In early April, a groundbreaking film tax law was passed in Congress that could significantly boost the Missouri film industry. Currently, the legislation awaits the governor’s signature on his desk. This new law holds the potential to revolutionize the state’s film production landscape, positioning it as an attractive destination for the film industry.
In recent years, numerous television shows and movies have been set in Missouri but weren’t filmed in the state. One example is “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017); the title suggests a Missouri setting; the film was primarily shot in North Carolina. Directed by Martin McDonagh, the dark comedy-drama tells the story of a mother seeking justice for her daughter’s murder in the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri. While the film beautifully portrays the essence of Missouri, it missed the opportunity to capture the state’s actual locations during filming.
At Vidzu Media, we see this bill having massive potential. So many in the production community have pushed for legislation to bring tax incentives back to Missouri since they first expired in 2013, and for a good reason – other states’ tax incentives have proven to bring in more jobs, tourism, and cash flow. Vidzu Media would benefit directly from that direct injection of production incentives into our local community. It would give us a launch pad to stage more significant, more ambitious projects for our clients and beyond. In this blog post, we delve into the details of the Missouri film tax law and how it is set to benefit not only us but also the local economy and the filmmaking community.
Enhanced Tax Incentives: The new film tax law introduces incentives to attract film production companies to choose Missouri as their preferred shooting location. The revised legislation offers competitive tax credits, rebates, and exemptions, making it financially advantageous for filmmakers to invest in the state. These incentives encourage local production and potential out-of-state collaborations between Missouri-based talent and the global film industry.
By Incentivizing Film Production in Missouri, the new tax law is expected to create a surge in job opportunities and foster economic growth. The increase in film projects will generate employment for local talent and stimulate various sectors, including hospitality, catering, and retail.
Showcasing Missouri’s Natural Beauty: Missouri is blessed with a diverse range of breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, picturesque rivers, and charming small towns. The new film tax law recognizes the potential of these stunning locations as ideal film sets.
An excellent case is the popular Netflix show “Ozark” (2017), set at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. The show was filmed in various Georgia locations rather than in Missouri. Many locals of the Lake of the Ozarks have expressed disappointment with how the show “Ozark” portrays the residents and fails to capture the true beauty of the Ozarks region.
Nevertheless, the legislation’s provision of tax incentives for productions that highlight the state’s natural beauty encourages filmmakers to choose Missouri, putting its stunning location on the cinematic map. This exposure not only attracts tourists but also boosts revenue, further enhancing the economic impact of the film industry in Missouri.
The passage of the new film tax law marks a significant milestone for the Missouri film industry. By offering enhanced tax incentives, fostering job creation, showcasing the state’s natural beauty, and supporting local talent, the legislation positions Missouri as an attractive destination for filmmakers and production companies. Here at Vidzu Media, we eagerly anticipate these opportunities, and we are confident that this new tax law will propel the Missouri film industry into a new era.