Written by on Feb 23, 2012. Posted in Incentive News

Oklahoma faces loss of filming incentives as state plans budget cuts

Oklahoma could lose its filming incentives as authorities plan ways to reduce the budget deficit. At the moment filming productions can get a rebate of up to 37% on eligible expenses, although the USD5 million annual film fund means the state's mainly appealing to low-budget shoots.

Nevertheless, local studies claim the state made nearly USD40 million from filming projects in the 2011-12 fiscal year, News OK reports. Six features qualified for support over the past year and a single project has already prequalified for all the available money for 2013, so there’s clearly demand even if the state isn’t competing for the major studio shoots.

Filmmakers love being on location in Oklahoma but filmmaking is very much an incentive programme. If the rebates are taken away, it will do irreparable damage.

Jill Simpson, Oklahoma Film & Music Office

Jill Simpson is Director of the Oklahoma Film & Music Office and spoke to the outlet: “Five years ago we were begging to get a project in here and since the first of the year we've turned away 13 already. Filmmakers love being on location in Oklahoma but filmmaking is very much an incentive programme. If the rebates are taken away, it will do irreparable damage.”

Local authorities acknowledge producers’ concerns but suggest that the state’s energy, agriculture and aerospace businesses will be prioritised as they’re Oklahoma’s most established and successful industries.