For 10 years, Missouri offered no incentives for production companies to film in the state. But since 2023, more TV and film crews are coming to Missouri thanks to a tax credit which the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported.
To keep that momentum going, state lawmakers are considering a bill to improve the tax credit program.
Known as the MO Film Enhancement Act, HB 1499, sponsored by Rep. Colin Wellenkamp, (R-St. Charles), would modify the current tax credit caps for qualified film or TV projects. Instead of $8 million for film production and $8 million for TV series production, there would be one single stream of money available that totals $16 million.
In a hearing before the House Economic Development Committee, Wellencamp emphasized that this is not a tax incentive increase, but a change in how the program is structured.
“In its short life, the Show MO Act has led to 40 films – that includes movies, TV and documentaries – being filmed and produced in Missouri that would have otherwise gone to another state,” Wellenkamp said. “I had folks in the industry tell me it would be best to have the money in one pot and let the industry decide what type of project they would do.”
The Show MO Act, which is in place through 2028, offers a 42% tax credit on eligible film productions. To qualify, each project must meet a minimum spend for the length of its script, employ a certain number of Missouri registered apprentices and meet the criteria for a “qualified motion media project,” according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
“Last year alone, film productions working under the tax credit spent more than $33.5 million and employed nearly 1,500 people,” Wellenkamp said.
Film producer Cole Payne, a native of Russellville, Mo., worked on the horror film “The Jester 2,” under Missouri’s tax credit. The film, which wrapped in 2024, was shot in various locations across Columbia, Rocheport and Boonville.
“As a Missourian, it’s nice to be able to stay at home and film,” Payne said.
More than 30 other states have tax credits for film production. Payne said he’d like to show off his home state more, and the credit gives him that chance.
This weekend, Payne and his crew used the Missouri Chamber offices in Jefferson City while filming scenes for an upcoming movie – “The Mortuary Assistant” – on Capitol Avenue.
Missouri Chamber Manager of Governmental Affairs Cade Tremain told the committee it was exciting to watch the crew bring the story to life.
“This legislation would help make Missouri a go-to destination for filmmakers,” Tremain said.
For more information, contact Tremain at ctremain@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
