Kansas City’s creative economy is experiencing a meaningful boost, with film, television, adn commercial productions injecting $24 million into the region, according to data released by the Kansas City Film Office. The surge in projects-including 11 feature films and three television series over the past two years-highlights the growing appeal of Kansas City as a filming destination.
The economic impact stems from the City’s local film incentive program,established eight years ago. The program has leveraged substantial private investment, most recently generating $8 million in direct production spending in exchange for $500,000 in City rebates. This influx of capital supports local businesses and creates job opportunities within the creative sector.
Notable productions contributing to the boom include the upcoming Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso,” filmed in part at Gates BBQ, and Hallmark’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” which became the most-watched cable movie of 2024. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas recently emphasized that the “Ted Lasso” filming serves as another success story for the city’s tax credit pitch.
The Kansas City Film Office continues to track the regional impact of these projects, demonstrating the effectiveness of the incentive program in attracting and supporting a thriving film community. Further details on the program and its impact can be found through the City’s resources and related reporting on Startland News.
