A closer look at how the tribal-led program is driving Tulsa film productions and bolstering the Oklahoma film industry
By Abby Shelton
Several film and television productions supported by the Cherokee Nation Film Incentive recently premiered, underscoring northeast Oklahoma’s growing presence in the film industry. Launched in 2022 as the first tribally run film incentive in the United States, the program has generated more than $3.6 million in local spending and created jobs for 149 Native Americans across all stages of production, helping position Tulsa as a film-ready destination. Here’s how the Cherokee Nation’s film incentive is driving production, creating jobs and shaping the region’s expanding role in film and television.
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What is the Cherokee Nation Film Incentive and How Does it Work?
The Cherokee Nation Film Incentive is a program that provides rebates to film and television productions that shoot within the Cherokee Nation Reservation and hire Native American filmmakers and workers. It can be combined with Oklahoma’s state film incentive, offering up to 38% back, as well as support from the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. Producers will apply in advance, document their spending and receive the rebate after the project is completed. The program is one of the most competitive TV and film incentives in Oklahoma. It’s also the first tribally run program in the US, a monumental first for the nation and the film industry.
Visit Destination Film Guide’s Oklahoma Incentives for more information.
Filming Sarah’s Oil in Oklahoma was made possible in part by the Cherokee Nation Film Incentive program. Photo credit: Cherokee Film Facebook
Recent Productions & Direct Economic Impact
The success of the Cherokee Nation Film Incentive is evident in the films produced in Northeast Oklahoma. Several of these incentive-supported projects premiered during Fall 2025, marking one of the program’s most active seasons to date.
One of the largest projects is Sarah’s Oil, an Amazon MGM Studios feature that premiered on November 7. The film, which tells the true story of Sarah Rector, was produced in Oklahoma and is the largest production to use the Cherokee Film incentive since its inception.
According to producers, the combination of tribal, state and local support made Oklahoma an ideal location for the project. “We had everything we needed to make this project a success,” said producer John Shepherd, citing support from Cherokee Film and Oklahoma’s broader incentive ecosystem.
In addition to studio-backed films, the incentive also supported multiple independent productions from Tulsa-based Rebellium Films, including Everything to Me, Cottonmouth, and The Beldham. Together, these projects highlight the program’s ability to attract a wide range of films—from independent features to major studio releases—while delivering measurable economic impact across the region.
Collaboration with Tulsa’s Creative Infrastructure
Tulsa’s film infrastructure makes the region production-ready, supported by the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. The production team has easy access to Cherokee Film Studios in Owasso, as well as local amenities such as a major airport, experienced crews and hotels. Cherokee Film Studios offers a 27,000-square-foot virtual production stage with LED wall technology, soundproof environments and office suites. The facility is fully rental-ready for both Native and non-Native productions, providing professional, accessible resources for filmmakers. Filmmakers benefit from a blend of incentives, combining city, tribal and state programs to make shooting in northeast Oklahoma both practical and cost-effective.
The Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. declared the entire Cherokee Nation Reservation as “Film Ready” in June 2025. Photo credit: Cherokee Film Facebook
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Investing in Native American Filmmakers and Talent
The Cherokee Film Incentive has helped hire 149 Native Americans across development, production and post-production, including producers, editors and crew. Through the Cherokee Film Institute, the program also provides a training pipeline for Native storytellers. By hiring and training Native American filmmakers, the Cherokee Film Incentive is creating a skilled workforce for future productions and ensuring stories are told authentically.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for Native filmmakers and storytellers at every level of production,” said a representative from the Cherokee Film Institute. “By investing in talent from our own community, we’re helping Native voices thrive both on-screen and behind the camera.”
The Bigger Picture: How the Cherokee Nation is Reshaping the Oklahoma Film Industry
The Cherokee Nation film incentive is helping demonstrate how film production is expanding beyond Hollywood, with smaller cities such as Tulsa becoming increasingly popular with filmmakers. Tribal nations are playing a larger role in supporting media production, and the Cherokee Nation is setting an example for others considering similar programs. Oklahoma’s growing reputation as a filming destination is underscored by projects such as Tulsa King and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Intro to the Industry course at the Cherokee Film Institute. Photo credit: Cherokee Film Institute Facebook
Get Involved: Production Resources & Links
Filmmakers and producers interested in shooting in northeast Oklahoma can find detailed information and support through the Cherokee Nation Film Office. Resources include the incentive application, guidance for site visits or production consultations and links to state and Tulsa city film incentive programs to help plan projects efficiently.
Find more information about TV and film incentives in Oklahoma at the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. Together, these resources make Oklahoma an accessible and well-supported destination for film and television production.
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Header image: The Cherokee Nation Film Office is celebrating Tulsa Native American Day in October 2025. Photo credit: Cherokee Film Facebook
