Directed by Jamie Bailey and co-written by Bailey and Simon Phillips, THE OMRO HEIST is a gripping crime movie set in a peaceful small town turned battleground. The movie stars Simon Phillips, Damir Kovic, Anthony Crivello, Mackenzie Jones, Ken Bressers, Nick Biskupek, Adam Huel Potter, Al Dias, and Cali Felix.
The story is about a failed bank robbery that brings the people of a quiet Wisconsin town together to fight a violent gunman. The movie is set to come out on July 29, 2025, and was made by Dystopian Films, which is known for making independent thrillers and horror movies.
WHERE WAS THE OMRO HEIST FILMED?
THE OMRO HEIST was filmed entirely in Wisconsin, USA, with principal photography wrapping in just eight days during 2024. The tight production schedule was made possible by community involvement and careful planning. The small town of Omro, nestled on the Fox River—served as the primary backdrop for the movie.
OMRO, WISCONSIN
Omro, Wisconsin is west of Oshkosh and Lake Winnebago. It is home to about 3,600 people. This charming small town offered an ideal canvas for the movie’s gritty storyline. The town’s history, possibly tied to a French trader named Charles Amereau (or Omereau), adds a layer of rustic character, which translated beautifully on screen.
A former bank building in downtown Omro was used to film the outside scenes of the bank robbery. Ken Bressers, who also has a part in the movie, bought the building so that it could be used as a mail-order pharmacy. When the idea for the movie came up, though, the empty space was turned into a movie set.
WINNECONNE, WISCONSIN – BANK INTERIORS
While Omro housed the exterior shots, the interior scenes of the bank were filmed in Winneconne, another nearby Wisconsin town. The filmmakers could use local architecture that fit the film’s tone. Winneconne’s quiet, small-town atmosphere fit the production’s theme and helped scenes flow.
HOMETOWN HEROES AND LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Local pharmacist and theater veteran Ken Bressers is a key figure in the production. His relationship with Tony Award-winning town sheriff Anthony Crivello dates to the 1970s. Their long-standing friendship played a pivotal role in bringing this production to life.
Several local businesses in Omro were also featured in the film. A diner, a bait-and-tackle shop, real Omro fire engines, and even local police vehicles and officers made appearances. Residents didn’t just open their doors—they stepped in as extras, set decorators, and more.
Actress Cali Felix, a native of Omro, was part of the cast, along with Wisconsin locals like Heather Arendt (Green Bay) and Kristin McCabe (Sheboygan). Their involvement gave the movie a uniquely authentic flavor.
THE COMMUNITY BEHIND THE CAMERA
Omro felt proud and excited when movies were filmed there. Crivello said that the community’s support was overwhelming and a big reason why the movie was finished so quickly. People from all over the area lent props, locations, and even their time, which made the production very much a part of the community.
The budget was only supposed to be $1.2 million, but it ended up being much less than that thanks to cooperation from the locals and a quick filming schedule. The finished movie was first called Omro, and it won awards at the 2024 Milwaukee Independent Film Awards. It was then renamed The Omro Heist to make it more appealing to a wider audience.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
Stay tuned to netfilming.com for all the latest updates and filming news.
Primitive War 2025 Filming Locations: Where the Dinosaur War Movie Was Shot in Australia
