Oklahoma Film Industry Continues To Boom

The CEO of Prairie Surf Studios says credit goes to city leaders and visionaries of the 1990s. Because of their hard work, the Oklahoma movie industry continues to boom.

Before there were plans for the sequel, the 1996 release of Twister put the Sooner State’s wild weather on the big screen.

“The idea of the film industry in Oklahoma was novel. It was exciting there were stars,” said Prairie Surf CEO Matt Payne.

Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt were two of the big names in the original movie.

The production also included an Oscar-award-winning producer who hoped he could keep the momentum going.

“In 2000, Gray Frederickson and others came together, and they started the Oklahoma City Film Institute, which turned into an [Oklahoma City Community College] program that started spitting out really well-trained filmmakers,” said Payne. 

Payne says the workforce wouldn't be here today if it weren’t for Frederickson and OCCC.

“There are a lot of talented young filmmakers. They aren’t leaving to go to LA. They are anchoring here and creating films here,” said Payne. 

Another incentive for filmmakers to choose Oklahoma is the massive $30 million tax break.

Major productions were drawn to this but needed a studio, paving the way for Prairie Surf Studios to open in the old Cox Convention Center.

“What we did was provide space for these productions to make their films,” said Payne.

“We're also the headquarters of the film. So, the production office is here. The main officers were here.”

Twisters is the latest film to be produced in Oklahoma, but state and local leaders know it won’t be the last.

The Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce projects a more than 250-million-dollar economic impact on the state.

“We want people to look towards Oklahoma as a place where bigger films are made,” said Payne.