Mary Nell Clark

Mary Nell Clark was a pivotal figure in Oklahoma’s film industry. She served as the state’s Film Commissioner from 1980 to 1995 and played a central role in establishing Oklahoma as a desirable filming destination. Born in Oklahoma City, she attended the University of Kansas before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Clark joined the Oklahoma Film Office in the late 1970s and quickly became Film Commissioner. She actively promoted the state’s diverse landscapes and worked closely with studios and producers to bring major productions to Oklahoma, including The Outsiders (1983), Rumble Fish (1983), Rain Man (1988), UHF (1989), and Twister (1996). Her efforts supported local filmmakers, stimulated the economy, and helped streamline the filming process for out-of-state crews. Her leadership left a lasting legacy in Oklahoma’s film industry.