Is that one of those “awe shucks” politely understated state the facts. That place is easily in the top three sketchy OKC establishments. Couldn’t imagine it’s any better since the pandemic began. I can’t begin to state the crackheads I’ve seen stealing bikes and converters in the area.

It sounds to me that you might be thinking of Whittaker's, which is on NW10th at May Avenue. That is legitimately sketchy, and I have been in the area 40 years.

Eley's at 30th and N. May is pretty clean and well run IMO.

Is that one of those “awe shucks” politely understated state the facts. That place is easily in the top three sketchy OKC establishments. Couldn’t imagine it’s any better since the pandemic began. I can’t begin to state the crackheads I’ve seen stealing bikes and converters in the area.

Eh, never too sketchy when we had been in there. Area's not that bad, we actually live in Venice. Across May to the west and further south to 23rd are worse, I believe.

It sounds to me that you might be thinking of Whittaker's, which is on NW10th at May Avenue. That is legitimately sketchy, and I have been in the area 40 years.

Eley's at 30th and N. May is pretty clean and well run IMO.

I'll chime in on this one - hell yeah, Whittaker's is way iffy, we walked in one time to try to get one thing on the way home from somewhere and walked right out.

I’ll chime in. It’s rough. I’ve spent a lot of time in the core of the city. That area in particular I’m very well versed in. How the place is in business still idk. I didn’t even know the grocery stores were anti mask? But in this place I’m not too surprised. Less masks and more dental caries, catalytic converter thefts Does sound right about that place

Gross and wildly inaccurate. I have not been there during the pandemic so I cannot speak to the mask issue, but the place was never "rough" by any standards. Also, most definitely not a high-end grocery store but a place that offered most of the basics in a small footprint in the inner city. It's not a highly replicated model but one that still works for a lot of people, like my in-laws and countless others in the adjacent neighborhoods who continue to support the store and would be very upset if it were to close.

Gross and wildly inaccurate. I have not been there during the pandemic so I cannot speak to the mask issue, but the place was never "rough" by any standards. Also, most definitely not a high-end grocery store but a place that offered most of the basics in a small footprint in the inner city. It's not a highly replicated model but one that still works for a lot of people, like my in-laws and countless others in the adjacent neighborhoods who continue to support the store and would be very upset if it were to close.

Maybe the anti vax political stunt they’re doing is enough to cancel any shopping I would have done alone. But the number of crackheads around there is not inaccurate. The place is scketchy. That’s a fact My ex’s bike was stolen from inside their home while she was there literally 100’s of feet from there.

Maybe the anti vax political stunt they’re doing is enough to cancel any shopping I would have done alone. But the number of crackheads around there is not inaccurate. The place is scketchy. That’s a fact My ex’s bike was stolen from inside their home while she was there literally 100’s of feet from there.

Sorry about your ex’s bike but 30th and May is far from a sketchy area.

Never noticed or been into that store. Has anyone else? I think it is kind of cool that a small, independent, neighborhood grocery like that is still in business. Must be doing something right.

We just to a different part of town. But for the last ten years it was our neighborhood grocery store. Liked having one so close.

We just to a different part of town. But for the last ten years it was our neighborhood grocery store. Liked having one so close.

Nice to see you back and posting; hope when our USL soccer operations become more firm with the same (Energy FC) or some other local ownership we'll hear more from you. Welcome back my friend...

Regarding unionization of local productions, Prairie Surf posted this on their Facebook page:


Prairie Surf Media
December 7, 2021

Prairie Surf Studios is a private motion picture and television production facility in Oklahoma City, in the business of renting its soundstages to major and independent production companies. A national entertainment industry union is seeking to obtain collective bargaining status for certain employees of the movie production currently filming for a limited time at Prairie Surf Studios.

Prairie Surf supports the “right to work” of Oklahoma citizens as provided for under Oklahoma law, as well as the right of workers to organize as provided for under federal statutes and other applicable laws and regulations.

We are not a party to this dispute. We will however abide by the requirements of state and federal law in insuring that Prairie Surf is and remains a safe and productive work environment for our clients and those they employ on their projects here.

BTW, I recently heard Matt Payne speak on the progress they are making at Prairie Surf (Matt is one of the co-founders) and over the last year or so, they have been trying to build the workforce needed for TV and film production.

I mentioned this when it was announced because of my experience having worked on the lot at Paramount for several years and doing management consulting for other studios: you need much more than a place to film (which Prairie Surf now provides) you need all the people to do the work. Typically, a TV series employs around 250 people for 6-9 months out of a season/year. You have production management (scheduling, planning, budgeting, accounting), grips for handling all the equipment, cameramen, art department (sets, wardrobe, etc.), lighting (cinematographer and all the lighting techs), and then a purchasing department who has to procure everything that is needed. This is just for production; post-production (editing, sound, music clearance, etc.) is a whole other set of jobs and can be (but not always is) performed in a location independent of production.

It didn't take Prairie Surf long to realize Oklahoma didn't have the people and skills to perform these jobs and other than the higher-level positions and most of the cast, a production company is not going to pay to bring in people from out of state and house them; especially for TV. I know they made a run at a bunch of TV shows without much success.

And that's why PS is spending so much time trying to train people and partner with local community colleges and vo-techs.

They have also spent a lot of time lobbying for incentives and a new bill was signed last year that is very aggressive.

Having said all this, the sound stages (which Prairie Surf is) don't really hire many people; the individual production companies do that and before they decide to film somewhere, they have to know they will be able to staff all the required jobs.


A year later, good progress has been made. With these key pieces in place, we should have a decent shot at landing more shows and films.

If Albuquerque is any indicator it'll build slowly but hit critical mass at the 10-15 year mark.

They started with rebates, the talent took a decade to build, and finally Netflix moved in which is now an anchor for all that talent.

So has the long term goal changed to Prairie Surf continuing on as a studio indefinitely? I guess I thought this was all temporary until the city could figure out what to do and get funding for the area that the Cox Center occupies. Maybe this changed when Prairie Surf came in, I haven't followed this very much because I didn't think it was sticking around long term.

So has the long term goal changed to Prairie Surf continuing on as a studio indefinitely? I guess I thought this was all temporary until the city could figure out what to do and get funding for the area that the Cox Center occupies. Maybe this changed when Prairie Surf came in, I haven't followed this very much because I didn't think it was sticking around long term.

At least an 8 year plan. "The agreement gives PSM a five-year lease with the option for three more years."

https://journalrecord.com/2020/12/08/film-company-gets-long-term-lease-at-cox-center/

So has the long term goal changed to Prairie Surf continuing on as a studio indefinitely? I guess I thought this was all temporary until the city could figure out what to do and get funding for the area that the Cox Center occupies. Maybe this changed when Prairie Surf came in, I haven't followed this very much because I didn't think it was sticking around long term.

I mean, if it takes off and does really well, hard to fore them to move somewhere else (Capitalism, and all). But yeah, the superblock break-up was always a 5 year plan, minimum. Covid likely slowed it down even more.

I’d expect that if the studio successfully utilizes the building as a successful launch pad that they will purpose-build a new property elsewhere, where land is significantly cheaper. While this building is apparently very well-suited for the purpose, new studio space would likely not be cost-prohibitive for a successful company; likely most of it could be done using tilt-up concrete construction.

The existing location will eventually be at a premium as downtown continues to knit back together, and doubtless would be unsustainable for its current usage. I’m sure the City would drive a very hard bargain on the next go-round, as they will undoubtedly have a redevelopment plan in their hip pocket. The best thing for the City would be to have a successful Prairie Surf move offsite AND to strategically redevelop the current site.

But so long as the existing site doesn’t have a compelling use plan, this is a great temporary use.

The underlying site was envisioned as an expansion of the central business district in a plan commissioned by the city a few years ago. Primarily, it projected the property as high- and mid-rise office buildings.

But there is currently a bunch of excess office space downtown, so unless that changes in the next five years (and trends show businesses needing and using less space) the city won't be in a rush to clear this land, especially if they are seeing a big economic boost from TV and film production.


There are still some very large neighboring properties that need developing: the land west of Myriad Gardens; the property between the gardens and Scissortail Park, the old coop site, Strawberry Fields, etc., etc.

I’d expect that if the studio successfully utilizes the building as a successful launch pad that they will purpose-build a new property elsewhere, where land is significantly cheaper. While this building is apparently very well-suited for the purpose, new studio space would likely not be cost-prohibitive for a successful company; likely most of it could be done using tilt-up concrete construction.

The existing location will eventually be at a premium as downtown continues to knit back together, and doubtless would be unsustainable for its current usage. I’m sure the City would drive a very hard bargain on the next go-round, as they will undoubtedly have a redevelopment plan in their hip pocket. The best thing for the City would be to have a successful Prairie Surf move offsite AND to strategically redevelop the current site.

But so long as the existing site doesn’t have a compelling use plan, this is a great temporary use.

I wonder where the ceiling would be on this. They definitely seem to be popular with the Christian themed , faith based projects but not so much with the high profile major studio projects. I know local staffing is an issue. I guess what I mean is Scorsese is great but he chose Oklahoma for authenticity purposes not because PS is here. Also considering the faith based focus here wouldn’t there be a problem getting more R rating type projects?
Would the studio turn down a project if it were promising but contained more mature themes? There are a lot of really well made classics that have a R rating. I would hate to see OKC miss out on great project because of religious objections.

I wonder where the ceiling would be on this. They definitely seem to be popular with the Christian themed , faith based projects but not so much with the high profile major studio projects. I know local staffing is an issue. I guess what I mean is Scorsese is great but he chose Oklahoma for authenticity purposes not because PS is here. Also considering the faith based focus here wouldn’t there be a problem getting more R rating type projects?
Would the studio turn down a project if it were promising but contained more mature themes? There are a lot of really well made classics that have a R rating. I would hate to see OKC miss out on great project because of religious objections.

I honestly don't think they have ever said they focus on faith-based projects. Nor do they actively seek those out. As a new studio, beggars can't be choosers. So they are taking what they can get.

The doom and gloom amongst OKC people because of religion is way, way overblown. 23rd and Lincoln? Sure. But OKC is progressive, and getting more and more so each day. I doubt this studio has said anything about turning down mature peojects

Are they a religious based company or have they just produced christian based films because that is what has come through the door? I didn't see anything on their website eluding to religion at all. The profiles of the owners don't even mention religion or the church they belong to.

Are they a religious based company or have they just produced christian based films because that is what has come through the door? I didn't see anything on their website eluding to religion at all. The profiles of the owners don't even mention religion or the church they belong to.

I’m sure hallmark and lifetime would love to land an Oscar winner but that’s not what they get. My point being you don’t want to offend the folks that provide your bread and butter and these faith based folks can be easily offended. And it’s very easy to get “typecast” in this industry. Best to make known that they don’t exclusively cater to the church or crowd because major projects will straight up avoid getting into bed with that crowd

The underlying site was envisioned as an expansion of the central business district in a plan commissioned by the city a few years ago. Primarily, it projected the property as high- and mid-rise office buildings.

But there is currently a bunch of excess office space downtown, so unless that changes in the next five years (and trends show businesses needing and using less space) the city won't be in a rush to clear this land, especially if they are seeing a big economic boost from TV and film production.


There are still some very large neighboring properties that need developing: the land west of Myriad Gardens; the property between the gardens and Scissortail Park, the old coop site, Strawberry Fields, etc., etc.

Yep. Agree with all of this, which could of course lead to another friendly short-term lease to PS at the end of their current lease and options. But at SOME point that land will be too in-demand for this use, which could be undertaken just about anywhere in town with the construction of a pretty bland industrial-type complex.

Also bears mentioning that after the Thunder's next lease there will likely be some pressure to build a new arena, and this would be one of the prime locations that would be considered. Keeping it engaged as-is with a viable tenant in the meantime would protect the site until that future bridge is crossed makes a ton of sense.

Yep. Agree with all of this, which could of course lead to another friendly short-term lease to PS at the end of their current lease and options. But at SOME point that land will be too in-demand for this use, which could be undertaken just about anywhere in town with the construction of a pretty bland industrial-type complex.

Also bears mentioning that after the Thunder's next lease there will likely be some pressure to build a new arena, and this would be one of the prime locations that would be considered. Keeping it engaged as-is with a viable tenant in the meantime would protect the site until that future bridge is crossed makes a ton of sense.

Makes a lot of sense. I sure hope the Thunder have turned the corner by the time they need a new arena. Would hate to end up in a Seattle type situation where the team has lost a lot of support due to so many losing seasons.

You don’t lose an NBA team because of poor attendance or stadiums. You lose a team because owners want to move it. As long as the owners want the team in OKC it’ll be in OKC.

Makes a lot of sense. I sure hope the Thunder have turned the corner by the time they need a new arena. Would hate to end up in a Seattle type situation where the team has lost a lot of support due to so many losing seasons.

Truly feel OKC has crossed that milestone for support. Right now the NBA is the biggest act in town, Covid-19 safety regulations (2020-21 No fans) had a lot to do with the team's drop in fan support and attendance.

Now the fan support is in rebuild mode as well as the team. The franchise will be more competitive come 2022-23 with a ton of future draft picks.

As for a new arena, OKC will invest $104 million in upgrades (new seats, outdoor terrace) for Paycom Center and $11 million in the NBA practice facility.

We'll know more about becoming an even Bigger League City in December of 2027 as MAPS 5 is proposed and renewed.

Saw a story at Broadcasting & Cable that says there are currently 559 scripted series in production in North America. Does include streaming, but not movies, IIRC. Still an incredible number, IMO.

Makes a lot of sense. I sure hope the Thunder have turned the corner by the time they need a new arena. Would hate to end up in a Seattle type situation where the team has lost a lot of support due to so many losing seasons.

It wasn't the losing seasons. Seattle had just completed some renovations to Key Arena, but the problem was the Mariners and Seahawks had just been given major tax money and the people were tired of it.

It wasn't the losing seasons. Seattle had just completed some renovations to Key Arena, but the problem was the Mariners and Seahawks had just been given major tax money and the people were tired of it.


T-Mobile Park - Capacity - 47,929[, (MLB Seattle Mariners), built in 1997 cost $517 million (former name: Safeco Field) owner, Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District.

Lumen Field - Capacity - 68,740, (NFL Seattle Seahawks), built in 2002, cost $430 million (former names: Qwest Field, CenturyLink Field, owner, Washington State Public Stadium Authority.

Does Oklahoma City need to delay building the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium and look at some kind of Trust or Stadium Authority. Tulsa has a Stadium Improvement District (TSID).

I'd say OKC should stay the course, build the Maps 4 stadium since it's approved/voted on, and focus on being a 2 team city for a while, OKC Thunder/NBA (obviously) and OKC Energy/MLS. My hope is that the stadium be built somewhere south of the river near Wheeler or thereabouts; throwing a bone to the southside and giving this attraction to the main audience who will attend.

Hopefully the stadium will be built at 15,000 and could be expanded (to say 30,000) should we land an MLS franchise. The stadium could also host local/college soccer/tournaments and perhaps also HS football. This is perfect for an OKC that's 720,000+/1.5m (say in 2023), two teams that are heavily supported along with OU, OSU, and OCU sports.

Once OKC gets above 2m metro then I think we could start talking about an NFL stadium.

USL Oklahoma City Energy FC's status is up in the air following next season.

Agree, the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium should begin with a minimum seating capacity of 15,000 which could be expanded to a much larger 30,000 (bonds), with an option to expand near the 65,000 seat range funded thru MAPS 5 in 2028. OKC metro could easily surpass 1.6 million by the next census in 2030.

I don't think you need to wait on a 2 million MSA since you already have a funding mechanism in place. Like the Paycom Center, you build the structure and add amenities . The MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium was proposed to be expanded as needed for soccer, American Football etc... OKC needs to decide on a site plan.

Truly feel OKC has crossed that milestone for support. Right now the NBA is the biggest act in town, Covid-19 safety regulations (2020-21 No fans) had a lot to do with the team's drop in fan support and attendance.

Now the fan support is in rebuild mode as well as the team. The franchise will be more competitive come 2022-23 with a ton of future draft picks.

As for a new arena, OKC will invest $104 million in upgrades (new seats, outdoor terrace) for Paycom Center and $11 million in the NBA practice facility.

We'll know more about becoming an even Bigger League City in December of 2027 as MAPS 5 is proposed and renewed.

You really believe the Thunder is the biggest act in town? From what I've heard recently that doesn't seem to be the case at all. I'm pretty big into college football and listen to a lot of sports radio during the season. So I've been slowly stopping listening because all the radio stations around seem to be talking more college basketball, which I'm not a big follower of. The only times I've honestly heard the Thunder mentioned is when they are making fun of how bad they lost. I used to talk a decent amount of Thunder to the other sports fans in my life, and I've noticed we really haven't talked about the Thunder since Westbrook left. So I guess what I'm saying is I hope you are right and they do still have a lot of following, cause from what I've been seeing and hearing lately is telling me that no one cares about the Thunder anymore...and I don't want that to be the case.

Man, this is all WAY off topic. Sorry, I guess I started it by mentioning an eventual need for a new arena might be in the calculations for disposition of the former Myriad/Cox Center.

BTW, I recently heard Matt Payne speak on the progress they are making at Prairie Surf (Matt is one of the co-founders) and over the last year or so, they have been trying to build the workforce needed for TV and film production.

I mentioned this when it was announced because of my experience having worked on the lot at Paramount for several years and doing management consulting for other studios: you need much more than a place to film (which Prairie Surf now provides) you need all the people to do the work. Typically, a TV series employs around 250 people for 6-9 months out of a season/year. You have production management (scheduling, planning, budgeting, accounting), grips for handling all the equipment, cameramen, art department (sets, wardrobe, etc.), lighting (cinematographer and all the lighting techs), and then a purchasing department who has to procure everything that is needed. This is just for production; post-production (editing, sound, music clearance, etc.) is a whole other set of jobs and can be (but not always is) performed in a location independent of production.

It didn't take Prairie Surf long to realize Oklahoma didn't have the people and skills to perform these jobs and other than the higher-level positions and most of the cast, a production company is not going to pay to bring in people from out of state and house them; especially for TV. I know they made a run at a bunch of TV shows without much success.

And that's why PS is spending so much time trying to train people and partner with local community colleges and vo-techs.

They have also spent a lot of time lobbying for incentives and a new bill was signed last year that is very aggressive.

Having said all this, the sound stages (which Prairie Surf is) don't really hire many people; the individual production companies do that and before they decide to film somewhere, they have to know they will be able to staff all the required jobs.


A year later, good progress has been made. With these key pieces in place, we should have a decent shot at landing more shows and films.

Do you have any details of what that bill from last year will provide? Tax credits, or maybe something more involved like the Georgia Film Office?

Do you have any details of what that bill from last year will provide? Tax credits, or maybe something more involved like the Georgia Film Office?

It's not tax credits, it's a straight-up 20-38% rebate.

You can see the details here:

https://www.ep.com/production-incentives/us/oklahoma/

It's not tax credits, it's a straight-up 20-38% rebate.

You can see the details here:

https://www.ep.com/production-incentives/us/oklahoma/

Those are some nice incentives, though of course I know nothing about how they rank up to offerings in other states.

From what I understand (hearsay only) we currently have among the best incentives in the country. There has been real public effort in recent years to lean into this industry.

Those are some nice incentives, though of course I know nothing about how they rank up to offerings in other states.

What Oklahoma is offering is very aggressive after the new bill was passed last year.

On that same site I linked, you can see what other states offer.

You really believe the Thunder is the biggest act in town? From what I've heard recently that doesn't seem to be the case at all. I'm pretty big into college football and listen to a lot of sports radio during the season. So I've been slowly stopping listening because all the radio stations around seem to be talking more college basketball, which I'm not a big follower of. The only times I've honestly heard the Thunder mentioned is when they are making fun of how bad they lost. I used to talk a decent amount of Thunder to the other sports fans in my life, and I've noticed we really haven't talked about the Thunder since Westbrook left. So I guess what I'm saying is I hope you are right and they do still have a lot of following, cause from what I've been seeing and hearing lately is telling me that no one cares about the Thunder anymore...and I don't want that to be the case.
The Thunder are doing just fine. Nearly every NBA team is suffering from lower attendance because of Covid. Even the Brooklyn Nets, a team with KD, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, have sold $10 seats this season to get people in the door. When Covid is less of an issue, wins will fill Paycom up. The Thunder rebuild is coming along faster than a lot of people expected. Lots of future salary cap room to play with, and just a couple of draft picks or trades away from being right back in the thick of it. Get your tickets now.

You really believe the Thunder is the biggest act in town? From what I've heard recently that doesn't seem to be the case at all. I'm pretty big into college football and listen to a lot of sports radio during the season. So I've been slowly stopping listening because all the radio stations around seem to be talking more college basketball, which I'm not a big follower of. The only times I've honestly heard the Thunder mentioned is when they are making fun of how bad they lost. I used to talk a decent amount of Thunder to the other sports fans in my life, and I've noticed we really haven't talked about the Thunder since Westbrook left. So I guess what I'm saying is I hope you are right and they do still have a lot of following, cause from what I've been seeing and hearing lately is telling me that no one cares about the Thunder anymore...and I don't want that to be the case.

In town from my scope of reference was literally meaning corporate OKC limits.

We are all proud to include the University of Oklahoma, Norman as part of the Oklahoma City MSA community. College Football continues to be king in Central Oklahoma as well as our state.

From what I understand (hearsay only) we currently have among the best incentives in the country. There has been real public effort in recent years to lean into this industry.

It was just a few years ago that Oklahoma reduced their film incentive program, so thoughts on that have obviously changed at the capitol.

https://www.ncsl.org/research/fiscal-policy/state-film-production-incentives-and-programs.aspx

"In fiscal year (FY) 2018, Colorado, Maryland and Texas reduced the annual appropriation available for film incentive programs. Oklahoma reduced its annual program cap from $5 million to $4 million."

It was just a few years ago that Oklahoma reduced their film incentive program, so thoughts on that have obviously changed at the capitol.

https://www.ncsl.org/research/fiscal-policy/state-film-production-incentives-and-programs.aspx

"In fiscal year (FY) 2018, Colorado, Maryland and Texas reduced the annual appropriation available for film incentive programs. Oklahoma reduced its annual program cap from $5 million to $4 million."

That was under the previous administration and legislature, whose overarching main theme was austerity. In 2019 the legislature restored some of what was taken away, and then in 2021 the "Filmed in Oklahoma Act" happened:

https://www.okcommerce.gov/oklahoma-governor-kevin-stitt-signs-filmed-in-oklahoma-act-of-2021-increasing-states-film-and-tv-incentives/
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/05/21/oklahoma-legislature-passes-new-film-incentive-bill-more-movie-news/5180302001/
https://okfilmmusic.org/incentives/

There is plenty to take issue with regarding the current legislature and administration, but they have definitely gotten a few things right, including a renewed focus on the tourism industry AND a recognition that certain incentives such as ones targeting the film industry can have ROI in the multiples. This isn't intended to be political in any way, but I personally credit the Lt. Governor for much of this.

It was just a few years ago that Oklahoma reduced their film incentive program, so thoughts on that have obviously changed at the capitol.

https://www.ncsl.org/research/fiscal-policy/state-film-production-incentives-and-programs.aspx

"In fiscal year (FY) 2018, Colorado, Maryland and Texas reduced the annual appropriation available for film incentive programs. Oklahoma reduced its annual program cap from $5 million to $4 million."


That was under the previous administration and legislature, whose overarching main theme was austerity. In 2019 the legislature restored some of what was taken away, and then in 2021 the "Filmed in Oklahoma Act" happened:

https://www.okcommerce.gov/oklahoma-governor-kevin-stitt-signs-filmed-in-oklahoma-act-of-2021-increasing-states-film-and-tv-incentives/
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/2021/05/21/oklahoma-legislature-passes-new-film-incentive-bill-more-movie-news/5180302001/
https://okfilmmusic.org/incentives/

There is plenty to take issue with regarding the current legislature and administration, but they have definitely gotten a few things right, including a renewed focus on the tourism industry AND a recognition that certain incentives such as ones targeting the film industry can have ROI in the multiples. This isn't intended to be political in any way, but I personally credit the Lt. Governor for much of this.

Yes for a few years it was labeled as a giveaway to Hollywood liberals. OCPA criticized that Harvey Weinstein benefitted from our state rebates, so it just had to be shut down. Then we saw what was happening in New Mexico and everything changed. Funny how politics can be like that.

A few years ago Oklahoma commissioned a study on most if not all of the state-funded incentive programs, and the analysis showed that both film industry incentives and historic preservation incentives consistently showed ROI in the multiples. As in I think one of them showed a $7 return for every dollar spent. It will take some time for film to be a major economic driver, but this is definitely one of the paths to diversifying the local and state economies.

Most states really up the incentives for productions that film in rural areas.

The reason being is almost all those areas are economically depressed and production pumps in tons of needed revenue for all types of businesses: hotels, restaurants, and various stores.

And then, because the shows usually feature beautiful rural settings, tourism often follows. This was very much the case for Yellowstone (first in Utah, they moved to Montana for better incentives) and is sure to happen for 6666, the Yellowstone spin-off that will be filmed on the massive 6666 Ranch in Texas, about midway between Lubbock and Witchita Falls.

As usual, there is a corollary Simpsons episode:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/simpsonshollywood3.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/simpsonshollywood2.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/simpsonshollywood1.jpg

A friend of mine who lives in LA is a dancer and actor and is married to an actress. They bought a house in LA four years ago for around $600,000, they are selling it for $1.2MM and moving to OKC, specifically because of Prairie surf and what they are bringing in to OKC. With the sale of their property, they will buy a house in NW OKC for cash and get three times the square footage. They have talked to a few of their actor friends in LA and it seems like others are looking to do the same.

Always good news to hear.

A friend of mine who lives in LA is a dancer and actor and is married to an actress. They bought a house in LA four years ago for around $600,000, they are selling it for $1.2MM and moving to OKC, specifically because of Prairie surf and what they are bringing in to OKC. With the sale of their property, they will buy a house in NW OKC for cash and get three times the square footage. They have talked to a few of their actor friends in LA and it seems like others are looking to do the same.

Were they from OKC originally? Just curious if it's bringing people home, or bringing new people in.

My ex and I lived in California for about ten years while she worked at becoming an actress. Tough racket to say the least. We moved home and she worked constantly.

Were they from OKC originally? Just curious if it's bringing people home, or bringing new people in.

My ex and I lived in California for about ten years while she worked at becoming an actress. Tough racket to say the least. We moved home and she worked constantly.

They both were originally from Houston. He moved to OKC for school and the to LA for work where he met her. They are moving back mostly because of the job opportunities and cost of living.

very good to hear and also that they've convinced others about OKC. Should help solve the relative lack of skill in the sector while hopefully the OKC area schools can get going with classes and programs.

very good to hear and also that they've convinced others about OKC. Should help solve the relative lack of skill in the sector while hopefully the OKC area schools can get going with classes and programs.

Classes and programs for all the various trades and skilled labor that will be on set, and hopefully not a glut of acting workshop/classes/reviews that are, more or less, scams. I'm sure the theatre community would love to have more skilled tech in the area, as well.

^ yes, that. lol :)

Reservation Dogs is being filmed in Oklahoma. Mostly Okmulgee. It will probably be nominated for Emmy awards this year.

It's a great show, everyone should watch it.

More film incentives. Press release:

**************

Cherokee Nation Film Office announces first-ever tribal film incentive program

Tribe introduces funding for productions filmed within reservation, hiring Natives

TULSA, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation Film Office has announced it will soon offer a groundbreaking film incentive program, becoming the first tribal film office in the U.S. to do so. The Cherokee Nation Film Incentive will provide up to $1 million in annual funding for productions filmed within the Cherokee Nation’s 14-county reservation.

“Since establishing our film office, we’ve worked diligently alongside our state and local partners to help grow the film and television industries in Oklahoma,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “There are substantial benefits in launching this powerful economic tool within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. In addition to expanding career opportunities for Indigenous filmmakers, producers, directors, actors and behind-the-scenes crew members, this new incentive program reinforces Cherokee Nation’s commitment to creating quality jobs and supporting small, family-owned businesses within our tribal communities.”

CNFO will begin accepting applications for the tribe’s film incentive on March 1. The base incentive offers a cash rebate for qualified production expenses. Prequalified productions filming anywhere within Cherokee Nation’s 7,000 square miles of northeast Oklahoma are eligible for the rebate incentive.

With this annual $1 million incentive program in place, the tribe hopes to create economic development and grow job opportunities by encouraging the production of film and television projects within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. The incentive also offers increased funding for employing Native American citizens, as well as utilizing Native-owned businesses.

“In pursuit of our longtime mission of growing the tribe’s economy, CNB continues to invest in the success of Cherokee citizens through new and diverse opportunities across the globe,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “The Cherokee Nation Film Incentive is an excellent means of expanding upon those goals by helping grow an entire industry specifically within the Cherokee Nation.”

The Cherokee Nation Film Incentive will be available individually or in conjunction with the state of Oklahoma’s incentive program, but each requires a separate application process. The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021, administered by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, also offers productions a cash rebate based on several qualifying factors.

“Oklahoma’s television, film and production industries continue to grow at an exceptional pace. We are pleased to serve a role in helping support economic growth while furthering our mission to promote diversity, inclusion and accurate Native American representation at every level of these industries,” said Jennifer Loren, director of Cherokee Nation Film Office and Original Content. “Encouraging productions to film within Cherokee Nation’s many vast and beautiful locations, as well as to hire Indigenous people and utilize Native-owned businesses, offers an immense amount of opportunity for tribal citizens, families and businesses to benefit from the rapid growth of these industries within our state.”

The Cherokee Nation Film Office launched in 2019 and became the first certified Native American film commission to open in the United States. CNFO also created and maintains unique, all-inclusive talent, crew and consulting online directories featuring Native American actors, extras, voice actors, crew, cultural experts and other industry resources.

For more information about the Cherokee Nation Film Office, please visit cherokee.film or email hello@cherokee.film. Businesses located within Cherokee Nation’s reservation can register to be hired by film and TV productions through CNFO’s support services directory.

Additional details regarding the Cherokee Nation Film Incentive are available at https://cherokee.film/filmincentives.

There is a new show being filmed in Oklahoma starring Sylvester Stallone called Tulsa King It is going to be released on Paramount Plus and is from the same creator as Yellowstone. They apparently will be heavily utilizing Prairie Surf as well as different locations around OKC and Tulsa.

There is a new show being filmed in Oklahoma starring Sylvester Stallone called Tulsa King It is going to be released on Paramount Plus and is from the same creator as Yellowstone. They apparently will be heavily utilizing Prairie Surf as well as different locations around OKC and Tulsa.

A location scout actually came to my neighbor's house two doors down to see about using it for a filming site; this was about two months ago. At the time the show was called "Kansas City" but they have since changed that and decided to film in Oklahoma.

I need to check back with my neighbor to see what they decided.

It sounds like they may also be filming another Paramount+ miniseries "Bass Reeves" starring David Oyelowo of Selma: https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/television/tulsa-king-series-with-stallone-coming-from-yellowstone-creator-as-well-as-bass-reeves-story/article_f4e5865e-8ffe-11ec-b820-43ac7522048f.html. I'm not sure to what extent (if any) Prairie Surf will be involved, though. Either way a very cool pre-statehood Oklahoma story being told.


Reeves was the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi, and some have made a case he was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

Reeves tried to bring law and order to the territory that became Oklahoma. He was among 200 deputies hired by “hanging judge” Isaac Parker to scour the landscape for outlaws. Reeves arrested more than 3,000 bad guys and killed 14, all without ever being shot himself. When statehood arrived in 1907, his post-retirement job was serving as a police officer in Muskogee.

Sheridan said he seeks great actors of our generation when casting. He described the actor who will bring Reeves to life in the miniseries as a once-in-a-generation talent.

“I just can’t wait to get on that horse and tell this story,” David Oyelowo said.

There are so many streaming services needing to stay fresh and not lose subscribers ...a huge amount of content must constantly be produced. Looks like Prairie Surf entered this market at just the right time.

Highlighting the growing impact of the film industry on the region https://www.okcchamber.com/index.php?src=sba&srctype=geteventdetails&datasource=geteventdetails&cale_id=2888

Don't know if this is the optimal thread for it (maybe the "in the press" thread?), but CBS has a feature about Oklahoma/OKC's booming film industry: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oklahoma-prime-destination-tv-movie-productions-hollywood-on-the-prairie/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h

Wow that was a great story!!

Super cool.