Film Friendly Edmond

The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) has certified Edmond as a ‘film friendly’ community. Sarah London, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Edmond, who acts as the point of contact says, “The certification lets production companies know that we are organized and ready should they choose to film in Edmond.” “Edmond is a prime destination in Central Oklahoma for filmmakers with an attractive combination of unique shops, flavorful restaurants, expansive city parks, historic schools, and local attractions,” says Yousef Kazemi, Outreach and Production Manager for OF+MO. The OF+MO works to draw local, national, and international filmmakers to the state.

Camera Rolling 

A list of Edmond’s points of interest has been added to a statewide database on the OF+MO website. The database allows scouts to do initial browsing. Edmond fulfills what many film production companies are looking for with affordable accommodations, hiking, and biking trails, many city parks, and historic sites, like the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse and the University of Central Oklahoma’s Old North.

From July 2020 to June 2021, OF+MO estimates the creation of 10,218 local jobs with a direct fiscal impact of $161.7 million from 33 film and television productions utilizing the state’s incentive program. 

Quiet on the Set 

Edmond has proven to be a great place to film with recent productions, including “Dotty and Soul”, “A Country Romance”, “Deadly Misconduct”, “Family Camp” and the upcoming Lionsgate theatrical release “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story”. The city is the initial contact and works with the film company on any permitting, street closures, and community notification. Sarah says, “I’ve talked to various film companies and networks, many more are currently considering filming in Edmond.” After contact with the city, the production company can work with private property owners directly. 

That’s a Wrap

The Mule closed their doors to the public for a day, allowing “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” to use their space to film a scene. The street and parking spots directly in front were reserved to allow cars with makes and models of the 1990s or earlier to be placed, ensuring the surroundings were authentic to the film’s era. Littler Lawn was used as a staging area along with an Edmond property owner’s vacant warehouse space. With The Mule’s kitchen closed, Around the Corner Restaurant provided prop food. Various restaurants in the area provided food and drink for the crew who stayed in hotel rooms and locally owned Airbnbs. 

Hotel rooms, rentals, meals, supplies, street closures, permit fees and extras are a few of the income generators tied to film production. “It’s difficult to account for all the ways the film industry boosts our economy. Time will tell, but it’s very positive for our community.” Sarah says. Janet Yowell, Executive Director of EEDA, confirms, “What will be really interesting is to see the notoriety and recognition the city gets once the films release.” Locals should keep their eyes peeled and watch for Edmond sites to be seen in upcoming films and TV shows. Don’t leave before the credits roll.