Oklahoma Entertainment Industry

Oklahoma Contemporary hosted a panel discussion earlier this week exploring the cultural and economic impact of Oklahoma’s entertainment industry. The conversation highlighted how the global success of Oklahoma filmed blockbusters like Twisters has shifted the perception of Oklahoma as a production hub and positioned our state as a viable entertainment destination.  

Moderated by CEO, producer, and actress Rachel Cannon, the panel included both statewide and local leaders that have played a significant role in the growth of the Oklahoma entertainment industry. Panelists included Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma Director of Tourism Shelley Zumwalt, Director of Oklahoma Film + Music Office Jeanette Stanton, and Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones. 

Lt. Governor Pinnell, who attended the Cannes Film Festival with the team from Killers of the Flower Moon, said that interest in Native American stories and Oklahoma stories is at an all-time high. The Scorsese movie has peaked everyone’s interest around the world while Reservation Dogs has drawn attention here in the U.S. 

Pinnell and Stanton both believe there will be several more Native projects coming to Oklahoma and coming out of Oklahoma from local filmmakers. The blockbuster Bible series The Chosen has also inspired a lot of similar projects, many of whom are looking to film their productions in Oklahoma. 

Shelley Zumwalt, Director of Tourism, spoke about the impact that movies have on advertising Oklahoma as a tourism destination. Killers of the Flower Moon and Twisters quadrupled the number of calls, emails, tourist groups, and businesses prospects coming to check out Oklahoma. 

Dr. Jones gave an update on OCCC and their successful efforts in workforce development. Thanks to founder Gray Frederickson, OCCC boasts a top tier film school that attracts hundreds of local students who graduate into sustainable jobs in the film industry. OCCC has been a key partner with the OF+MO in staffing productions that come to town. 

Infrastructure was high on everyone’s list. Lt. Governor Pinnell emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to grow the industry here. Oklahoma was able to land Tulsa Kings and Twisters because Prairie Surf Studios offered several large soundstages. Now that they have moved out of the Cox Center, it is critical that Oklahoma continue to invest in and build soundstages. That is the best way to attract large blockbuster films and television series that employ hundreds of people. 

Pinnell and others pointed to the Cherokee Nation as a leader in the studio space. Cherokee Film opened a second soundstage last week in Owasso, increasing their filming capacity to 16,000 square feet. 

Live entertainment was another hot topic. Television sitcoms traditionally film with a live studio audience. That is live entertainment that can be ticketed. Building television studios for live audiences provides a space to create stories and an ongoing destination for tourists. 

All of the panelists agreed that now is the perfect time to invest in the Oklahoma entertainment industry. With the Route 66 celebration coming up in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028, it’s time to blast the lights and start rolling. Oklahoma is ready for its close up.