Movie, entertainment tax credit moves forward in Senate

ALYSE PFEIL, Missouri News Network

JEFFERSON CITY — Future smash hits “Black Soca” and “Yellowstone” could be one step closer to filming in Missouri.

The Show MO Act and the Entertainment Industry Jobs Act, tax credit programs for film production and concerts, were both approved by the Senate on Tuesday.

Missouri lawmakers have been trying for years to pass an attractive tax credit program for filmmakers. However, since the 2013 film “Gone Girl” was filmed in Cape Girardeau, multiple attempts have failed.

According to Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, Missouri lost $3 billion to Georgia, the state that ended up filming the series “Ozark.” Hoskins is the current bill sponsor. He’s also sponsoring similar bills in 2021 and 2022.

“I know we have broad and varied views on tax credits, and I’m not a big fan of tax credits in general,” Hoskins said. The year ended, and while other states did have plans, Missouri lost its movie business.

The Show MO Act provides a tax credit of 20% of qualifying expenses for film production projects, with additional credits for filming in rural areas, employing Missouri residents, or producing “aggressively marketed” Missouri productions.

Senator Doug Baker (D-Affton) contributed to the bill’s film and concert provisions. Concert regulations include tax credits for rehearsal and travel expenses.

“I don’t think our taxpayers are at any risk,” Baker said.

Under the bill, the tax credit would end if all other state and local governments terminated their incentive programs. Otherwise, the movie tax credit will automatically end in 2029 and the concert tax credit in 2030.

The current version was approved by voice vote with bipartisan support and no opposition. The bill still needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be considered by the House of Representatives.