Christmas came early to Claremore! I am sure many of you have witnessed the transformation this week as the Lilac District served as the backdrop for a special film project.
For the past 10 years, film and television productions have spent more than $300 million in Oklahoma. During these exciting projects, production teams spend money at various businesses, including hotels, antique stores, lumber mills, restaurants, clothing stores, recording studios, and more.
In addition to adding money to Oklahoma’s economy, the film industry has created thousands of part-time and full-time jobs for residents. According to the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), recent figures show approximately $100 million in total wages for more than 650 production days.
From breathtaking rural landscapes to historic Route 66 scenery and our quaint downtown, Claremore makes the perfect location for feature film projects of all sizes.
The City, in partnership with other community organizations, is currently undergoing the process of becoming an “Oklahoma Film Friendly Community.” This certification program is designed to help communities develop the necessary permits and protocols to address film and television production in their areas.
The movie, A Christmas…Present, starring actress Candace Cameron Bure, will premiere on the Great American Family network this November. Claremore served as the movie’s primary filming location and features many notable sites, including historic Downtown Claremore, First Presbyterian Church, and Barron Law.
The impact provided by the film industry has a ripple effect. It provides revenues across a community and other benefits that will be felt for many years. I am hopeful that this project will serve as a catalyst for future opportunities for our community.
The holiday season brings many exciting traditions, events, music and movies. I look forward to Claremore’s debut during the Great American Christmas lineup. I hope you all will join me in tuning in and seeing our community star in this exciting television production.
Have a wonderful weekend, Claremore!
John W. Feary
City Manager