Are film permits being issued, enabling lensing to go on in your jurisdiction and if so, under what circumstances and with what, if any, requirements?
Yes, we are accepting film permits at this time. You can register your project and get started here: https://cherokee.film/get-started/`
Within your jurisdiction/territories, are any regions/areas in particular more conducive to filming in light of the pandemic? How have those areas made themselves more able to safely host lensing?
Our state guidelines are here: https://oklahoma.gov/covid19/covid-19-alert-system/public-health-advisory.html . We follow masking protocols which are no longer required by Oklahoma but private businesses can require them at their discretion. We no longer have a limit on the number of people gathered outside as well. The Cherokee Nation follows CDC guidelines within our businesses and other facilities. We also offer testing sites and vaccinations as well.
How have your procedures, modus operandi, process and responsibilities changed in light of the pandemic?
Our process became very different throughout the pandemic. We worked remotely with productions to connect them with locations to quarantine before filming, local crew, and talent, as well as partnering with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office to help any productions that were shut down in other states.
Are certain kinds of productions generally more feasible during this time? Commercials and shorter duration projects, for example.
The Cherokee Nation, and the state of Oklahoma, saw smaller productions and commercials throughout the pandemic. But that being said there is a major feature film as well as a network television show filming within or right next to the borders of the Cherokee Nation. So we are open to any kind of production now.
What advice or guidance have you to offer to the production community at large during these challenging times?
The policies of our state apply to our jurisdiction so we don’t have any additional policies.
