Students and professors at Oklahoma City University are becoming more involved in films being shot in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s film industry has been on the rise in recent years due to new tax rebates and incentives passed by the State Senate and House and also signed by the new governor.
“Oklahoma has been very smart in the way that they’ve put together their incentives,” Geoff Koch, visiting assistant professor of on-camera acting, said.
Koch is also involved with the Oklahoma Film Academy, a year-long program that trains and certifies filmmakers to work in Oklahoma.
“By creating with the Oklahoma Film Academy a crew base, then we are self-supporting, and they have to hire Oklahomans in order to qualify for the rebates,” Koch said.
Bill Langan, visiting professor of acting, is also involved in Oklahoma’s film industry and will be featured in Oklahoma film “A Thousand Little Cuts.”
“It’s great to be able to work professionally. I also think bringing that experience into the classroom is great for students,” Langan said.
Langan also said he believes students should audition for film opportunities, but not if it conflicts with schoolwork.
“They have the rest of their lives to deal with their careers. This period of training where you’re focused on your artistic growth, this is going to go by real fast, and unless you go on to graduate school, you never really get this again,” Langan said.
Koch said the opportunity said Oklahoma films are a good opportunity for actors.
“Being in a smaller market, you have a better chance of getting hired, getting experience, getting a reel so you can build your career,” Koch said.
Colton Tompkins, film sophomore, said he thinks on-set experience is more valuable than education.
“If you can find a way to actually get legitimate on-set experience, even if it cuts down on your education, I would say that’s a good choice,” Tompkins said.
Some films that are either currently shooting in Oklahoma or are going to be shooting in Oklahoma are “Stillwater,” starring Matt Damon, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” directed by Martin Scorsese, and “Reservation Dogs,” directed by Taika Waititi. You can find more information on upcoming Oklahoma films at the Oklahoma Film + Music Office website.
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