Council pre‑approves up to $55,000 rebate for film production planning a Broken Arrow shoot

The council reviewed a film incentive request for the production "A Body in the Woods." Mikaela Barton, tourism manager, said the project has a production budget of about $2,300,000, expects to film in mid‑September for roughly a month, and estimates $350,000–$500,000 in local spending with approximately 300 room nights. Barton described the local rebate policy and told council the Visit Broken Arrow board pre‑approved up to $55,000; council approval is required for rebates over $50,000.

Barton explained the incentive is funded from the lodging tax fund and that the rebate is reimbursable based on receipts and verified room nights. "So, the total estimated rebate request is $55,000," Barton said. Councilors asked whether previous productions met requirements; Barton confirmed the prior production complied and staff monitors receipts and room nights before issuing payment.

A motion to approve the rebate authorization passed on roll call. The city will return the final rebate amount after the production documents actual in‑town spend and room‑night data.