Kansas remains one of the few states in the U.S. without film production incentives, a missed opportunity that industry leaders argue is costing the state both economic growth and local talent. While nearby states like Oklahoma and Missouri have attracted productions with competitive tax credits, Kansas has yet to implement a program that could generate millions in direct spending and job creation.

That could change this year. Senate Bill 52, a film tax incentive proposal backed by economic development organizations, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and a coalition of film professionals, is making its way through the legislative process. The bill would create the Kansas Film and Digital Media Production Development Program, offering a 30% tax credit on qualified production and post-production expenses—a model successfully used in 40 other states.

The Road to Incentives in Kansas

This isn’t the state’s first attempt at attracting film and television production. A tax incentive bill passed both chambers of the Legislature in 2024 with overwhelming support—102-22 in the House and 32-5 in the Senate—only to be vetoed as part of Gov. Laura Kelly’s broader rejection of tax break bills.

Now, SB 52 is gaining traction once again. The proposed program would allocate $10 million per year in tax credits, with at least 10% reserved for Kansas-based production companies. The initiative is designed to reward productions that invest in the state, offering enhanced incentives for multi-film deals, television series, large-scale productions, and projects that contribute to Kansas’ film infrastructure or workforce.

A Creative Brain Drain

For Kansas filmmakers and actors, the fight for incentives is about more than economics—it’s about keeping creative talent from leaving the state.

“Kansas does not make it easy for its creative young people to stay here,” said Kristin ‘Kiki’ Bush, an actor from rural Kansas, during a legislative hearing on February 4. “We are unwilling to staunch the creative brain drain by actively telling our kids that it’s better for them to move away. Without incentives, they probably will.”

Kansas already has the building blocks of a thriving film industry. Investments in production facilities at Wichita State University, Kansas State University-Salina, and the 50-acre underground film preservation and restoration facility in Hutchinson highlight the state’s potential.

A Business-Driven Approach

The push for tax incentives isn’t just about Hollywood—it’s about economic impact. Productions bring a surge in local spending, from hiring Kansas-based crews to booking hotels, renting equipment, and purchasing services from local businesses.

“You come in and you spend money on a production in a state,” said Stuart Little, a lobbyist for Grow Kansas Film. “You do the qualified expenditures. You follow the rules. You get an audit. You get done. You can collect 30% of a tax credit.”

For advocates, passing SB 52 is a win-win for Kansas—an opportunity to create jobs, attract outside investment, and finally put the state on the map as a serious player in the film and television industry.

“I believe our landscapes and our people’s stories are worthy enough to compete with other states,” Bush added. “Our stories are worthy enough to film.”

Now, it’s up to Kansas lawmakers to decide whether the state is ready to claim its share of the booming entertainment economy—or continue watching productions go elsewhere.