This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
Oklahoma City's film industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, positioning the city as a burgeoning hub for filmmakers and creatives. Recognized as a "film-friendly" city by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, OKC has attracted significant productions, including the 2024 blockbuster Twisters, which alone contributed over $42 million to the local economy. This growth is bolstered by competitive incentives, such as a 5–10% city rebate that complements the state's 20–30% rebate, making it financially attractive for both major studios and independent filmmakers. With state-of-the-art facilities like Prairie Surf Studios and a skilled workforce, Oklahoma City offers a dynamic environment for film production, making it an appealing destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a thriving creative community.
In early April, the office was a sponsor of Oklahoma Film and Music Day at the Capitol, where creators and advocates met with lawmakers to discuss the economic and cultural power of storytelling in the state. Days later, the office helped host a filmmakers panel and mixer at OKCine Latino, supporting community connection and elevating underrepresented voices in film.
But the most high-profile moment came in March, when the office hosted a celebration at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin. The event coincided with the premiere of “The Rivals of Amziah King,” the second feature from Oklahoma native Andrew Patterson starring Matthew McConaughey. While Patterson is staying out of the press, the OKC party helped boost visibility for the state’s presence at one of the industry’s most influential festivals.
These events signal a growing confidence in OKC’s role as both a production destination and a supporter of creative careers—and bigger projects are already on deck.
Filming recently wrapped on “New Year’s Rev,” a feature tied to punk rock icons Green Day. The movie used multiple city locations, further showcasing OKC’s production potential. Last week, the city approved a custom rebate for a new film based on the 1995 OKC bombing, a project that will keep production close to home.
“The past few months have represented a flurry of activity for OKC Film,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the OKC Film and Creative Industries Office. “We have devoted a significant amount of time to film industry advocacy on both the state and local levels and supported a variety of film festivals and training programs. With a steady stream of inquiries from producers interested in filming here, in the first two years, we have pre-qualified 10 film projects and 85% of the first tranche of rebate funding.”
From small mixers to international premieres, OKC’s film office continues to show up and show off. The next few months could bring even more proof that OKC isn’t just film friendly, it’s film ready.
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