Tulsa loses potential movie franchise

See, this is why Oklahomans are behind the curve.

The House of Night movie (and possible franchise), which is set in Tulsa and to be adapted from the popular series of books written by area writers P.C. and Kristin Cast, will not be filmed in Tulsa, said the upcoming film's producer Michael Birnbaum.

The nationally recognized juvenile fiction series is set in an alternate version of Tulsa, OK. According to wikipedia, the nine volume series chronicles the "adventures of Zoey Redbird, a 16-year-old gifted fledgling vampire who attends the House of Night school where she will eventually change into a Vampire or die in the process." Written by a mother-daughter duo, the books have been listed on the New York Times bestseller list. The series was also positively mentioned in a recent People magazine. Hollywood producer Michael Birnbaum (John Tucker Must Die, Bandits) seeing the potential in the books --his daughter is a fan-- optioned the series late last year.

While the book makes specific reference to Tulsa and Oklahoma locations, according to Birnbaum whom I spoke with by phone last week, the movie will "probably not" be filmed in Tulsa. Among places Birnbaum is considering for production include Louisiana, Connecticut, and Canada. He cited Oklahoma's unfavorable tax incentives for film productions as the reason for not filming in the Sooner state. Oklahoma can not compete with a state like Louisiana which offers a sizable tax rebate on productions that shoot in that state, Birnbaum said. According to its state film commission website, Louisiana leads the country in tax incentives.

The loss to Tulsa is immeasurable as the production of one or more titles from the series would have benefitted Tulsa vendors, below-the-line talent, and actors. Like Forks, WA where the successful Twilight series is set, Tulsa may still benefit from tourism sparked by interest in the books no matter where the movies are shot.

A call to the state Oklahoma Film and Music Commission was not returned.

The Louisiana Film Commission site also said "since 2002, when the first tax credits were introduced, the incentives have generated more than $2 billion in new revenue and spurred creation of thousands of high-wage jobs, state-of-the-art infrastructure development and new business opportunities." That new revenue comes not only from motion picture production, but from sound recording, interactive and live entertainment as well.

So, here's the deal. What are Oklahoma tax incentives for film productions based on? Why aren't we more competitive? What would it take to become more competitive? What are the duties and responsibilities of the local and state OFMC if not to woo productions to Oklahoma? Having worked in statewide tourism, I know that Oklahoma has such a diversity of landscapes that it can accommodate almost any production's needs. SO, what's the deal?