How The Incentive Works

We're thrilled to announce that tax incentive passed and was signed by Governor Mike Parson July 6th, 2023.  The Show MO Act will go into effect August 28th, 2023.  The Missouri Film Office will soon be open for applications. We came together to invest in the future of our innovative and lucrative industry!

FILM IN MO worked with bill sponsors Sen. Denny Hoskins (R) and Rep. Kurtis Gregory (R) to champion our industry and shape legislation that fits Missouri. We are now joining the 38 other states that offer incentives to film and TV production. 

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.

· 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.

The Show MO Act creates an opportunity for film and television production companies to apply for a tax incentive, where a percentage of their spending would qualify. 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.

This incentive program will build up Missouri-based talent to keep them creating content in their home state. 

The Show MO Act Highlights:

• The bill creates a tax incentive, it is not a tax break. Tax incentives are financially different. Missouri makes more money in both taxes and for the real economy of its citizens by having film and series productions come here, rather than by having no film production at all. Most states have film incentive programs and some even have industry development programs. This incentive is to make Missouri competitive again.

• The bill has accountability and transparency built in. Projects are not politically brokered, they have to be approved and audited.  Production companies want operations to be clean and smooth, not bogged down in scandals, so does Film in Missouri.  Missouri would not pay the production companies any money on the front-end and everything is accounted for, ethical and pulls from the best and most effective ideas from other states.

• It helps all of Missouri, rural and urban economies. Film productions are not just good for big cities. Films and series set in rural areas or raw nature are often interested in Missouri's small towns and natural scenery for their charm, character, and cinematic look. Small towns, small cities, big cities, everyone wins with more entertainment industry in Missouri.

• FILM IN MO / The Missouri Motion Media Association, and the bill it supports, is both non-partisan and bipartisan, not Republican or Democrat. The bill is not conservative or liberal, it is not red team or blue team, it is practical and for all. Film in Missouri is good for all of Missouri. Film in MO is about improving Missouri's economy for everyone, plus making entertaining art is fun.

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

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.)