Simpson said the industry is becoming more saturated with independent films. She said today’s Academy Awards illustrate that change with the large number of independent films nominated.

Oklahoma legislators need to recognize the change and stimulate more growth with the passage of more aggressive tax rebates, she said.

Senate Bill 623, known as the “Compete with Canada Film Act,” was authored by Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton, and is aimed at addressing the rebates.

The bill will, among other things, lower the minimum required Oklahoma expenses from $2 million to $500,000. The bill passed out of committee and may be heard on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

“The tax credits are just sitting there waiting to be used,” Bass said.

There is a lot of money in the film industry that can create economic growth in Oklahoma, he said.

Marshall said Oklahoma can be slightly more aggressive in its tax rebates, but he said it is a matter of time before people begin a love affair with filming in the Sooner State.

Bringing production companies and other film- or television-related businesses to Oklahoma is a strategy Marshall said will create that love affair.

He and several other industry folks spread throughout the state are working to bring their own film company to Oklahoma.

Nice Entertainment was set up about 18 months ago and focuses on creating family entertainment.

“The violence in movies bothers me now,” Marshall said. “It didn’t used to. I guess it comes with age … Hollywood knows how to do an action thriller with their eyes closed, but they don’t know how to make a family film.”

He hopes to set up the main office for the company in Oklahoma, but that takes financial backers.

“It takes the first few people that will take that leap,” Marshall said.

Some native Oklahomans already have set up shop in the state.

Chad Burris grew up in Weatherford and once he graduated from the University of Oklahoma he headed west to California. He said he tried to become an actor but after a few years decided to change directions. He moved back to Oklahoma and attended the University of Tulsa College of Law.