MovieMaker Rankings: OKC and Tulsa Top the List
Double Feature: OKC and Tulsa Rank Among North America’s Best for Filmmakers in 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY — February 16, 2026
For the fourth year in a row, Oklahoma is making national headlines as a premier destination for the silver screen. MovieMaker Magazine has officially released its 2026 list of the "Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker," and both Oklahoma City (#24) and Tulsa (#18) have secured spots in the highly competitive "Big Cities" category.
Ranking alongside heavyweights like Toronto, Albuquerque, and Chicago, Oklahoma’s dual-city success is a loud signal to the industry: the Sooner State isn't just a place to film—it’s a place to build a career.
By the Numbers: Why the Industry is Watching
The rankings are determined by a rigorous mix of production spending, tax incentives, infrastructure, and boots-on-the-ground surveys. Here’s how our two hubs stood out:
Oklahoma City (#24): The Growth Engine
Since launching its dedicated local incentive in 2023, OKC has seen an explosion in activity. Jill Simpson, Executive Director of the OKC Film & Creative Industries Office, highlighted the momentum:
- Approved Projects: 10 major projects approved since the incentive's debut.
- Economic Impact: Over $294 million in total economic impact, with $78.3 million in direct spending within city limits.
- The "Stack": OKC’s local rebate of up to 10% can be combined with the state's 20-30% rebate, making it a financial powerhouse for films like Twisters and upcoming titles like New Year's Rev.
Tulsa (#18): The "Hollywood on the Prairie"
Tulsa climbed the ranks this year, buoyed by the smash success of FX’s The Lowdown and high-profile shoots at Cain’s Ballroom.
- Creative Canvas: Tulsa is being celebrated for its unique Art Deco architecture and its ability to play both period pieces and modern-day dramas.
- New Incentives: With the February 1, 2026 launch of the 5% city-specific rebate, Tulsa is positioned to triple its production volume yet again.
- Tribal Partnerships: The city's proximity to and collaboration with the Cherokee Film Institute provides a "ripple effect" of resources and incentives that few other US cities can match.
The "Talent First" Shift
For the local actor or crew member, these rankings are more than just bragging rights. When MovieMaker puts a city in the Top 25, it’s a "green light" for producers in LA and New York to look at our local talent pool.
This sustained recognition means:
- More Principal Casting: Instead of flying in minor roles, productions are increasingly casting principal and supporting characters from the Oklahoma talent pool to satisfy rebate requirements.
- Infrastructure Longevity: Recent bonds have secured funding for the OKC Film Office and local rebates for the next decade, ensuring the industry has a stable home here.
- A Deeper Bench: With more year-round work, Oklahoma is retaining its best cinematographers, sound engineers, and actors, creating a "self-sustaining" ecosystem.