Broken Arrow offering new incentive to attract filmmakers

Written By: John Dobberstein

(BROKEN ARROW, Okla.) With Oklahoma becoming a popular place of late for filmmakers, Broken Arrow is looking to get into the act in a big way. 

Read this story on Broken Arrow Sentinel here. 

The Broken Arrow City Council approved a new $100,000 pilot film incentive program designed to attract film productions and drive economic growth in the city.

This decision comes after a recent economic impact study found that the state’s “Filmed in Oklahoma Act” has generated over $531 million in direct economic impact for the state since its inception in 2021. 

The study highlighted that 60% of qualified spending went to worker wages, with the remaining 40% funding direct purchases of goods and services. Incentivized spending saw a significant increase, the study said, from $31.8 million in fiscal year 2020 to $161.3 million annually between fiscal years 2021 and 2023 (okbusinessvoice.com)

The newly approved Broken Arrow Film Incentive aims to position the city as a premier destination for film production. Broken Arrown will have Oklahoma’s second-largest municipal film incentive, behind only Oklahoma City, the city said. 

Key features of the incentive include:

10% rebate on local spending during a filmproject

$500 rebate for every 12 room nights spent at a Broken Arrow hotel

10-20% rebate on the cost of production space used during filming

“The film industry in Oklahoma is booming right now, and we’re confident this incentive will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Broken Arrow,” said Makala Barton, Tourism Manager for the City of Broken Arrow, and Visit Broken Arrow Board. “By attracting film productions, we not only support local businesses and hotels but also increase exposure for our community as a vibrant filming destination.”

Ward 2 City Councilor Lisa Ford, who serves on the Visit Broken Arrow board, emphasized the impact this initiative will have on local businesses. “This incentive is a smart investment in Broken Arrow’s future. When film productions come to town, they bring business to our hotels, restaurants, and local vendors,” Ford said. It’s an opportunity to showcase our city on a bigger stage while creating real economic benefits for our residents.”

The VBA Board first explored the idea of a local film incentive at its November 12, 2024, meeting, directing staff to research feasibility and logistics. 

A preliminary draft of the incentive was presented at the January 14, 2025, meeting, followed by revisions based on board feedback. With the City Council’s approval, the program is now set for implementation, with a review scheduled after one year to assess its success and determine long-term funding.

For more information about filming in Broken Arrow and the new incentive program, visit filminba.com.