BY MEGAN SPRAY
Over time, Oklahoma has become a recognizable filming location for major television series and films.
From tornado-themed blockbusters to crime dramas and historical films, the state of Oklahoma continues to attract production companies looking for realistic settings.
One of the most recognizable Oklahoma-based films is “Twister,” released in 1996. According to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, the film was shot across several locations in Oklahoma and helped bring national attention to the states’ storm-prone landscape. Production of the film also contributed to tourism interests connected to filming locations.
Nearly three decades later, filmmakers returned to Oklahoma for the sequel “Twisters.” Oklahoma Film and Music Office stated that principal photography began in Oklahoma City on May 8, 2023, and continued across multiple communities statewide. The production generated more than $117 million in economic impact.
The film also involved local workers and businesses throughout the process. State officials reported that the production used local film infrastructure and provided training opportunities for Oklahoma residents interested in film careers, according to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. These projects demonstrate how large productions rely on both natural settings and local support systems.
Television has also contributed to Oklahoma’s growing presence in the entertainment industry. Season one of the crime drama “Tulsa King” filmed across several Oklahoma cities, including Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Bethany. Filming lasted nearly six months and used both outdoor locations and indoor soundstages, according to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office.
The series became one of the largest scripted television projects produced in Oklahoma under the state’s film incentive program. Hundreds of local jobs were created during filming, including positions for crew members and support staff, according to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. These types of productions help establish consistent employment opportunities within the state’s media industry.
Historical storytelling has also played a role in Oklahoma’s film growth. The feature film “Killers of the Flower Moon” was filmed entirely in Oklahoma, including locations in Pawhuska, Bartlesville and Fairfax. Filming began in April 2021 and recreated events tied to the Osage Nation during the 1920s, according to the Film and Music Office.
The production of “Killers of the Flower Moon” had a significant statewide impact. Officials reported more than $127 million in direct spending during filming, along with additional economic activity generated across local businesses, according to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. The project also created hundreds of career opportunities and background roles for Oklahoma residents.
In the article from Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell shared his take on the film being based in Oklahoma. “The production has changed the film landscape in Oklahoma, signifying to the global motion picture industry what can be accomplished here,” Pinnell said. Also included in the article is how the film contributed to the largest economic impact the state has ever seen from a film.
The promotion of Oklahoma as a filming destination is highly considered because of its diverse landscapes and community involvement. Plains, small towns and historic sites allow productions to create settings that match both modern and historical storylines, according to the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. These features provide filmmakers with flexibility when planning projects across different genres.
As additional productions choose Oklahoma for filming, the state’s film industry continues to expand. Large-scale movies and television series bring attention to local communities while also supporting workforce development and business growth. With continued investment and successful projects, Oklahoma remains an active location in the national film and television industry.