City Council greenlights film studio with $2 million in funding

Bartlesville City Council approved $2 million in matching funds Tuesday to transform the former First Christian Church building into a soundstage and film school.

“We’re very excited to move forward with the project with the City of Bartlesville,” Evan Hewitt, co-founder of Buffalo Roam, said. “It’s a great example of a public-private venture that will bring new economic development for the city.”

With $1 million from the Economic Development Fund, $1 million from Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority and $2 million from private funding from the developers, Buffalo Roam Studios will retrofit the church with two soundstages, classrooms, production offices, a screening room and other amenities that could attract filmmakers to Bartlesville − all while maintaining the original aesthetic of the building.

Additionally, they plan to build a 10,000-square-foot soundstage along the northside of the original structure. The studio will have soundstages with nearly a combined 20,000 square feet as well as 15,000 square feet of office space, post-production suites and meeting rooms.

According to the signed term sheet, Buffalo Roam Studios will provide a feasibility study for the endeavor, designs for the development, a budget, proof of funding and a contract with a licensed contractor within 90 days of signing the development agreement.

City Manager Mike Bailey said Buffalo Roam is eager to get started on the project in order to get the roof repaired so they can open the film school next August. The city funds will be placed in an escrow account and will distribute funds as Buffalo Roam incurs expenses to complete the project.

Initially, the City of Bartlesville considered converting the property into a conference center, but after a feasibility study, the council felt it wasn’t worth the investment. The city started accepting proposals for the property in late 2022.

The council chose Buffalo Roam Studios' proposal in May and initially considered a general obligation bond for city. But the council expressed a desire to reserve more bond funds for street repairs.

Visit Bartlesville’s Director Maria Gus, who often acts as a liaison for films shooting in and around Bartlesville has been a vocal supporter of the project and believes it could be a beacon for filmmaking in northeastern Oklahoma.

“Buffalo Roam is not only creating a space to make Bartlesville more attractive to filmmakers but also participating in workforce development,” Gus said. “The film industry requires all kinds of support and the skills used in the film industry range from accounting to acting, carpentry to catering and much more.”

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: City Council greenlights $2 million investment for film studio