When the red carpet rolls out and the movie stars appears, the world becomes transfixed. For many executives and state officials, this means one thing: dollar signs. As of last year, 31 states, along with Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C. offered some form of television or movie production incentives (MPIs). In the 90s, as the TV and film industry grew, so did worries about “runaway productions”—television shows and movies meant for an American audience but are filmed in other countries in order to cut production costs. In 1997, Canada began the world’s first production incentives program which led to many U.S. productions moving North. Not to be outdone, Louisiana was the first state to implement MPIs in 2001. What are MPIs? Movie production incentives are any sort of bonus offered to filmmakers in order to encourage production in a certain state. MPIs can take many forms: tax credits, cash rebates, grants, sales tax exemption, lodging exemption, or fee-free locations. The idea is that MPIs boost job creation, small business development, tax revenue, and increase tourism in the state. However, there are some in opposition to the implementation of MPIs. A study published by the University of California analyzed the states with the five largest MPI programs: New York, Louisiana, Georgia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The study claims that for the most part, the incentives have had little effect on employment. For states like Missouri, it can be difficult seeing productions like the Netflix series “Ozark” which despite being set in the Show Me State, is filmed in Georgia. Though bills have been proposed to bring film production back to Missouri, nothing has been passed. Do you think Missouri should introduce an MPI program? By Julienne Graebner │ August 17, 2020
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Legend has it that the infamous outlaw Jesse James still has gold buried somewhere deep in a Midwest cave. Columbia filmmaker Adam Boster expands on this local lore with his movie, “Lost Treasure of Jesse James”, a tale full to the brim with action and mystery. Shot completely in mid-Missouri, this coming-of-age story takes inspiration from films like “Indiana Jones” and “The Goonies”. Doniphan James (Riley Sullivan) is a middle school ne’er do well with something to prove. With the help of his best friends, Jackson (Qailen Chambers) and Hope (Megan Sims), tattletale little brother Cricket (Noah Billington), and the flatulent Pippin (Jaidyn Franz), Doniphan sets out deep in the Missouri cave system to unearth the fabled treasure of Jesse James in order to save himself and his friend’s families from an age-old curse. All the while, town despot (Sage Buchanan) and his group of less-than-bright henchmen are hot on the gang’s trail. This movie has something for everyone in your family; horse (and car) chases, shootouts, bank robberies, cute dogs, and an ancient puzzle just waiting to be solved. While “Lost Treasure of Jesse James” is family friendly, the film also serves as a poignant reminder of the issues that still plague rural Missouri, racism and classism. The kids, while young, are aware of their ancestor’s misdeeds. Jackson reminds his friend Doniphan that Jesse James was not a good man, despite his legendary status, saying, “You know, Jesse James did some pretty bad things. He fought for the South.” Through the hardships the gang faces in attempt to clear their family names, the film’s message becomes abundantly clear: nothing is more important than the love you share with your friends and family—but a little bit of adventure sure doesn’t hurt. Watch "Lost Treasure of Jesse James" on GreenLitGo By Julienne Graebner │ August 14, 2020 Child actress Megan Sims and Adam Boster joined KBIA producer Sam Mosher to discuss the cast, the importance of local filmmaking and the family they found through making the film.
Columbia resident Adam Boster has worked in entertainment for three decades as an actor, writer, producer and more. With “Lost Treasure of Jesse James,” his third feature as a director, Boster wanted to bring filmmaking back to his home state of Missouri. Inspired by "Indiana Jones" and "The Goonies," the not-yet-released film takes viewers on an exciting journey with its child cast through forests, caves and mineshafts. By Sam Mosher • Nov 26, 2019 Click here to Listen |
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