New program will try to boost film and commercial production in Kansas City

Kansas City has had some success with its local film development office but hopes to foster even more film and commercial work.

To that end, the City Council on Thursday approved a film incentive program and agreed to provide $75,000 in the next budget year beginning May 1.

Companies can apply for rebates from that money if they meet requirements. Projects have the potential to earn up to a 7.5 percent rebate.

“The purpose of the program is to increase the number of film/TV/commercial productions in Kansas City,” Megan Crigger, the city’s director of creative services, said in a news release. She said the program should help create jobs and promote the city as a place for creative business.

Kansas City is also urging the Missouri General Assembly to resurrect a statewide film incentive and development program. The city cited the example of several major films in recent years that had Kansas City as the backdrop but were filmed in Georgia and other states that have robust film incentive offices.

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 3:24 PM with the headline "New program will try to boost film and commercial production in Kansas City."