For actress and director Milena Govich, the University of Central Oklahoma helped launch a career that led to Hollywood. In December, her alma mater will open new pathways for future storytellers with the state’s first public university film degree.
“It’s a true gift for Oklahoma students to have access to this kind of education without leaving home,” Milena Govich said. Govich is a UCO graduate who now lives in Los Angeles where she works as a director and actress.
She moved to New York to pursue a film career after obtaining a double major in performance and pre-med in 1999.
“It would have been great to have some knowledge around that industry as I was taking my first steps as a professional performer,” Govich said.
Film and music production has a total economic impact on the state of over $3 billion, with an average salary of $80,000. Oklahoma is forecasted to be in the top 10 nationally for growth in the film industry due to its diverse landscapes, incentive packages, and workforce.
“I shot my very first short film 10 years ago in Norman, Oklahoma, at my mom’s house, and it was a dream come true,” Govich said. Her short film, Temporary, can be found on her YouTube channel.
Govich has moved onto directing larger projects, most revolving around the legal profession, such as Law & Order, CIA, FBI, and Chicago P.D.
“Filmmaking always starts with community,” Govich said. “If you, as a budding filmmaker, can build on the community you already have, you’re ahead of the game.”
Oklahomans interested in pursuing a degree in filmmaking now have a new, affordable option at UCO. Unlike Govrich, who pieced together theater, music, and communications to gain experience for her career goals, students interested in film have soon have a degree option that gives them the entire package through the Mass Communications Department.
A major in film expands on the basics of directing, screenwriting, and sound design already taught in the minor in film and certification. They are working on obtaining grants from the national endowments of the art.
“I see so much opportunity and potential in that field,” Govich said. “Especially in the growing film community in Oklahoma.”
The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 created one of the most competitive film incentives in the nation. Productions can receive a cash rebate of 20%-30%.
Govich believes a UCO film degree would complement the Mass Communications Department and open doors for UCO students who choose the program.
“UCO is a perfect fit for a program like this,” Govich said. “There are so many bright, hungry, and talented students there, and pairing this kind of education and training will most certainly set them up for success.”
She describes UCO graduates as tough and determined, so it makes sense they head out into the world with this same grit.
“Go into this program with an open mind,” Govich said. “Have fun, explore, and absorb everything you can.” She warned people not to be solely focused on one aspect of filmmaking, but to try different ways to be involved whether that’s as a director or actor. Her advice is that one can learn their craft better with experience in front of and behind the camera.
“The teachers there truly care about their students, not just while they’re at UCO, but beyond,” Govich said. She cites her mother as an exemplary UCO instructor for not only encouraging singers and musicians, but for shaping the character of her students.
“Not everyone can study under one of their parents, but my mother is extraordinary,” Govich said of Dr. Marilyn Govich. “I feel lucky to not only be her daughter, but one of her students as well.” Her mother recently retired from UCO Voice Faculty.
Govich is looking forward to returning to Oklahoma one day to film.
“The thought that there will be even more resources and even more talented people who now have the training to work on one of my sets makes me so happy.”
As Oklahoma’s film industry continues to grow, UCO’s new degree program aims to prepare students to tell stories without leaving the state — a mission Govich understands firsthand.
Note: Paul has recently completed the Paul B. Southerland Summer Journalism Institute at Metro Tech’s Springlake campus. He will be a high school senior this fall.
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