'Horrified,' a horror-comedy featuring actress Julie Benz films in Broken Arrow, creating jobs for local talent and boosting Oklahoma's growing film industry.
Production is officially underway at the Stoney Creek Convention Center Hotel in Broken Arrow. The project marks the first movie to be filmed in the city under a new film incentive program launched to attract filmmakers to the area.
Leading the cast is actress Julie Benz, known for her many roles over the years. Some may recognize her from her characters in Dexter and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Jawbreaker. Though Benz is a California native, she's found herself right at home on set in Oklahoma.
"You have amazing crews here and amazing talent," Benz said. "I don't feel like it's any different than filming anywhere else, even though I know it's considered a young marketplace."
More than 550 local crew members are working on the production, a point of pride for the Oklahoma Film and Music Office.
Jeanette Stanton, Director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, says productions like this are what the state has been working toward for years.
"A budget of this size, they will primarily always use like 99.9 percent Oklahoma crew -- and that is just magic for us. Love it," Stanton said.
"They're using over 550 Oklahoma crew and cast, and they're spending a little over $2 million in the city," she added.
Stanton also noted Oklahoma is starting to stand out in the competitive film industry.
"It's really competitive out there and Oklahoma is a player."
Crews will continue filming in Broken Arrow over the next three weeks. The film Horrified combines horror and comedy -- a blend the cast believes will resonate with fans.
"There are some funny moments and then some slasher moments, and I think people are going to really enjoy the characters -- who are a lot of fun," Benz said.
"So I think fans are going to really love it."
The movie is expected to premiere in theaters, though an official release date has not been announced.