It's a big win for those hoping to bring Hollywood to Kansas City.
The city's new incentive program to get movies made here reeled in its first big catch - a new independent film, All Creatures Here Below, that will start filming here by the end of the month.
"There was a little more reason to come, actually film in Kansas City," said producer Amy Greene.
That reason? Money.
All Creatures is the first movie to receive Kansas City's new movie making subsidy, which will put $60,000 back in the film makers' pockets.
"What that means for us as a city is that we're communicating to the industry that we're open for business, that we will welcome your business, that we want your business," said Steph Scupham, Visit KC's film manager.
The new program makes KC the only city in America to offer a rebate that's not also supported by a state incentive.
Missouri and Kansas are among the few states that still offer nothing to filmmakers.
While some believe the subsidies are too high of a price to pay, Scupham says that means KC could still miss out on much of the money Hollywood film crews could bring in.
"They're not just here for a weekend convention, but they're here anywhere from one month to two months, working eating, dining, visiting attractions," said Scupham.
But she says the new city incentive is a start in getting more movies made here and getting more of Kansas City on the big screen.
"It's a bonus for everyone because we get the authenticity being in a place where the story takes place and also it makes sense financially for us," said Greene of All Creatures.
For those looking to learn more about the new local film incentive, there's a panel discussion about it Thursday at 7 p.m. at StagePort. Both Greene and Scupham will be available to answer questions.
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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.
