Muskogee Launches Film Incentive Program To Attract Filmmakers, Boost Economy

Muskogee is the latest city to join in on Oklahoma's growing film industry.

This comes after a recent launch of the city's new film incentive program. It’s called ‘Film Muskogee' and was launched by the Muskogee Tourism Authority and the city. Organizers said that Hollywood studios – and even independent filmmakers can take advantage of this program.

Program director Bryce Marshall says it is the largest incentive for filmmakers in any small city in Oklahoma. Filmmakers can create commercials, music videos, television shows, and feature films and receive a portion of the money back. The amount of money depends on the type of project, available funds, and the budget filmmakers plan to spend.

Marshall says this initiative was inspired by similar programs in Oklahoma and will help boost Muskogee’s economy.

“I hope it all reflects back on to some of the different buildings and businesses that have shut down. I would love to see those buildings come back and flourish again. I would love it to just bring in more tourism as well,” Marshall said.

Marshall says filmmakers who choose to shoot in Muskogee have a chance to stack these benefits by using the state’s film incentive as well as the Cherokee Nation’s.

Those who shoot feature films in Muskogee could receive a rebate of up to $25,000 or 10 percent of the earnings that contributed to the city's local economy during production.

The rebates for television shows and commercials range from $5,000 to $15,000.