Kansas City Film Commission
The Kansas City Film Commission was established in the 1990s by local producer Patti Broyles with the goal of leveraging the city’s unique attributes to attract film productions. By 1994, Broyles developed a budget and collaborated with Missouri and Kansas Film Commissions to create attractive incentives, successfully drawing major film projects to the area. During her leadership, Kansas City contributed approximately $80 million to the local economy through film work. Although the commission closed in 2004 due to inadequate support, efforts to revive it began in 2011, leading to its reopening in 2014 with a modest budget. Recently, under the leadership of Director Rachel Kephart, the commission has focused on maximizing incentives to restore Kansas City’s reputation as a premier filming destination, resulting in multiple upcoming major projects and a renewed commitment to fostering the local creative film industry.
News Summary
Kansas City is witnessing a resurgence as a go-to filming location, driven by competitive incentives attracting filmmakers. With the highest production incentives in the nation, local industry leaders are optimistic about Hollywood’s renewed interest. Recent projects, including the hit Hallmark movie ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’, highlight the city’s potential to blend local talent and resources with major film productions, revitalizing the local economy and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
Kansas City is experiencing a resurgence as a premier filming destination, attributed to revamped and competitive incentives designed to attract filmmakers. With the highest incentive percentage in the nation for production, local industry leaders are optimistic about the city’s increasing appeal to Hollywood.
In recent years, Kansas City has successfully lured production companies back to the area, leading to significant economic benefits. Current selections for film shoots include notable titles such as “Boris Is Dead” and various Hallmark projects. The recent Hallmark movie, “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” filmed in July 2024, has notably become the most-watched cable movie of the year, showcasing Kansas City’s potential as a filming hub.
The revival of the Kansas City Film Commission is pivotal in this comeback. Initially established in the 1990s by local producer Patti Broyles, the commission aimed to capitalize on the city’s unique attributes. By 1994, Broyles had developed a budget and collaborated with both the Missouri and Kansas Film Commissions, creating incentives that successfully attracted major film projects. During her leadership, Kansas City became a go-to location for several successful films, contributing an estimated $80 million to the local economy before the commission closed in 2004 due to inadequate support.
After a hiatus, efforts to rekindle interest in local filmmaking were reignited by a task force report commissioned by former Mayor Sly James in 2011, underscoring the economic advantages of film production. By 2014, the film commission was reopened, albeit with a modest budget of $50,000 derived from tourism tax dollars and new leadership. The recent director, Rachel Kephart, has further emphasized the renewal of the film incentives, seeking to draw in filmmakers once again.
This renewed confidence has translated into tangible results. With Kansas City positioned as the highest incentive provider for film production, the city is poised to host twelve major projects in the upcoming years. The collaboration between local government, industry professionals, and emerging talent forms a robust framework for future film endeavors.
The incentives are designed to not only attract large-budget productions but also to utilize local talent and resources, ensuring that both the film industry and the Kansas City economy benefit mutually. As Hollywood turns its gaze back to this Midwestern city, industry stakeholders remain committed to fostering a vibrant artistic community that can support both established and new projects.
In conclusion, Kansas City’s reemergence as a film destination showcases its commitment to fostering creative industries while bolstering its economy. As recent productions highlight the city’s unique capabilities and film-friendly environment, the future looks promising for local filmmakers and the broader community alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Kansas City Becomes Top Filming Destination
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Casting Opportunities for Aspiring Actors in Kansas City
Kansas City Invites Extras for Hallmark Movie
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Magazine: Kansas City’s Filmmaking Heyday
- KSHB: Kansas City Mayor Notes Growth in Film Industry
- KCTV5: Kansas City’s Film Scene Is a Rising Star
- KCTV5: Banner Year for KC Film Office
- Fox4kc: Rooftop Movie Theater Coming to Crossroads
- Wikipedia: Kansas City Film Industry
- Google Search: Kansas City Film Incentives
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Filmmaking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City Film
- Google News: Kansas City Film Productions
