KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas today celebrated another record-setting year for the city’s growing film industry, as the Kansas City Film Office reported an estimated $24.3 million in regional economic impact from productions filmed between January and October 2025.
“Over the past decade, Kansas City has built one of the most dynamic local film industries in the country,” said Mayor Lucas. “Our incentive programs are creating real jobs, as well as driving business growth in the community. We’re excited to continue strengthening Kansas City’s reputation as a national hub for creative talent and storytelling.”
The Kansas City Film Office, housed within the Mayor’s Office, tracks the regional impact of film, television, and commercial projects supported by the City’s local film incentive program. Since its creation eight years ago, the incentive has leveraged significant private investment. Most recently, $8 million in direct production spending in exchange for just over $500,000 in City rebates.
“Each production filmed here supports our local crews, small businesses, and hospitality industry,” said KC Film Office Director Rachel Kephart. “We’ve seen a steady rise in interest since Missouri reinstated its state film incentive in 2023. The combined City and State programs make Kansas City one of the most competitive filming destinations in the U.S.”
In the last two years, Kansas City has attracted more than 15 major productions, including 11 feature films and three television series. Notable projects include the upcoming Apple TV+ production of Ted Lasso and Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, the most-watched cable movie of 2024.
That momentum continues this week with the premiere of Hallmark’s A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, which airs Saturday at 7 p.m. on the Hallmark Channel. A significant portion of the movie was filmed in Kansas City, which features recognizable locations across the metro.
With each new project, Kansas City continues expanding its creative workforce and delivering measurable economic returns to the region.
