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
‘More than a thrift store’: Goodwill’s efforts to close digital divide sell an expanded mission — upskilling workers
Editor’s note: The following is the first in a series of stories focused on digital inclusion efforts in Kansas City, and is presented by Google Fiber. Ron Carr’s retirement made him restless, he shared. Wanting to be a valuable player in Kansas City’s economy once again, Carr enrolled in Goodwill’s Digital Skills Training program. “With…
Thrive Homes builds ‘life-changing’ independence for those struggling with mobility, aging in place
The impact of Thrive Homes is as simple as it is profound, said Christian Hill, whose startup taps into state and federal health funds to provide timely home modifications for residents with disabilities and accessibility issues. The Overland Park-based company makes it possible for people with certain health conditions — and those who are experiencing…
She started by getting Black art into Black spaces; now Natasha Ria El-Scari wants all of KC to know what they’ve been missing
A Renaissance woman, Natasha Ria El-Scari — gallerist, curator, poet, spoken word performer, educator, and life coach — has surrounded herself with art throughout her life. However, as the Kansas City native watched her hometown’s art scene flourish and thrive, she noticed not everyone was included. “As the city started to change, and the Crossroads…
Travel on tap: How a KC couple built a self-serve port for international wine lovers north of the river
Grab your wine passport, Russ Johnson said, because this self-serve wine bar allows customers to taste the world one sip at a time. And the technology that makes the business possible? Johnson — a software developer-turned-entrepreneur — built it himself. “Our brand is really focused on going on a vacation and having this world experience —…