Cherokee Film Incentive
The Cherokee Film Incentive is a cash rebate program offering up to 30% back on qualified spending at Cherokee Film Studios and on wages paid to Cherokee and Native American workforce. The rebate applies to eligible production expenses incurred at Cherokee Film Studios, as well as wages paid to Native American workers within the Cherokee Nation reservation boundaries and its contiguous counties. This rebate may be combined with other Oklahoma incentive programs, including the Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021, which offers producers a cash rebate of up to 30% based on several qualifying uplifts, and the Tulsa Film Incentive. Please note that each program requires a separate application process.
The purpose of the Cherokee Film Incentive program is to encourage film and television production at our soundstages and to support the hiring of Native Americans in all phases of production, including development, preproduction, production and postproduction.
Initial
Application
Incentive
Guidelines
Upload
Application
Rebate
one sheet
Above-the-line rebate is only available for fees/salaries of Native Americans who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe.
*Tribal affiliation must be verified with documentation from the BIA or a federally recognized tribe.
**Only wages paid for services rendered while “boots on the ground” within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
Native American*
Rebate Rate**
20%
Eligibility Criteria
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Rebate Rate**
25%
Eligibility Criteria
Native American*
Rebate Rate**
20%
Eligibility Criteria
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Rebate Rate**
25%
Eligibility Criteria
Native American*
Rebate Rate**
20%
Eligibility Criteria
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Rebate Rate**
25%
Eligibility Criteria
Native American*
Rebate Rate**
20%
Eligibility Criteria
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Rebate Rate**
25%
Rebate Rate**
20%
Rebate Rate**
25%
Rebate Rate**
50%
*Tribal affiliation must be verified with documentation from the BIA or a federally recognized tribe.
**Only wages paid for services rendered while “boots on the ground” within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation are eligible.
Rebate Rate**
20%
Rebate Rate**
25%
*Tribal affiliation must be verified with documentation from the BIA or a federally recognized tribe.
**Only wages paid for services rendered while “boots on the ground” within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation are eligible.
Rebate Rate
+5%
*Qualifying production spend must be paid to a vendor located in the Cherokee Nation to be eligible for rebate. Also, qualifying production spend is subject to prorated rebates based on the boots-on-the-ground production requirements.
**Native American-owned businesses must be a TERO-certified vendor or provide proof of 51% Native ownership.
Established in 1983, TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Office) maintains a listing of verified Native American-owned businesses and artisans who are members of a federally recognized tribe. Other businesses in the production zone may be Native owned but not participating in the TERO program so we encourage production companies to discuss the ownership of businesses before selecting vendors.
Members of the film production community can use the TERO list to quickly determine if a business is Native owned and those businesses participating in the program will be counted toward meeting hiring and spending criteria in the program rules.
The listing may be found at cherokeetero.com.
cherokee nation Map
Not all zip codes lie fully within the reservation of the Cherokee Nation. It is recommended you verify the address on the interactive map that has been provided to ensure it is in the Cherokee Nation.
cherokee nation Map
*qualified spends include contiguous counties of the Cherokee Nation
Productions must submit a completed initial application that is found on our website.
The purpose of the Cherokee Film Incentive program is to encourage the production of film and television projects at our soundstages, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation and to hire Natives in all phases of production including development, pre-production, production and post production.
Beginning March 1, 2022 the Cherokee Nation will begin accepting applications for up to $1 million per year for rebates on spending on the film and television production within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.
In order to qualify for the program, your qualified spending must take place at our soundstages, Cherokee Film Studios, located near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Supplemental incentives are also considered for Native ATL, BTL, and vendor wages.
Yes, there is a cap of $1 million per year. There are no per-project caps.
First and foremost, productions will need to obtain a preliminary studio estimate outlining projected stage usage, rentals and associated costs in order to apply to the incentive program. Productions must apply to the Cherokee Film Commission at least 45 days prior to principal photography and receive an initial approval letter from the Cherokee Film Commission prior to the start of principal photography to qualify. Productions must also submit a final application detailing all expenses and filming locations and other required information no later than 90 days after final expenses occur in Oklahoma.
Applications are vetted and approved by the Cherokee Film Commission and all applications are reviewed by a committee made up of professionals from Cherokee Nation Businesses and Cherokee Nation Cultural and Economic Development, LLC.
It depends on how much you spend in the Cherokee Film Studios and who you hire.
The base incentive offers a 20% rebate for qualified production expenses within the Cherokee Film Studios. An additional uplift could increase the percentage up to 30% of the qualifying spending at Cherokee Film Studios, Native-owned businesses and qualifying wages (majority 51% ownership) in the Cherokee Nation boundaries.
The rebate on salaries will depend on the tribal status of employees. All cast and crew will be eligible for at least a 20% credit with a 5% uplift for citizens of Cherokee Nation.
Our goal is to approve all completed initial applications within 30 days of submission but the actual approval time may vary. No expenses will be allowed prior to receipt of initial approval letter. Because of their complexity, final applications will take longer to review and verify expenses but our goal is to issue rebate checks as quickly as possible.
Productions must submit a completed initial application that is found on our website here.
It is a cash rebate sent to the named company or individual on the application form after the final application has been reviewed and approved.
Final applications will be accompanied by a CPA’s report, prepared at the expense of the applicant, attesting that the amounts in the application are qualified Oklahoma and Cherokee Nation expenditures (QOE) that comply with the requirements of the Incentive Guidelines and that at least $25,000 is within the Cherokee Nation. Additionally, the final application must include the names and addresses of all cast and crew and a copy of all tribal enrollment cards for claims of tribal hiring bonuses. Proof of Native ownership must also be submitted for claims of the production enhancement for spending with Native-owned businesses.
For projects with QOE over $250,000, the materiality threshold used for CPA review is the lesser of 1% of QOE or $100,000.
For a list of approved CPAs, please visit the Oklahoma Film + Music Production Directory.
Our goal is to complete the review of all final applications as quickly as possible upon receipt of the completed application. However, due to the complexity of the applications and the variety of projects we may receive, we cannot guarantee a specific turnaround time.
For detailed information, see the Incentive Guidelines. However, all spending must take place within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation or contiguous counties. Productions can find out if their location or vendor is in the Cherokee Nation boundaries by using an interactive map.
Yes, this incentive can be applied for in addition to the Oklahoma State film incentive or alone. However, each organization’s incentive is separate and must be applied for individually. Each organization has its own approval process, and a project may be approved by one organization and denied by the other.
Yes, since this is a new program the rules and regulations may update. Updates will be posted on the Cherokee Film website when they are going into effect. The program is managed by the Cherokee Film Commission and all incentive applications are reviewed by a committee made up of professionals from Cherokee Nation Businesses and Cherokee Nation Cultural and Economic Development, LLC.
No. Applications are evaluated on the merits of the project based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the project’s benefits to the Cherokee Nation. These may include economic impact, job creation, Native American representation, tourism, branding, image, follow-on work, available funds, anticipated future program needs and other projects applying for rebates. An application does not guarantee approval.
Yes, you can reach out to us at hello@cherokee.film.
No, unless there have been material changes in the information provided in the original application.
No, wages paid to non-Oklahoma residents do not apply while filming in the Cherokee Nation.
No, commercials do not qualify for the incentive but feature films, television, series, short films, documentaries and music videos do qualify.
The primary factor is that a portion of any qualified preliminary estimate must be spent at the Cherokee Film Studios. Other factors that help determine an approval include but are not limited to the benefits of the project to the Cherokee Nation, including economic impact, job creation, Native American representation, tourism, branding, image, follow-on work, available funds, anticipated future program needs and other projects applying for rebates. An application does not guarantee approval.
No, there is no minimum spend requirement. Productions can work with Cherokee Film Studios to acquire a preliminary estimate.
Not at this time.
To utilize the Cherokee Film Incentive, projects are required to show proof that 50% of funding is in place, due 45 days prior to the start of principal photography, and proof that complete funding is in place, due 30 days prior to the start of principal photography. For other benchmarks, please visit and review the Incentive Guidelines.
No, but consideration will be given to projects that accurately portray Native Americans and/or help dispel harmful stereotypes and inaccurate histories.
No. However, the number of Native Americans you hire will determine the amount of credit you earn for the 10% uplift.
No. However, spending at native businesses (majority 51% ownership) can be rebated along with qualified wages in relation to the 10% uplift.
Yes, final rebate applications must be accompanied by a CPA’s report, prepared at the expense of the applicant, attesting that the amounts in the application are qualified Cherokee Nation expenditures (QPE) that comply with the requirements of the Incentive Guidelines.
Oklahoma’s central location, diverse landscapes, professional workforce and low cost of living and business expenses make it a formidable partner for the film, television and music industries.
For more information, contact us at cherokee.film@cnbglobal.com or call 918.645.3396.
Media Contact
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Michael Musante
Film & TV Finance and Development Executive
Michael is the executive in charge of film and TV finance and development at Cherokee Film. Prior to that, he was vice president of film production and acquisitions at American Zoetrope for more than seven years and a co-founder, along with Roman Coppola, of The Decentralized Pictures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmaking and filmmakers from underserved and underrepresented communities. He continues to serve on its board. He is an attorney, admitted to practice in New York and North Carolina, and received his Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001. He practiced law for 10 years before becoming a full-time creative film producer. He has worked closely with such accomplished filmmakers as Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Gia Coppola, Ted Kotcheff, Martha Coolidge, Fred Roos and Richard Chew before and during his time at American Zoetrope. During his tenure at American Zoetrope, he oversaw the development and production of several feature films: Gia Coppola’s “Mainstream,” starring Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff and Jason Schwartzman; “Fairyland,” starring Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy; as well as the production of “The Outsiders” musical, which debuted on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024.
Todd Roberts
Soundstage Manager
Todd Roberts serves Cherokee Film as soundstage manager. He has more than 35 years of experience as a photographer and filmmaker. He is multi-passionate in skills and subject matter. He’s created more than 400 episodes of documentary-style television shows (“Doomsday Preppers,” “Man vs. Food Nation,” “Safari Hunter’s Journal,” “House Hunters International” and more) produced in 22 countries and airing nationally. Todd’s commercial films have served his clients well (American Express, Audi, Freightliner Trucks, Volkswagen, United Way, Walmart and many more). Todd’s productions have received numerous accolades (Addy Awards, Communicator Awards, Flame Awards, ITVA Awards, Summit Awards, Telly Awards, as well as awards from film festivals). While his skills and interests are broad, Todd’s overarching theme is the art of storytelling.
Maggie Cunningham
Pawnee Nation
Film Commissioner
Maggie Cunningham (Pawnee Nation) is a Regional Emmy-winning producer and the Cherokee Film Commissioner. Before joining the OsiyoTV team, Maggie worked in the museum and cultural heritage field. Her previous roles included positions as an archivist and tribal NAGPRA coordinator. She also spent time as a project manager for several Native-owned consultation and media production firms. She saw firsthand the impact an Indigenous narrative can have on a community during her time researching at Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of Aotearoa (New Zealand). She continued to cultivate this focus in her years of cultural heritage work and storytelling. Her experience working within Native communities here in Oklahoma has only solidified her drive to tell authentic Native-led stories with the power and impact of film. Maggie holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in studio art and Native American studies. She earned her Master of Arts from New York University. Maggie resides in Tulsa with her family.
Hannah Roark
Cherokee Nation
Film & TV Development Specialist
Hannah Roark holds a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts and graduated with highest distinction from the University of Kansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in English. She joined the Cherokee Film team in July 2022. Her prior film production experience includes work as an office production assistant, director’s assistant, production coordinator and associate producer. When she’s not at work, Hannah is writing screenplays, TV pilots, or collaborating in writers’ groups. She believes that every good story can be a great one.
