Mad scientists, a chimpanzee C.I.A. agent along with three talented farmers from Thomas have been cavorting in Weatherford creating havoc and solving crimes. C. I. Ape. wrapped up filming Friday in, of all places, Weatherford.
“A real shout out should go to area residents Josh, Jeffrey and Joel Rydell of Thomas, who stepped up every time to create whatever background or scene we needed. They were incredible in meeting the task every time. In fact, they even have cameos in the film,” said producer Zeus Zamani.
The Rydell brothers were challenged to create everything from a mad scientist lab to a command center on site. They said it was always a challenge but they were up for it.
“We really enjoyed working with the crew. The crew quickly learned to ask us for anything and we delivered, including fixing some of the camera crew’s equipment. We went to auctions and liquidation sales to find old computer equipment and fixtures for sets. It was a real adventure each day. We are really hoping there is a C. I. Ape 2,” Joel Rydell said.
The film has been shot primarily in Weatherford and some in Guthrie. Enhanced by computer-generated imagery (CGI) technology, the film features the first ever chimpanzee who joins the C.I.A. in a wild world of espionage. The chimp ends of melting the hearts of the most villainous.
The film is a project of Lionsgate and ACE Entertainment Films and produced by Zamani who has produce five titles in Oklahoma.
“Working with the Oklahoma Film+Music Office (OF+MO) has been incredible. I love doing work here. Not only are they so helpful the communities, themselves, seem to always be very supportive and appreciative to have the work done in Oklahoma,” Zamani said.
In simple terms, OF+MO provides a rebate of up to 35 percent of the production costs to produce the film. According to Zamani this makes it very attractive to film in Oklahoma.
Why Weatherford? Through the OF+MO, Liberty International Church in Weatherford put their new church location at the old Imation plant site on the OF+MO website to be considered for a filming site.
“The Rydell family moved here from the San Diego area and suggested the church might get some revenues as a filming site. I had never heard of this but we thought it was worth a try. Because of the large open and maneuverable space we were selected for this film and being considered for others,” pastor Scott Page said.