Studios Partner to Bring Global Film Projects to Bartlesville
A new partnership aims to attract international productions to Oklahoma through professional training and state film incentives.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Film — General
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Polaris Media Labs and Buffalo Roam Studios have partnered with Vancouver-based Studio BRB to establish a pipeline for international film projects in Bartlesville. The initiative focuses on leveraging Oklahoma's film incentives to draw Canadian and European productions to the region.
Why it matters
Organizers seek to bolster the local film economy by demonstrating that state incentives are essential to remain competitive against other filming locations. By fostering international collaborations, the partnership aims to cement Oklahoma as a viable hub for global cinema.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce reports the state film incentive program generated $531 million in economic impact between 2021 and 2025. Workers in the sector earn an average annual industry wage of $79,450.
The players
Polaris Media Labs
This media organization is actively recruiting industry apprentices through local educational and tribal partnerships.
Buffalo Roam Studios
The studio is working in tandem with local partners to expand the cinematic footprint within the state of Oklahoma.
Studio BRB
Based in Vancouver, this production entity is facilitating the flow of international film projects into the region.
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
This state agency tracks and reports the economic performance of various industry incentive programs.
The details
The collaboration creates a production pipeline while simultaneously recruiting local apprentices through partnerships with regional colleges, the Cherokee Nation, and the Black Wall Street Nation Film Summit. Apprentices are paired with department heads on sets, including the feature film Affliction, to gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Timeline
The state incentive program recorded $531 million in economic impact between 2021 and 2025.
The Oklahoma state election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Lobbying efforts for additional film incentives are set to begin after November 3, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The initiative utilizes the Filmed in Oklahoma Act to compete for international media projects against established global hubs. This effort reflects a broader strategy among emerging film regions to leverage financial incentives to disrupt traditional production centers.
Local residents interested in the entertainment industry may find new professional development and apprenticeship opportunities through the ongoing programs. These initiatives aim to increase the frequency of regional film shoots, potentially providing more local jobs in the production sector.
The takeaway
Building a sustainable film hub requires both financial incentives and a strong pipeline for local talent development. Residents looking to enter the industry should prioritize gaining experience through formal apprenticeship programs associated with these major productions.
What happens next
Organizers plan to lobby the Oklahoma Legislature for additional film incentives following the November 3, 2026, state election.
Further reading
Learn more about local cinema initiatives at the Film — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal Record.
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