Lawmakers and industry back combining film/TV tax-credit buckets and extending sunset to spur more productions

Representatives Colin Wallenkamp and Jeff Vernetti told the committee their bills would make Missouri's film and television tax incentive more competitive by combining two $8 million buckets into one $16 million pool and extending the program’s sunset to 2035. "If it's simply one bucket with $16 million, the industry can decide for itself which one they want to use," Wallenkamp said, arguing the change would avoid forcing productions into an artificial choice that can drive projects to other states.

Industry witnesses testified the incentive has already increased activity. Witnesses said approximately $15.7 million of the $16 million pool was expended last year, cited a roughly 36–38% return on investment for the state and offered examples of local business benefits. Kelly Hyatt, director of the St. Louis film office, described local entrepreneurs, caterers and equipment rental businesses that have expanded because of filming. Rachel Kephart of the Kansas City Film Office and other witnesses described productions that chose Missouri over neighboring states because of the incentive.

Committee members probed utilization rates, whether the credits are fully exhausted each year and what infrastructure — such as permanent studio space — is needed to retain productions. Andrea Sporsec Lund of the Missouri Film Office testified about workforce rules in the program, including a requirement that productions employ at least two registered apprentices or Missouri veterans and a 5% uplift for projects in rural or enterprise-zone areas to encourage filming outside major cities.

Supporters emphasized that combining buckets and extending the sunset would help Missouri compete with states that offer larger or uncapped incentives.

No formal opposition was recorded in the hearing; members said they would follow up on details about utilization and local infrastructure.