Oklahoma City is enjoying a taste of Hollywood as the production of the upcoming film Copperhead rolls through town, bringing star power and economic activity to local businesses. Residents and business owners alike are noting the positive impact of the shoot, which highlights the city’s growing reputation as a film‑friendly destination.
Local businesses see a surge in activity
John Dunning, owner of the Trolley Stop Record Shop, described the bustling scene near his storefront. “They were filming at the old tire shop, mechanic shop across the street. Evidently, it was the drug pin headquarters, so there was 100 people out there doing their movie thing,” Dunning said. He added that Momoa even stopped by his shop, noting the crew’s friendly yet reserved demeanor.
“They were friendly, but they were kind of reserved, so we didn’t want to put them on the spot, but they were obviously having a good time,” Dunning explained. The brief visit gave the shop extra foot traffic and a memorable moment for regular customers.
Actors and crew praise the local talent pool
Background actor Alexandria Yolie, who is also an aspiring indie filmmaker, emphasized how the production benefits both the community and the industry. “It helps our business, our economy, the dreamers that want to be on set; it’s just like a win‑win literally for everybody,” she said.
Yolie highlighted the opportunity for Oklahoma‑based talent to work alongside major Hollywood names. “People like me and other indie filmmakers and those who want to make this into a full‑time profession now have the opportunity to come join these professional sets and be a part of big Hollywood names, and in the meanwhile, those names get to see how kind and hardworking and ready our crews are, and that incentivizes more big movies to come here,” she added.
Economic ripple effects for the city
The influx of a high‑profile film crew brings immediate spending on lodging, food, transportation, and local services. Hotels report higher occupancy rates, restaurants note increased reservations, and vendors supplying set materials see a boost in orders. City officials have long encouraged film productions, recognizing the multiplier effect on jobs and tax revenue.
Mayor [Name] has previously praised the city’s film‑friendly policies, noting that Oklahoma City’s skilled crews and affordable locations make it an attractive alternative to traditional Hollywood hubs. The current shoot reinforces that message, offering a real‑world example of the city’s capacity to host large‑scale productions.
Community pride and future prospects
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, residents express pride in seeing their city featured on the big screen. The visibility can attract tourism, inspire local artists, and encourage further investment in creative industries.
As the “Copperhead” crew continues its work, local businesses hope the momentum will translate into more projects, cementing Oklahoma City’s place on the map as a vibrant center for film and entertainment.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
