Mayor: Film projects roll $24M into region’s creative economy as KC productions boom
November 26, 2025 | Startland News Staff
When Hallmark’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” airs this weekend, Kansas City viewers — and audiences across the globe — will see recognizable locations from throughout the metro, where a significant portion of the movie was filmed. It’s an increasingly common showcase of KC’s versatility, said Quinton Lucas, as the region takes its place on the world stage via creative arts.
“Over the past decade, Kansas City has built one of the most dynamic local film industries in the country,” said Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. “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.”
Promotional photo from “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” on the Hallmark Channel
Ostensibly set in Nashville, “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” — starring Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha and featuring a number of country music stars like Brad Paisley and Megan Moroney — hits screens at 7 p.m. Saturday on the Hallmark Channel and serves as just another example of the region expanding the flexibility of its creative workforce and delivering measurable economic returns, said Rachel Kephart, director of the KC Film Office.
Kephart’s office, housed within the Mayor’s Office, reported an estimated $24.3 million in regional economic impact from productions filmed between January and October 2025 — another record-setting year for the city’s growing film industry.
“Each production filmed here supports our local crews, small businesses, and hospitality industry,” said 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.”
Actors Jeremy Swift, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple and Jason Sudeikis are shown in a promotional photo for “Ted Lasso,” shot inside Gates BBQ in Kansas City; photo courtesy of Apple TV+
In the past 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.
RELATED: ‘Ted Lasso’ filming in KC another win for city’s tax credit pitch, mayor says
The Kansas City Film 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.
RELATED: Film tax incentives give Kansas City more screen time than ever
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Kansas company behind 1-800-GOT-JUNK? integrates home services into one portal (with just one payment)
Lenexa-headquartered Southwind hopes to ease the hassles of home ownership by launching a customizable, comprehensive service program, said Jeffery Anderson. The sprawling home services company — with brands like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and MVP Heating, Cooling, and Electrical — recently introduced OneOS Home, which is an innovative platform designed to revolutionize how homeowners access and manage essential…
Mom’s ‘modern throwback’ dress collection celebrates girlhood, innocence of times past
Inspired by her five daughters, Joelle Smith created a dress line and online boutique she hopes captures the innocence, beauty, and whimsical spirit of young girls — even though hers are now grown. “When they were little girls, I loved watching them put on a dress and just light up and then twirl and play…
Midwest-made crossover artist charts solo success that eluded him when he was young
Sebastian James assumed until recently that his music career had already peaked, the hometown hit-maker shared. In 2011, the 18-year-old Riverside native and Park Hill South graduate started touring the country as the drummer for the Nigel Dupree Band, opening for bands like Korn and Stone Temple Pilots. But this year, at 30, he launched…
Early childhood isn’t a money maker, but can be a money breaker: ECJC initiative links lack of child care to business’ bottom lines
Access to safe and affordable child care is an issue that should concern everyone, Judy Bumpus acknowledged. Research indicates the current capacity to provide child care within the Kansas City metro is only 45 percent, according to the director of client services for the Kansas City Women’s Business Center, with 80,000 children still needing childcare…