City of Vinita ready to welcome filmmakers’ projects | News [Video]

VINITA, Okla. — The newly certified, film-friendly City of Vinita is ready to accommodate filmmakers’ projects. 

This is not Vinita’s first rodeo when it comes to filmmaking. 

At Clanton’s, Shaun Patrick saw the film crew throughout their shoot. 

“We love seeing that stuff come around here. We love cinema and film,” said Patrick, who is the manager of Clanton’s in Vinita. 

The city earned certification of Film-Friendly City this summer. 

Vinita is within the Cherokee nation. It is the first film-friendly certified community in Craig County. 

“It’s primarily a marketing tool for the state to use to attract to certain areas. We have a lot of unique locations,” said Misty Deffenbaugh, Economic and Community Development Coordinator. 

Deffenbaugh has lived in Vinita for 30 years. She said Cherokee Film is a vital partner. 

“Film and music are becoming increasingly important in economic development in Oklahoma,” said Deffenbaugh. 

She said filmmakers have a lot of reasons to be …