The Show MO Act in Missouri and its Film Industry Continue Hollywood’s Legacy of Neglecting Black Filmmakers

Khalid Abdulqaadir (left) and Cory McCartney (right) Talking During Their Film Production (AGA Production/Instagram) On July 6, 2023, the Show MO ACT was passed–a bill incentivizing filmmakers and production companies to shoot in Missouri through a special tax credit. This has been a long-awaited moment for those in the film industry and residents across Missouri; but several Black filmmakers are ringing the alarm that this bill disproportionately incentivizes filming in white, rural areas of Missouri only.  Filmmakers Khalid Abdulqaadir and Corey McCartney share their plight as two Black filmmakers who have been deliberately overlooked by legislators and media alike in their call for rewriting the most critical components of this bill. A Break Down Of The Show MO Act& According to the Show MO Act also known as SB 94, “For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, a taxpayer shall be allowed a tax credit equal to twenty percent of qualifying expenses.” Additional qualifications allow a film production to receive a tax credit equal to 50 percent of qualifying expenses.& The qualifications that present disproportionate filming are as follows:& #3: “An additional five percent may be earned for qualifying expenses if at least fifteen percent of...