Bridges, Damon, Brolin could be riding into Oklahoma
Jeff Bridges has some big boots to fill. And he might be putting those boots in stirrups here in Oklahoma.
Bridges has been selected to portray U.S. Marshal Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn, a role that earned the Duke his only Oscar.
The Coen Brothers are remaking the 1969 movie “True Grit,” which starred John Wayne as the one-eyed lawman. The original was filmed in Colorado, California and Mexico.
Jill Simpson, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, disclosed this week that several sites were shown to location scouts for the movie. She made the comments during a House interim study on rebates given by the state to filmmakers to come here to shoot movies.
Most of the locations shown were in eastern Oklahoma; the Fort Gibson area has some sites that would fit the era of the late 1880s, when the story takes place mostly in present-day Oklahoma, Simpson said.
Other actors signed up for the film include Matt Damon, who will play La Boeuf, the role played by Glen Campbell in the original movie, and Josh Brolin, who will portray Tom Haney, the man who shot Mattie’s father, Simpson said. Mattie, played by Kim Darby in the original flick, recruits Cogburn to chase down Haney and his gang.
Ethan and Joel Coen would like to start shooting the movie in March, she said. It’s planned to be released late next year.
According to Variety, they aren’t planning a traditional remake. They would return to the original Charles Portis novel, which is told from Mattie’s point of view.
Getting the Academy Award-winning brothers to Oklahoma would spur other filmmakers to consider filming in the Sooner State, Simpson told the House committee. Films shot in Oklahoma create jobs and help the state’s image, she said. Tourists also like going to spots where films are shot long after camera crews have left.
A big factor whether the Coens come to Oklahoma depends on if legislators in a budget-strapped year can allocate additional money to the film commission for incentives to land part of the movie production here.
The film incentive program is capped at $5 million a year. Ten films that are shooting in Oklahoma are committed to receive about $5.5 million in rebates this fiscal year, Simpson said.
Two movies already are committed to receive rebates in fiscal year 2011, which starts July 1, she said. Those two commitments plus a carryover of about $557,000 from this fiscal year leaves only $1.2 million in rebates available next year.
A new state law that took effect July 1 increased the program from a rebate of up to 15 percent on production expenditures in Oklahoma to 35 percent.
Simpson said that it is estimated “True Grit,” a film projected to cost about $35 million, would spend about $13 million in production costs in Oklahoma; the filmmakers then would be eligible for a rebate of $4.6 million from the state.
Simpson asked the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee to remove the current $5 million annual cap.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Special session possible?
Gov. Brad Henry says today a special session in January could be an option to address the state’s revenue shortfall.
The governor outlined a three-point plan to address the state’s budget challenges – a more reliable state revenue estimate, a series of public hearings on budget reductions and a possible special session to use the state’s savings account and implement targeted cuts to balance this fiscal year’s budget.
Ultimate budget decisions will hinge on revenue estimates for the next fiscal year during December’s meeting of the state Board of Equalization, he said. The panel also will review its projections for this fiscal year.
The Democratic governor says he is concerned about the effects of the 5 percent across-the-board cuts in monthly state allocations to state agencies. The cuts went into effect in August because revenues came in much less than expected.
He’d like to use a substantial amount of the nearly $600 million in the state’s savings account, the Rainy Day Fund, for this fiscal year and implement targeted cuts to balance the budget. Revenue collections for the first third of the fiscal year, which started July 1, are about 22 percent below estimates.
Republican legislative leaders are resisting a special session. They say steeper cuts should be implemented now to keep from using all of the Rainy Day Fund for this fiscal year. They say some of that money may be necessary for the next fiscal year that begins in July.
Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, is still circulating a petition to get two-thirds of his mates to sign it, which would force the governor to call a special session.
He’s got about 30 signatures after two weeks. He needs 100: 68 from the House and 32 from the Senate. At last check, just Democrats had signed. The GOP outnumbers Democrats 62-39 in the House and 26-22 in the Senate.
Corn, who is running for lieutenant governor, started his petition drive the same day about 400 came to the Capitol to oppose cuts to the state’s senior nutrition programs. House Republicans were meeting in a retreat in Claremore.
A Republican House member, who asked for anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the House GOP caucus, said a couple Republican members said they told leaders they were concerned Democrats were gaining a political edge by showing up at the rally seeking the restoration of funds for the senior nutrition programs. Many railed against Republicans, in charge of both chambers for the first time in state history, for not restoring the funds or supporting a special session to deal with the issue.
A House leader told them to remain calm, and that they shouldn’t get caught up in political rhetoric. Any lumps they take in the public relations battle are the consequences of being in the majority party and having the power to make decisions.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Veterans get boost to see monuments
Oklahoma is an official state hub of Honor Flight Network, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, the governor announced Monday. The organization raises money to organize and finance trips to the nation’s capital at no cost to the veteran.
The hub designation, Oklahoma Honor Flights, allows the state chapter to raise private funds to help pay the costs of Oklahoma veterans who are able to participate in the program.
It helps World War II service members and other veterans travel to Washington to visit the national monuments and memorials dedicated to their service.
“Unfortunately, many veterans never had a chance to see those monuments, largely due to a lack of resources,” Gov. Brad Henry said during Monday’s news conference at the state Capitol. “But now we can do something about that.”
Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City, who led efforts to start Oklahoma Honor Flights, said it’s hoped the first flight can be made in May.
To donate to or help with Oklahoma Honor Flights, complete the appropriate forms a twww. oklahomahonorflights.org and mail them to: P.O. Box 10492, Midwest City, OK 73140. People also may call 259-9000 or fax information to 259-8260.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
