoma’s film ecosystem during a rapidly evolving moment for the industry.
“We are witnessing unprecedented growth and increasing momentum here in Oklahoma City’s film industry,” said Jill Simpson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office. “Since its introduction in 2023, the Oklahoma City Film Incentive Program has approved ten projects that have generated a total direct expenditure in our city of $78.3 million and an economic impact of just over $294 million. These projects generate new tax dollars and support the expansion of brick-and-mortar companies and local jobs. We are growing a self-sustaining industry hub that is great for Oklahoma City and Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma City continues to build momentum with a local film incentive with rebates up to 10% for qualified productions, which can be paired with the state’s film incentive program. The city has attracted major projects such as “Twisters,” upcoming releases such as “New Years Rev” and “Brian,” and locally produced films like the recently released “The Huntsman.” With the passing of the recent bond, both the Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries Office and the local rebate program have secured dedicated funding for the next ten years, providing long-term stability for filmmakers considering Oklahoma City a production home.
“Ranking on a list like this in a publication as prestigious as MovieMaker Magazine is a validation and confirmation of what we in our city already know: Tulsa is a premier filming location around the world,” said Meg Gould, Executive Director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. “Tulsa is home to an incredible and rapidly growing film production workforce, a variety of filming locations and state and local incentive programs to make sure projects feel welcome. We look forward to what will call the city ‘home’ in 2026.”
Tulsa continues to expand its production footprint with a newly launched local film incentive, offering rebates of up to 5% for qualified productions, also stackable with the state program. Recent successes include the highly acclaimed FX series “The Lowdown,” the recently wrapped production “Horrified” and “The Last Rodeo.” These projects create meaningful career opportunities for local crew and talent while driving economic impact throughout Tulsa and surrounding communities.
Read the full list and article at moviemaker.com.
###
About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
