The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), in conjunction with The Church Studio, is pleased to announce the company has been designated a certified soundstage for film and television production in Oklahoma per the requirements of the state’s film incentive program, the Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021.
“Getting certified as a soundstage by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office is an honor for The Church Studio, which shows we’re not only serious about boosting Oklahoma’s music industry, but also moviemaking as a go-to spot for film and TV productions,” said CEO of The Church Studio Teresa Knox. “This certification highlights our commitment to local talent and putting Oklahoma on the map for creatives by providing a space for high-level audio and video productions. Playing a role in showcasing what our state has to offer, both musically and visually, while making a measurable economic impact is at the heart of The Church Studio’s mission.”
Constructed in 1915 and currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Tulsa’s The Church Studio rose to fame in 1972 when it was purchased by Oklahoma’s native son and music legend Leon Russell who transformed the property into a recording studio and home for Shelter Records. Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger and The Gap Band are among the internationally renowned musicians who spent time at The Church Studio during this era in its history. After a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2022, The Church Studio now stands today as a recording studio and music museum whose doors are now open to accommodate film and television production among their state-of-the-art facilities and multi-faceted programming.
“OF+MO is proud to expand its roster of certified soundstage infrastructure in Oklahoma to include The Church Studio,” said OF+MO Director Jeanette Stanton. “Soundstages are a critical piece of the film and television ecosystem in Oklahoma, and we applaud the unique adaptability of The Church Studio to provide additional options and support to meet the demands of both the film and music industries.”
Oklahoma is home to one of the most attractive film incentive markets in the country with annual support and programs available to the film and television industry from state, city and tribal governments. OF+MO reports the state’s film incentive program, the Filmed in Oklahoma Act, is estimated to have created 400 full-time equivalent jobs in FY23 with $58 million in wages paid to Oklahomans.
For more information on The Church Studio, visit thechurchstudio.com.
For a complete list of OF+MO certified soundstages and more information on Oklahoma’s film incentives, visit okfilmmusic.org/incentives.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
