Double Feature: OKC and Tulsa Rank Among North America’s Best for Filmmakers in 2026
TL;DR: For the fourth straight year, MovieMaker Magazine has named OKC (#24) and Tulsa (#18) as top-tier cities to live and work as a filmmaker. Rising above heavy hitters like Chicago and Toronto, Oklahoma’s dual-city success is a loud signal that our "flyover state" has officially become a destination.
For the fourth year in a row, the national spotlight is fixed on the 405 and the 918. MovieMaker Magazine has officially released its 2026 list of the "Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker," and Oklahoma is doubling down.
Ranking alongside industry giants like Toronto and Albuquerque isn't just a win for the tourism board—it’s a signal to every actor, grip, and VO artist in the state: you don't have to leave home to build a career.
By the Numbers: Why the Industry is Watching
These rankings aren't just a popularity contest; they’re built on hard data—production spending, tax incentives, and infrastructure. Here is how our two hubs stack up:
Oklahoma City (#24): The Growth Engine
Since launching its local incentive in 2023, OKC has shifted into high gear. Jill Simpson, Executive Director of the OKC Film & Creative Industries Office, recently noted the momentum:
The "Stack" Power: OKC’s local rebate of up to 10% can be combined with the state's 20-30% rebate. This financial "one-two punch" is what brought Twisters to town and is currently powering the buzz around the Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey project, New Year's Rev.
Economic Impact: With 10 major projects approved since the incentive's debut, we're looking at $294 million in total economic impact.
Tulsa (#18): The "Hollywood on the Prairie"
Tulsa outpaced the pack this year, buoyed by high-profile shoots at Cain’s Ballroom and the success of FX’s The Lowdown.
Creative Canvas: Between the Art Deco architecture and the grit of the Brady District, Tulsa is being celebrated for its versatility as a period-piece backdrop.
The 918 Advantage: With the February 1 launch of the new 5% city rebate and deep partnerships with the Cherokee Film Institute, Tulsa offers a level of support few U.S. cities can match.
The "Talent First" Shift
For those of us in the trenches, these rankings mean more than just a trophy. When MovieMaker puts a city in the Top 25, it’s a "green light" for coastal producers to trust our local talent pool.
This sustained recognition is leading to:
More Principal Casting: Producers are increasingly casting principal and supporting characters from the Oklahoma talent pool to satisfy local rebate requirements.
Infrastructure Longevity: Recent bonds have secured funding for the OKC Film Office and local rebates for the next decade. The work isn't just "passing through"; it’s staying.
A Deeper Bench: We aren't losing our best cinematographers and actors to Atlanta or New Orleans anymore. We are building a self-sustaining ecosystem right here in the red dirt.
See you on set.