The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department (OTRD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Oklahoma native Tava Maloy Sofsky to the position of Director of the Oklahoma Film & Music Office. The position is being vacated on August 1 by outgoing Director, Jill Simpson.
A producer with a diverse film and commercial background, Sofsky has worked with many notable filmmakers and executives including: Michelangelo Antonioni, John Badham, Antonio Banderas, Martin Campbell, Doug Claybourne, Bill Cosby, Chris Columbus, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Hopkins, Laurie McDonald, Walter Parkes, Wesley Snipes, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone and Robin Williams. Among her credits are: “The Mask of Zorro”, “The Fast and the Furious” and “Beyond Borders”. She also brings with her valuable connections to the music industry. Her brother, Zac Maloy, is an award-winning songwriter in Nashville.
“Tava brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the agency,” said Deby Snodgrass, Cabinet Secretary and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “She has the experience needed to carry on the work of Jill Simpson who, over the course of her ten-year tenure, has grown the film and music industries into viable economic generators for the state.”
Oklahoma’s film industry achieved an 800% growth rate over an eight year period from FY05 to FY13. In fiscal year 2013, it contributed $35.15 million in direct dollars to Oklahoma’s economy, which resulted in an economic impact of $88.9 million.
Commenting on her new role, Sofsky stated, “Being an Oklahoma native, in addition to many years of working in the film industry, has brought me full circle. It will be an honor to join to Oklahoma Film & Music Office and it is my privilege to carry the baton from Jill Simpson.”
Sofsky assumes her role as Director of the Oklahoma Film & Music Office on August 4, 2014.
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is working to advance the exceptional quality of life in Oklahoma by preserving, maintaining, and promoting our natural assets and cultural richness. The department is the steward of the state park system and also promotes Oklahoma as a travel destination through many award-winning programs. To learn more about Oklahoma Tourism visit www.TravelOK.com or follow us at www.Facebook.com/TravelOK or www.Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, The Oklahoma Film + Music Office strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit www.okfilmmusic.org.
