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LMGI COMPASS
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Fall 2018
IN MY CITY: OKLAHOMA CITY
from the University of Central Oklahoma/ACM (Academy
of Contemporary Music) and the University of Oklahoma
film program. They are all inspired by Oklahoma City's
unique urban flavors, adjacent rural communities and
sprawling, regional landscapes.
Stevie: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN YOUR JOB?
AN: Like all places, permitting and paperwork are the
least favorite and most time-consuming aspect of my
job.
Stevie: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES TO FILMING
SPECIFICALLY IN OKLAHOMA CITY OR IN YOUR GENERAL FILMING
TERRITORY?
AN: The state's continued support of the Oklahoma Film
Enhancement Rebate Program, which has been renewed
through 2024. Because of the longevity in the program,
Oklahoma City and other communities are experiencing
more film and television production activity than ever
before, thus creating more of a demand for crew and
support services. Oklahoma takes this challenge (aka
growth phase) seriously and is continually developing
more infrastructure, including a larger workforce and
more facilities to accommodate productions. We have a
smaller soundstage at Oklahoma City Community Col-
lege but need larger ones. Our Film Commission Focus
Group is researching soundstage development for our
state.
Tornados are a way of life in Oklahoma, primarily in May
and June, and we always have safe spaces ready for
cast and crew. We have the most incredible TV weather
people in Oklahoma whose sophisticated systems pro-
vide ample warnings so we can safely live and work.
As far as the "neighborhood burnout" many produc-
tion centers are experiencing—OKC is just the opposite!
Most everyone in Oklahoma is very excited by having
films or commercials shot in their town or neighbor-
hood, so are always very welcoming and helpful. Park-
ing is usually plentiful—whether in lots or fields.
Stevie: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE
FILMING EXPERIENCES?
AN: This is a toss-up! I loved working on I Can Only Imagine
last year. It was filmed in OKC, rural farms in Yukon and
Jones. El Reno, OK, became a small Texas main street. I
especially loved Groce Farm in Yukon and Brooks Farm in
Jones—these locations became a true reflection of their
characters' lives. The story and locations combined made
this a great location experience.
I also loved working on August: Osage County. Chris
Kucharski, LMGI and I had four months to research
