OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Twisters, the upcoming sequel to the iconic blockbuster film Twister, provided on-set training and mentorship to several Oklahomans to expand their future career opportunities and help grow the state’s future workforce.
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), a business development unit of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, partnered with the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) for the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship on Twisters, which recently wrapped production and is being released on July 19 by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.
Universal’s traineeship program provides increased access and opportunities within all film production areas.
Numerous Oklahomans who are new to the film industry, including individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, participated in the production as trainees. They received on-set experience and mentorship in a wide range of production areas, including VFX, production accounting and sustainability departments, art department, construction, costume and production office, in partnership with IATSE Local 484, according to Oklahoma Department of Commerce officials.
“Hands-on training is a crucial element to any career, but particularly in the dynamic field of film production,” said Universal’s President of Physical Production, Jeff LaPlante. “As the demand for experienced crew continues to grow, Universal’s Below-the-Line Traineeship opens doors for a new generation of talent including accountants, prop masters, grips and electricians, VFX technicians and the myriad roles critical to any production. Long-term investment is a key part of the process. We ensure that these trainees not only receive their first credits and mentorship from the leading department heads in the industry, but we support them as they build the lasting professional relationships required to achieve real career momentum.” He continues, “We are so grateful to our production partners at Amblin and Kennedy/Marshall, our director, Lee Isaac Chung, all our Heads of Department, and our incredible partners at OF+MO for supporting our efforts to source and train this amazing up-and-coming talent.”
The production relied upon the state’s film program, film incentives administered by the newly launched Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office (OKCFCIO) and Prairie Surf Media’s soundstages in Oklahoma City.
“Twisters‘ is uniquely tied to our history, and Oklahoma City is honored to have welcomed the Universal team to our community for this important project,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “On the heels of hosting the inaugural season of ‘Tulsa King,’ the filming of ‘Twisters’ continues the momentum of our city’s film industry. I salute the collaboration between the City of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office, Prairie Surf Media and the Oklahoma Film + Music Office. That collaboration is unique, and it’s one of the primary reasons so many studios are choosing Oklahoma City. We are committed to continuing this work and growing this sector of our economy.”
The training program also helps grow the state’s workforce, according to Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Executive Director Jill Simpson.
“Workforce training initiatives such as the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship provide a unique opportunity to grow a well-trained workforce to support our local industry,” Simpson said. “We are thrilled for this type of collaboration.”
Twisters, like its predecessor, filmed extensively in Oklahoma, with principal photography beginning on May 8, 2023, and lasting 60 days. The production involved several communities, including including El Reno, Chickasha, Midwest City, Spencer, Kingfisher, Calumet, Hinton, Fairview, Okarche, Kremlin, Burbank and Pawhuska.
“Oklahoma is the most business-friendly state in the nation, and I’m glad to see that reputation lend itself to our expansive footprint in the film industry,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “It’s exciting to see projects like this come to Oklahoma and recognize everything our state has to offer.”
Twisters producer Frank Marshall described Oklahoma as the film’s production home.
“I’ve been coming to Oklahoma City for over 16 years with the Mark Harmon Celebrity Baseball Team, so after the incredible experience we had filming ‘Twister’ in 1995, the decision to make Oklahoma the home to ‘Twisters’ was an easy choice,” said producer Frank Marshall. “Amazing local partners like OF+MO have made this state a leading destination for film and TV production, and we’re thrilled to be here to support and champion the many initiatives leading to growth and development here.”
It takes a collaborative effort involving state officials, local municipalities and businesses to attract Hollywood productions, according to Department of Commerce Executive Director Hopper Smith.
“The Oklahoma Film + Music Office, in collaboration with our local industry, private sectors and local communities, does excellent work in positioning the state as a competitive destination for film and television production in the U.S. as evidenced by studios like Universal bringing their business to us,” Smith said. “Productions like ‘Twisters’ and other recent successes would not be possible without the incredible support of our state leadership including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and legislature who’ve championed and supported legislation to continue the growth and support of Oklahoma’s film and television industry.”
The first film in the franchise, Twister, was filmed across Oklahoma in 1995 and went on to earn nearly $500 million worldwide in the summer of 1996. Its legacy in Oklahoma includes a Twister Museum in Wakita, Okla., which features film props, artifacts and much more.
“One of the most exciting benefits of having ‘Twisters’ in Oklahoma is film tourism, which will bring sales tax revenue to the state long after the production has wrapped,” said Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. “The original film generated about $52 million in economic impact. We look forward to the spotlight ‘Twisters’ will shine on Oklahoma as both a film tourism destination and center for weather-related studies.”
The new film is directed by Oscar nominee, Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) and has a cast which includes Golden Globe nominee Daisy Edgar-Jones (Where the Crawdads Sing), Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos (In the Heights), Brandon Perea (Nope), Sasha Lane (American Honey), Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Nik Dodani (Atypical) and Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney (Beautiful Boy).
