Once again, the spotlight is on Oklahoma at the 2025 Location Manager Guild International (LMGI) Awards. Now in its 12th year, LMGI recognizes the outstanding creative visual contributions by location professionals in film and television. This year, filmed in Oklahoma feature “Twisters” is among those nominated for Outstanding Locations in a Contemporary Feature.
Produced by Universal Pictures, principal photography on “Twisters” first began in Oklahoma City on May 8, 2023. Throughout 60 days of principal photography, “Twisters” engaged with multiple communities statewide, including El Reno, Chickasha, Midwest City, Spencer, Kingfisher, Calumet, Hinton, Fairview, Okarche, Kremlin, Burbank, Pawhuska and Yukon. Additionally, “Twisters” generated over $117 million dollars in economic impact. The film leveraged the state’s film incentive program as well as Oklahoma City’s incentive administered by the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office (OKCFCIO).
“‘Twisters’ remains a monumental moment in Oklahoma’s film history – and we’re incredibly grateful the filmmakers of this production integrated the state as not only a location, but a vibrant character itself within the film,” said Jeanette Stanton, Director of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. “The continued support of our state, city and tribal leaders as well as the dedication of our film workforce and support services make productions like this a reality in our state. We especially want to acknowledge our local film location professionals, many of whom played a critical role from scouting through wrap in working with property owners, communities and multiple government services to safely and successfully host this production in Oklahoma.”
The film brought in a whopping $372 million at the box office globally and received a Golden Globe nomination. Most recently, it won the Academy of Country Music Film Award. The accompanying Grammy-nominated album features the work of Wyatt Flores, Wilderado, Ken Pomeroy and James McAlister, all Oklahoma musicians —further highlighting the state’s deep-rooted contributions to both the film and music industries.
“’Twisters’ provided a major boost to the Oklahoma City film industry and our economy,” said Jill Simpson of OKCFCIO. “As the first customer of the OKC Film Rebate Program, the film went on to spend over $66 million in our city over a few short months. Additionally, filming extended to several of our important neighboring metro community partners providing each with economic benefits and tourism opportunities. I am grateful for our partnership with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office in recruiting this film. I also applaud the work of the film’s locations team, and our local location scouts whose work showcased the beauty and charm of Oklahoma to a global audience.
The winners will be announced at the LMGI Awards Show in Santa Monica, Cali., on August 23.
For more information, visit locationmanagers.org.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
