Okmulgee Earns 'Film-Friendly' Status, Bringing Jobs and Creativity

The Oklahoma city's new designation signals it's ready to support productions of all sizes.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Okmulgee, Oklahoma has been officially recognized as a certified 'film friendly' community by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. This designation reflects the city's efforts to make it easier for filmmakers to work there, including providing a local film incentive program, a streamlined permit process, and access to local resources. Since earning this status, Okmulgee has already seen major economic benefits from several major film productions choosing to shoot in the area.

Why it matters

Being 'film friendly' allows Okmulgee to attract more film and TV productions, which brings jobs, spending, and visibility to the city. This aligns with the city's goal of supporting the creative economy and keeping economic benefits close to home.

The details

Through partnerships with Okmulgee Main Street and the city, filmmakers are provided with a local film incentive program, a streamlined permit process, and access to local resources. Okmulgee Main Street also serves as a liaison to help coordinate logistics and problem-solve. Since earning the 'film friendly' designation, Okmulgee has already hosted three major projects - 'Reservation Dogs,' 'The Last Rodeo,' and 'Sarah's Oil' - which have brought jobs and spending to the area.

  • Okmulgee was recently designated as a certified 'film friendly' community by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office.

The players

Okmulgee Main Street

A local organization that works to support filmmakers in Okmulgee by providing resources, coordinating logistics, and serving as a liaison between productions and the city.

Oklahoma Film and Music Office

The state agency that certified Okmulgee as a 'film friendly' community, signaling to filmmakers that the city has systems in place to support productions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We try to make it as easy as possible to film in Okmulgee.”

— Chris Azbell, Okmulgee Main Street President

What’s next

Okmulgee plans to continue promoting its 'film friendly' status to attract more productions to the area, further boosting the local economy and creative community.

The takeaway

Okmulgee's proactive efforts to become 'film friendly' have already paid off, demonstrating how smaller cities can leverage their unique assets to support the creative economy and bring new jobs and visibility to their communities.