'Huge uptick' in film production in Missouri after resumption of tax credits

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri officially went back into the film industry earlier this year when the "Show Mo Act" and the "Entertainment Jobs Industry Act" went into effect in January .

In summer of 2023, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson officially signed both bills into law, reinstating a tax credit for certain expenses related to the production of TV and film projects. Missouri previously had a tax incentive for TV production projects but have not had one since the previous one expired in 2013.

The last major film shot in Missouri was “Gone Girl” in 2013, according to lawmakers.

Since the tax credit has been reinstated, Missouri has seen more movies being filmed across the state.

"Since the tax credit was passed this past fall we've seen a huge uptick," said Explore St. Louis Film Office Manager Kelley Hiatt on Total Information A.M. "There's been 12 productions that have been approved for the use of the tax credit, which is incredible."

Hiatt, who was named manager back in 2023 , says the "Show MO Act" tax credit put St. Louis back on the board for filmmakers and it has been major incentive for filmmakers not just during filming.

"It's not just physical production, it also goes to post-production. So some of our local production hubs that maybe film outside of town but bring the work back to do the post are also utilizing it." said Hiatt. "And that's a really incredible resource and something that actually helps us stand out against other states."

Hiatt says film productions typically avoid regions without a tax credit, unless the project is privately funded.

Hiatt says Missouri business owners can explore the ability to buy and sell the tax credit, even if they aren't in the production business.

"So, not only are you funding a production, putting people to work and there's an economic trickle down for that, you're also putting it back into your own business." said Hiatt. "So it's kind of like a double. It's a really, really great, great piece of the initiative that I think people need to explore."