Lawmakers are considering legislation that would keep the cameras rolling in Missouri and bring more movie and TV productions to the Show Me State.
SB 1079, sponsored by Sen. Kurtis Gregory (R-Marshall), would strengthen Missouri’s motion media production tax credit program.
Under current law, $8 million annually is allocated for film productions and $8 million for television series. Gregory’s bill would combine those amounts into a single $16 million annual cap, eliminating the separate limits for film and TV series projects and allowing greater flexibility to attract productions of all kinds.
The bill would also extend the program’s sunset date from December 31, 2029, to December 31, 2035 — providing longer-term certainty for the industry and helping Missouri remain competitive for future film and television investments.
During a hearing before the Senate Economic and Worforce Development Committee, film producer Cole Payne told lawmakers that thanks to this incentive, he was able to stay in his home state to make movies.
“I’ve brought six productions to Missouri and spent millions of dollars here,” Payne said. “This incentive also equalizes the state, not just one area. I’ve shot films in Branson, Westphalia, Folk, High Point and California. Thanks to this tax credit, apprentice training programs are being done here, and I’ve hired people directly out of those programs to work on my productions.”
Missouri Chamber Director of Government Affairs Chance Hepola said the Missouri Chamber was proud to support the creation of the Motion Media Production Tax Credit program in 2023 and is even more proud of the impact it’s delivering.
According to the Missouri Film Office and the Department of Economic Development’s Business Opportunities Division, 54 productions qualified for the program in 2025, investing $40.7 million in Missouri’s economy. This money supported hundreds of Missouri vendors and small businesses that served the productions. The projects also employed 2,154 Missouri residents in cast and crew positions.
“Filmmakers and producers are looking for new opportunities outside of traditional hubs like Hollywood, so we understand Missouri is on the cusp of something great with this opportunity,” Hepola said.
Similar legislation has been filed in the House with HB 2058, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Vernetti (R- Camdenton), and HB 2142, sponsored by Rep. Colin Wellenkamp (R- St. Charles).
For more information, contact Hepola at chepola@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
