We need to come together and invest in the future of our innovative and lucrative industry. At this time, there are no tax incentives in Missouri, while 38 other states have programs to attract productions. Without a statewide film incentive, we don't even have a seat at the table. We won't attract film and TV businesses or keep existing talent in the state with no incentive. Let's change that with the Show MO Act!
FILM IN MO is working with bill sponsors Sen. Denny Hoskins (R) and Rep. Kurtis Gregory (R) to champion our industry and shape legislation that fits Missouri. Each committee was receptive to our desire to create a level playing field with the other 38 states that offer incentives and curious how this incentive works. We hope to see both of these bills voted out of committee in the weeks ahead. We have relied on the strategy created by Husch Blackwell Strategies, our FILM IN MO lobby firm, to give us the best chance to be successful this 2023 session.
· House Bill 675 Show Mo Act is sponsored by Rep. Kurtis Gregory. This is a $16 million dollar tax credit incentive. This bill provides a base 20% tax credit incentive with the possibility of additional 5% incentive bumps for other specific criteria.
· Senate Bill 94 Show Mo Act is sponsored by Sen. Denny Hoskins. This bill offers an 8 million annual cap for film and an 8 million annual cap for episodic, provides a base 20% tax credit incentive with the possibility of additional 5% incentive bumps for other specific criteria.
We will need your help to galvanize support across the state in the weeks ahead. Please sign our petition, become a member and reach out to your representatives to share a personal story about why film incentives could give you opportunities to advance your career in film & TV.
The Show MO Act is a currently a bill that creates an opportunity for film and television production companies to apply for a tax incentive, where a percentage of their spending would qualify. If the bill is passed in the Missouri House and Senate and signed into law by the Governor in 2023, Missouri can use this tool to attract film and television businesses to the state.
The Department of Economic Development decides which productions are approved. After the production is approved and filming takes place in Missouri, there is an audit to verify expenses qualify as a Missouri direct spends. If the production company does not have any tax liability in Missouri, the tax credit can be sold to other Missouri businesses. The larger the tax incentive pool, the more productions that can come to Missouri and spend money in Missouri. Series are particularly economically beneficial, because they can shoot a season and come back for years. That's an on-going economic windfall that creates high paying jobs, infrastructure and production expenses to Missouri. Since 2013, Missouri has had no statewide incentives for films or series. We are losing business to states, like Oklahoma, Arkansas and Georgia, plus 35 other states with incentives.
We need an incentive to build up Missouri-based talent to keep them creating content in their home state. Without an incentive, Missouri is simply losing millions could, and should, be getting through attracting business to our state and retaining productions. Our bill would change that and bring film and series production back to Missouri.
The Show MO Act Highlights:
Film Incentive Bills in 2023:
HB 239 Show Missouri Film & Digital Media Act sponsored by Rep. Travis Smith (R), pre-filed 12/1/22
HB 473 Show Mo Act sponsored by Rep. LaDonna Applebaum (D), pre-filed 12/19/22
HB 525 Show Missouri Film & Digital Media Act sponsored by Rep. Jay Mosely (D), pre-filed 12/29/22
HB 675 Show Mo Act sponsored by Rep. Kurtis Gregory (R), filed 1/5/23
SB 52 Show Mo Act sponsored by Sen. Karla Eslinger (R), pre-filed 12/01/22
SB 58 Show Mo Act sponsored by Sen. Doug Beck (D), pre-filed 12/01/22
SB 67 Show Missouri Film & Digital Media Act sponsored by Sen. Angela Mosely (D), pre-filed 12/01/22
SB 94 Show Mo Act sponsored by Sen. Denny Hoskins, pre-filed 12/01/22
Sharp Objects
HBO TV series by Kansas City native Gillian Flynn, who is also producer for the series, starring Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams and directed by Emmy winner Jean Marc Vallee. The series filmed in California and Georgia, even though it is set in Missouri. The show debuted in 2018. Ms. Flynn and the producers are willing to give testimony for a film incentive program for Missouri. Average direct spend-- $350,000/day in Georgia.
Thank You For Your Service
Amblin Entertainment film from the award-winning screenwriter of American Sniper, Jason Hall, about five real life Missouri-area veterans of the Iraq war. Based on a true story and filmed in Atlanta in 2016. Distributed by Dreamworks. $10.3 million direct spend in Georgia.
Ozark
Netflix TV series released in 2017 and was one of the top four streaming shows of that summer. Missouri native/show creator Bill Dubuque (House of Cards), who worked in the Ozarks as a teenager, was inspired to set a fictional story there. The show stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, both of whom were nominated for 2018 Golden Globe and SAG awards for their performances. The series filmed primarily in Georgia, using two lakes to represent Lake of the Ozarks.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Comedy-crime drama film released in 2017 to critical acclaim, capturing Oscar, SAG and Critics Choice awards, starring Francis McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. $15 million direct spend in North Carolina. Set in Missouri, made in another state.
Tulsa King
Tulsa King was originally titled Kansas City and was going to be made in Kansas City, but because Missouri currently has no film incentives they moved the production to Oklahoma and re-titled the show. Tulsa King is an American crime drama television series created by Taylor Sheridan with Terence Winter showrunning for Paramount+. Stallone plays a Mafia capo who just got out of prison and was sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he tries to set up a criminal organization. The production was a big win for Oklahoma's economy, a win that should have been Missouri's.
DIRECT SPEND AVERAGES*
• Feature Film (Studio)
$125,000 -- $260,000/day
• Independent Feature Film
$15,000 -- $110,000/day
• TV Series
$7,500 -- $300,000/day
• Commercial
$25,000 -- $150,000/day
• Corporate/Web Video
$15,000 -- $35,000/day
*Source: Association of Film Commissioners International
MISSOURI BUSINESSES LOSING FILM PRODUCTION BUSINESS
• Hotel and Motel Lodging
• Passenger Car and Van Rental/Transportation • Property expenses, Location Fees
• Gear and equipment
• Crew and Cast Salaries
• Full-Service Restaurants and Catering
• Security and Patrol Services
• Taxi and Limo Services
• Printing and Sign Services
• Venues for Meetings/Events
• Office Rental & Office Supplies
• Housewares and Antique Stores
• Lumber/Hardware Stores
• Gasoline Stations and Convenience Stores
• Attractions (sports, music, museums, parks,
other tourist activities, nightlife, etc.)
There are many others who support our bill and efforts, for many different reasons.
Below we have several testimonials from political leaders and those in the industry explaining why this is so important for not just the film industry, but the state economy on the whole.
Catch a few of these interviews, testimonials, and addresses and see why film in Missouri is good for all of Missouri.
Copyright © 2023 Missouri Motion Media Association - All Rights Reserved.
FILM IN MO - Missouri Motion Media Association
PO Box 1274
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1274
Film in Missouri is good for all of Missouri
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