About Kansas City
Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri with the 2020 census marking the population at 508,000. The city’s metropolitan area straddles with Missouri/Kansas state line and encompasses suburbs and neighborhoods in both states. The population of the Kansas City MSA is 2.4 million.
The city’s original name was Kansas settled near the confluence of the Missouri and the Kansas rivers. The town of Kansas was incorporated in 1850 shortly after the establishment of the Kansas Territory. The town of Kansas was renamed Kansas City to avoid confusion.
The impact of the Civil War upon Kansas City can be described as volatile. The Confederate States Army won the first battle but was unable to remain a stronghold. The city continued to be occupied by Union troops too strong to assault. The Confederates won the second battle ending with the same result. In the end, the Confederates could not hold either Kansas City or the State of Missouri. Today, residents and businesses carry on seamlessly across the state line as will be evident by the Kansas City film shoot locations offered for rent.
Film Shoot Location Options in Kansas City
The film shoot locations in Kansas City offered by the host owners feature homes, commercial spaces, board rooms, eclectic restaurants and pubs, and open spaces that straddle the state line. This variety of space and style will match the messaging and brand of most film shoots. The companies providing the ancillary services to support a film are located within the Kansas City MSA.
- Set-Up
In this category, you will find help with including rental equipment, set designers, lighting, crews, and technical and troubleshooting support. The delivery, set-up, and breakdown of the equipment can be made a part of the rental agreement. These equipment rental companies have local knowledge and can assist in the scouting, or offer suggestions to, a location prior to a final decision.
- Caterers
To help support your film shoot, hiring a catering company may just be the most important step. Having good food at your indoor set or at a remote location is a specific form of catering with particular attention to detail and the time schedule. The caterers must understand the flow during the shoot and have flexibility in the menu and serving options.
- Permitting
Permits for filming are typically not required in Kansas City, but permits are required if the venues are located within a national park, forest, or monument or in a recreational area, within the Kansas City MSA. If the shoot location is on private property, then evidence of permission agreements and certificates of insurance are required. The website of the Kansas City Film Office lists these designated areas and the contact information of the appropriate person to secure the permission agreements.
Film Shoot Location Companies in Kansas City
It is productive and beneficial to outsource the ancillary services to local companies when you choose your Kansas City location. The products and services will be enhanced by the local knowledge brought to the project. The wage investment and job creation brought into the local economy will strengthen the position when applying for any tax incentives.
- Production HUB
Kansas City is served by this clearinghouse-style of referral services of local companies specializing in the support of film shoots and other types of events. All companies sponsored by the HUB have been vetted. All film shoots located in Kansas City can make use of this worldwide referral system to help assemble a team and equipment package for the set.
- Above and Beyond Catering
Above and Beyond Catering is a full-service catering company located in Kansas City. Whether casual or elegant, the catering service is melded with event planning from concept to conclusion. All menu items are prepared from scratch by chefs using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
- Lights On
The equipment, grip trucks, lighting, and supplies for a film shoot can be rented from Lights On in Kansas City. Lights On has the capability to ship all needed gear to the shoot location as an added scope to the rental agreement. Although a certificate of insurance is not a requirement for rental, a 10% damage waiver will be added to the contract price.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoot Locations in Kansas City
Because no place is perfect, it is important to find out the pros and cons of the city before finalizing any plans for a Kansas City film shoot location. It is always good to know of any obstacles you may run into during your time in the city.
Advantages
- Transportation development
Kansas City has been proactive in planning, and citizens have been forward-thinking with their votes, the bus rapid transit line and a streetcar line linking Downtown to venues, markets, and destinations.
- Climate
Kansas City is in the Midwest and the geographic center of the US. Since there is no significant body of water to moderate the climate, Kansas City has variable swings between hot and cold. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 81°F.
- Scenery
As evident from the film shoot venues offered by the host owners throughout the Kansas City MSA, the variety of scenery and styles will capture the genre, brand, and message of the film shoot. The area is a mix of the new and trendy while conserving the history of the riverfronts and the westward settlers.
Disadvantages
- Film permit costs
Although there is the Kansas City Film Office and no direct fees associated with a film permit, there are many other special permits needed for a film shoot, all with associated fees.
- Climate
This category crosses over into the disadvantage column. The states of Missouri and Kansas are in Tornado Alley. Just like there is no significant body of water to moderate swings in temperature, there are no mountain ranges in the Midwest to temper the effect of the winds.
- Film industry issues
Historically, the film industry has not been a factor in the economy at the local or state levels. This region of the country has no flavor of its own and the scenery could stand in for any non-descript city or neighborhood.
Famous Locations in Kansas City
- Arabia Steamboat Museum
Steamboat Arabia sank in the Missouri River in September of 1856 and was recovered in 1988. Arabia carried over 200 tons of cargo and the personal effects of its passengers and settlers of the American West. The museum exhibits the tools, fine China, children’s toys, and weapons, among other things, to get a glimpse into life in the 1850s and a real-time connection to our history.
- Country Club Plaza
Kansas City is known for its support of the entertainment industry, and this is evident in the Country Club Plaza. The Plaza is a 15-block lifestyle center with a European flair featuring designer shopping, community events, and unique dining experiences. There are tours available through the trendy and shared workspaces to challenge the traditional definition of offices by incorporating the Industrious model. The Country Club Plaza is the ultimate work/play venue.
- Tom’s Town Distillery
In celebration of Kansas City’s notorious Tom Pendergrass, this establishment is the first legal distillery since the prohibition. The distillery hosts tours through the distillation process and offers an overview of the city during the rule of Boss Tom. The distillery is known for its eclectic tasting room and craft cocktails.
