The Oklahoma Film + Music Office, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, named Jeanette Stanton as its new director.
Stanton joined OF+MO in 2014 as deputy director.
“We are thrilled to announce that Jeanette is taking on this important role,” said Brent Kisling, commerce executive director. “The film industry in our state is burgeoning, and there is great potential for future growth, both in terms of productions we can recruit to the state, but also when it comes to growth of workforce and permanent industry infrastructure.”
During her eight years with OF+MO, Stanton oversaw the operations of the office as well as assisted in the administration of the incentive program and recruitment efforts in attracting projects from companies such as Paramount+, Apple, FX Networks, GAC, Amblin and A24.
“I am humbled to serve the state under this new leadership role within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce,” Stanton said. “During my time with the office, I have seen firsthand the impact of Oklahoma’s film, television and music industries, and I look forward to working in collaboration with our local industry members alongside Commerce in the continued growth and development of these industries in Oklahoma.”
In addition to her work at OF+MO, Stanton volunteered with leadership and professional development groups such as the Association of Film Commissioners International, Association of Women in Communication, Sunbeam Family Services, Allied Arts, Junior League of Oklahoma City and deadCenter Film Festival.
Two more Oklahoma towns receive ‘Film Friendly’ certification
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office, with the City of Sapulpa, Sapulpa Arts & Humanities Foundation and Sapulpa Tourism, gave both Sapulpa and Jenks its ‘film friendly’ certification after completing the requirements for OF+MO’s Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program.
“The City of Sapulpa is very excited about the opportunity to experience and learn from the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program,” said City Manager Joan Riley. “We are committed to improving our city, recruiting job growth and development, expanding our housing market, as well as making Sapulpa’s historic areas look and feel authentic, yet well-kept and preserved. We are a fairly small city of just over 21,000 population, but we are gigantic when it comes to community spirit and involvement.”
Billed as the “Heart of Historic Route 66” and known for a rich tribal and industrial history including early developments within Oklahoma’s railroad system and oil industry, Sapulpa hosts visitors from across the globe and boasts a bustling downtown area, making it one of the state’s most popular Mother Road destinations.
Jenks’ attractions, including the Oklahoma Aquarium, Riverwalk Crossing and a number of antique stores and other locations throughout the city, have proven to be popular among visitors and filmmakers as Jenks has previously hosted portions of filming for the ABC TV series Great Christmas Light Fight, TBN’s faith-based series In the Gap, and the independent feature film comedy, Braking for Whales.
Sapulpa’s film history goes back to the 1980s having hosted portions of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders and Rumble Fish with present production credits including the film Unplugging and the Mike Rowe television series The Way I Heard It.
