22-02-2025
What's new and what's next for Missouri's film industry?
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Nearly a year and a half since Missouri's new tax credit program took effect to attract more filmmakers, the state's film industry appears to be gaining momentum.
In August 2023, Missouri reintroduced a tax incentives program for film and TV production through the Show MO Act, aiming to bring more film productions to the state and encourage productions based on Missouri settings to actually film in the state.
This ended a decade-long lapse since Missouri's previous tax credit program expired in 2013. The gap led to Missouri missing out on some major opportunities, including Netflix's hit series 'Ozark,' which is based on the Missouri Ozarks but was primarily filmed in Georgia due to competitive tax incentives.
According to the Missouri Division of Tourism, more than 40 projects have been approved since the launch of the tax incentives, with many more expected in the upcoming years.
And the tax incentives aim to do more than just attract filmmakers. They could help create opportunities for local talent and boost businesses that support the industry, such as those involved with cameras, equipment, trailer rentals and professional training services.
So what's new and what's next for Missouri's film industry? Katie Blake, a public relations specialist for the Missouri Division of Tourism, speaking on behalf of the Missouri Film Office, recently shared some updates with FOX 2.
QUESTION: How are things looking broadly for getting films produced in Missouri since the tax credit law passed in 2023?
ANSWER: 'Missouri has definitely seen a marked increase in film and television production since the tax credit passed, and we have heard good things from producers about their experiences in Missouri. In fact, we have already had producers come back for a second project in the short time the incentive has existed because they enjoyed filming in Missouri so much.'
'The incentive also allows us to compete for larger budgeted projects. We had several over $1 million budgeted projects last year. That was not the case before the incentive.'
QUESTION: What should people expect with Missouri and the film industry in 2025?
ANSWER: 'You can expect more feature and television production in the state of Missouri. In 2024, the Missouri Film Office approved 39 projects for the Motion Media Production Tax Incentive Program, and we expect to meet or exceed that again this year.'
'There have already been four applications submitted to the Film Office in January. Two films and one series produced in Missouri in 2024 have already premiered: Hallmark's 'Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,' Lifetime's 'Girl in the Garage' and Max's 'Second Chance Stage.'
'We do expect more releases this year and will share information on specific titles and releases when we receive them.'
QUESTION: HBO recently announced a limited-edition series called 'DTF St. Louis' starring Jason Bateman, though production is reportedly set in Georgia. What does this mean for the Missouri filming industry?
ANSWER: 'We have been in contact with the production, and are aware that they plan to film in Georgia. However, we do know that there will be many projects filming in the St. Louis area as well as around the state. We believe that the Missouri film industry will stay busy regardless of where that particular production films.'
QUESTION: What more can be done to promote Missouri as an appealing destination for filmmakers?
ANSWER: 'Our mission is to market Missouri as a premier destination for filmmaking and to uplift our local film industry. We do that through strategic marketing partnerships with industry publications, in-person marketing events at conferences, film marketplaces and film festivals, and working directly with studios and producers to bring more films to the state.'
The Show MO Act authorizes the following tax credit incentives for filmmakers:
20 percent tax credit for all qualifying film productions
An additional 5 percent tax credit if more than 50 percent of the production is filmed in Missouri
An additional 5 percent tax credit if at least 15 percent of the production is filmed in a rural or blighted area
An additional 5 percent tax credit if a certain number of Missouri residents are hired onto these productions
An additional 5 percent tax credit if the production depicts the state or region in a positive light
The Missouri Film Office cannot authorize more than $16 million in tax credits for a project in any given tax year.
To qualify, production companies must first apply with the state and demonstrate they have secure financing for their project. Once approved, and after filming takes place in Missouri, they must undergo an independent audit from a Missouri-license CPA to verify spending.
After that, the state conducts a secondary audit to ensure that funds were used appropriately and the production fulfilled its commitments. From there, if all other procedures are verified, the state issues the approved tax credits to the production company.
This tax incentive program runs through Dec. 31, 2030, though Missouri lawmakers will have an opportunity to reauthorize it prior to then.
With growing interest from filmmakers, Missouri's film industry appears poised for growth through the tax credit program. Time will tell how much more Missouri can make a name for itself in Hollywood.
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