Mayor: Film projects roll $24M into region’s creative economy as KC productions boom

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.

ICYMI: Entrepreneur featured on Hallmark show finds identity beyond motherhood (with help from Connie Britton and her own KC Team Mom)

“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