OKLAHOMA
FILM
FUNDING
GUIDE
A complete filmmaker's guide to state and municipal film incentives in Oklahoma — and the case for Bartlesville's proposed $1 Million Film Fund.
BUFFALO ROAM
FILM NETWORK
11 award-winning filmmakers. 27 films & series. Academy Awards, Emmys, Sundance, and more.
OKLAHOMA IS
OPEN FOR
PRODUCTION
Oklahoma's film and television production industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by the state's robust incentive programs and the proactive efforts of municipalities to attract productions. The "Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021" has catalyzed this expansion, generating an economic impact of over $531 million for the state.
Cities across the state — including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Broken Arrow — have established their own municipal film incentives to complement the state program. The results have been extraordinary: Oklahoma City's $3 million investment generated nearly $70 million in direct local spending, a 23:1 return on investment.
Bartlesville possesses every ingredient for success: a proven track record as a production hub, a Film Friendly certification, world-class filming locations including Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower, and a community that has already experienced the transformative economic impact of major productions.
The question is not whether Bartlesville can afford to establish a film fund. The question is whether Bartlesville can afford not to.
Direct economic impact generated by Oklahoma's film incentive program since 2021
Maximum cash rebate available through the state 'Filmed in Oklahoma Act'
Bartlesville holds official Film Friendly Community certification from the Oklahoma Film & Music Office
Economic impact on Bartlesville from Killers of the Flower Moon — a single production
FILMED IN
OKLAHOMA ACT
The state's flagship cash rebate program, dramatically expanded in 2021 with a $30M annual cap. A direct cash payment — not a tax credit — making it accessible to all productions regardless of state tax liability.
REBATE RATE STRUCTURE
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base Rebate (all qualifying productions) | 20% |
| Rural community filming (population < 50,000) | +2% |
| Small community filming (population < 10,000) | +5% |
| Oklahoma-based soundstage utilization | +2% |
| Resident below-the-line crew majority | +2% |
| Diverse vendor/contractor utilization | +2% |
| Maximum achievable rebate | 30% |
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum total budget of $50,000
- Minimum Oklahoma spend of $25,000
- Principal photography must occur within Oklahoma
- Application submitted before commencement of principal photography
- Third-party CPA audit of all qualified expenditures required
- Wages to Oklahoma residents, OK-based vendor payments, location fees, equipment rentals
NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS
Film Friendly Community Bonus: Bartlesville qualifies for the +5% rural community uplift (population under 50,000), bringing the effective state rebate to 25% for productions filming primarily in Bartlesville.
PROGRAM ECONOMIC IMPACT (2021–2024)
MUNICIPAL
INCENTIVE
PROGRAMS
Oklahoma municipalities are stacking local incentives on top of the state rebate, creating highly attractive combined packages. These programs are stackable — a production can receive both state and municipal rebates simultaneously.
Oklahoma City
OKC Film & Creative Industries Office
"The direct return with no multiplier has been close to $70 million on that $3 million investment."
— Jill Simpson, OKC Film & Creative Industries Executive Director
PROGRAM DETAILS
- 5% base rebate across all qualifying categories (local spend, above/below-the-line, non-residents)
- Additional 5% bonus rebate for productions meeting enhanced local criteria
- Initial $3M investment generated nearly $70M in direct local spending (23:1 ROI)
- Twisters planned $42M spend but ultimately spent $63M — rebate capped at $1M
- Voters approved additional $5M in October 2025 bond package (75%+ approval)
- Main production office must be within OKC city limits
- More than 50% of filming days must occur within OKC
COMPLETE PROGRAM COMPARISON
| Program | Oklahoma City | Tulsa | Broken Arrow | Cherokee Nation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fund Size | ~$2.5M avg | $400K | $100K (Pilot) | $1M |
| Base Rebate | 5% | 5% | 10% | 20% |
| Max Rebate | 10% | 5% | 20% | 30% |
| Max Per Project | Varies | $75,000 | Varies | Varies |
| Minimum Spend | $100K–$500K | $100K | $5K | $50K |
| Stackable w/ State | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A CITY WITH
CINEMATIC DNA
Price Tower · Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Frank Lloyd Wright's only fully realized skyscraper
Bartlesville possesses a remarkable portfolio of cinematic locations found nowhere else in the world. From the iconic Price Tower to the sweeping landscapes of Woolaroc, the city offers filmmakers a diverse range of settings — all within a compact, production-friendly community.
BARTLESVILLE FILMOGRAPHY
Bartlesville is not a newcomer to the film industry. The city's engagement with production spans over a decade and has attracted some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the world.
To the Wonder
2012Dir. Terrence Malick · Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Javier Bardem
Initiated Bartlesville's relationship with the state rebate program
August: Osage County
2013Dir. John Wells · Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Benedict Cumberbatch
Major studio production; Bartlesville as primary production hub
To the Stars
2019Dir. Martha Stephens · Kara Hayward, Liana Liberato
Premiered at Tribeca Film Festival
Killers of the Flower Moon
2023Dir. Martin Scorsese · Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone
$35M economic impact; 8+ months of production activity; $1.5M in local tax revenue
1923 (Episode)
2025Dir. Taylor Sheridan · Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford
Episode filmed in downtown Bartlesville; streaming on Paramount+
Cottonmouth
OngoingDir. Rebellium Film · Independent Production
Demonstrates continued independent filmmaker interest in Bartlesville
WHAT A FILM FUND
WILL DELIVER
Direct Spending Multiplier
Every dollar invested in the awarded films generates 5–23x in direct local spending. A $100K investment attracting productions with $500K–$1M local spends generates $5M–$10M in direct economic activity.
Tax Revenue Generation
Killers of the Flower Moon generated $1.5M in local tax revenue for Bartlesville. A steady pipeline of productions creates consistent tax revenue that can partially offset the cost of the fund.
Hotel & Hospitality Impact
Film crews function as extended-stay visitors. A production with 50–100 crew members staying 2–3 months generates thousands of hotel room nights, restaurant visits, and retail purchases.
Long-Term Film Tourism
Productions featuring Bartlesville's distinctive locations create lasting marketing value. Visitors who see the Price Tower or Woolaroc on screen are motivated to visit in person — for years after wrap.
BUILDING THE
NEXT GENERATION
OF FILMMAKERS
Every film and filmmaker receiving a Bartlesville Film Fund investment has agreed to a workforce development commitment that sets this fund apart from every other municipal incentive program in Oklahoma.
Each funded production will hire 25 apprentices for a minimum of 90 days, embedding them directly into the production under the mentorship of experienced industry professionals. Apprentices will work across all departments — camera, lighting, sound, art direction, production management, and post-production — gaining hands-on experience that no classroom can replicate.
With up to 4 productions per year, the fund creates a pipeline of 100 trained film industry apprentices annually — building a homegrown workforce that keeps future productions local and deepens Bartlesville's long-term competitiveness as a production hub.
What Every Apprentice Receives
- Real On-Set Experience — Embedded in active productions under experienced department heads — not observation, but hands-on participation.
- Experienced Leadership — Mentored directly by working professionals: directors, DPs, production designers, sound mixers, and line producers.
- Cross-Department Training — Exposure to all aspects of film production — from pre-production planning through principal photography and wrap.
- IMDb Credit — Every apprentice receives a verified IMDb credit on the films they help produce — the industry-standard credential that opens doors to future employment nationwide.
An IMDb credit is the film industry's résumé. For a young filmmaker in Bartlesville, a credit on a professionally produced feature is the single most important career asset they can hold — opening doors to jobs, festivals, and opportunities far beyond northeast Oklahoma.
Bartlesville Film Fund — Workforce Development Commitment
THE $1 MILLION
BARTLESVILLE
FILM FUND
A proposed $1 million municipal film fund investing $100,000 per qualifying production — structured to maximize economic return while maintaining rigorous accountability.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Local Spend
$150,000 within Bartlesville city limits or Washington County to qualify. A $250,000 total production budget qualifies for the guaranteed equity investment, making the fund accessible to independent features and mid-range productions alike.
Location Requirements
A minimum of 40% of principal photography days must occur within Bartlesville city limits or Washington County.
Local Hiring
Productions encouraged to hire a minimum of 20% of below-the-line crew from Washington County or the surrounding region.
Screen Credit
City of Bartlesville and Visit Bartlesville logos must appear in end credits. Bartlesville must be identified as a filming location in press materials.
Application Process
Submit your application to Buffalo Roam Studios no later than 60 days before pre-production begins. Include budget, local spend breakdown, filming schedule, and evidence of financing. Buffalo Roam Studios reviews all applications and distributes fund investments upon approval.
Audit Requirement
All qualified expenditures verified through a third-party CPA audit, submitted within 90 days of completion of principal photography.
QUALIFYING EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES
PROJECTED RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Three scenarios based on conservative estimates derived from documented outcomes in comparable Oklahoma municipal film incentive programs. All scenarios show strong positive economic returns.
YOUR PATH TO
FUNDING
Initial Consultation
Contact Buffalo Roam Studios to discuss your project and confirm preliminary eligibility before submitting a formal application. The team will walk you through the fund requirements and help you assess your project's fit.
Submit Application
Submit your application at least 60 days before pre-production begins, including budget, local spend breakdown, filming schedule, and financing evidence.
Receive Approval
Buffalo Roam Studios reviews your application and issues a conditional approval letter outlining the terms of your fund investment agreement.
Finalize Budget & Pre-Production
With approval secured, finalize your production budget, lock your shooting schedule, hire your crew, and complete all pre-production requirements. Buffalo Roam Studios is available as a resource and production partner throughout this phase.
Produce the Film
Conduct principal photography in Bartlesville, meeting the local spend, filming day, and local hiring requirements outlined in your agreement. Document all qualifying expenditures throughout production for audit purposes.
Return the $100K
Recoup the fund's $100,000 investment through a combination of Oklahoma state rebates and film distribution revenues. This return mechanism replenishes the fund, enabling Buffalo Roam Studios to invest in the next generation of Bartlesville productions.
Stack Your Incentives for Maximum Benefit
The proposed Bartlesville Film Fund is designed to be fully stackable with the Oklahoma state rebate. A production filming primarily in Bartlesville can potentially receive:
FILM HERE.
THRIVE
HERE.
Bartlesville has the locations, the infrastructure, and the community. The $1 Million Film Fund is the final piece — making Bartlesville the most compelling production destination in northeast Oklahoma.