As we kick off 2026, we are taking time to look back on what was a standout year for the Kansas City film industry. Throughout 2025, Kansas City saw remarkable growth, with more production, more opportunities for local crew, and increased national recognition. More projects than ever took advantage of the local incentive, creating work for Kansas City based crew members across the metro. High profile productions, including the upcoming season of Ted Lasso, reinforced what we have long known. Kansas City is ready to compete at the highest levels.
That growth delivered real results. In 2025, the Kansas City film industry reached a record-breaking economic impact of more than $24 million, reflecting the continued expansion of production activity and infrastructure. At the same time, we saw new businesses open within the film and production space, further strengthening the resources available to filmmakers and crews working in the region. To support this increased activity, the Film Office welcomed a new staff member, Taylor Thompson, this past summer, expanding our capacity to serve productions and meet the growing needs of the industry.
With production on the rise, building and supporting a skilled local workforce remained a priority. Crew development expanded through a mix of structured training and ongoing mentorship, with multiple programs receiving state approval as apprenticeship pathways. The first annual Production Assistant Training Lab, led by producer Natalie Cordray, offered hands on instruction in set etiquette, walkie use, and on set workflow, while qualifying participants for Missouri’s tax incentive apprentice program. In addition, specialized trainings hosted at Lights On KC and Prime Light were also approved by the state as apprenticeship programs. Paired with informal mentoring provided year-round by experienced local crew, these efforts helped ensure productions were supported by prepared and confident professionals.
Kansas City also hosted learning opportunities rarely accessible outside major production markets. In 2025, the city welcomed the HBO Camera Assessment Series, organized by Lucky Duck Camera House and held at Screenland Armour. This unique experience gave local crew members direct access to high level technical knowledge and hands-on exposure to leading camera systems, offering insight that is not easily available in most communities.
Beyond production and training, 2025 was a strong year for festivals, community engagement, and filmmaker support. The Kansas City Film Office proudly supported the fourth year of the Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grant, administered by ArtsKC, with grant recipients announced in October. The program continues to honor Teri Rogers’ legacy by investing directly in local filmmakers and original storytelling.
February brought the debut of the Reel Black Film Festival, brought to life by Kansas City PBS. The festival introduced an important new platform that celebrates Black voices and stories while expanding access for both filmmakers and audiences. Kansas City’s festival landscape continued to grow with KC FilmFest International celebrating its 29th year, alongside the continued success of Panic Fest, which marked its 12th year in 2025. Founded by Screenland Armour and Downright Creepy, Panic Fest remains a major draw for genre fans and filmmakers from around the world. The Bird Watching Film Festival also continued to evolve into a three-day international event, screening bold, independent, and underground films from throughout the region and providing space for emerging voices.
The broader community found even more ways to engage with the film industry this year. The unveiling of Atlas9 and the opening of the Rooftop Cinema Club created new experiences for local audiences to enjoy film and connect with the creative culture growing in Kansas City.
National recognition followed. In 2025, Kansas City was named one of the Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker by MovieMaker Magazine for the seventh year in a row, a distinction that reflects both the strength of the local industry and the collaborative spirit behind it.
2025 highlighted a film ecosystem that continues to grow from every angle. From production and economic impact to workforce development, festivals, new businesses, and community spaces, Kansas City closed the year with momentum and optimism. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the progress made and excited for what is still to come.
