Prof. Willmott and Hallmark Channel encourage Kansas film tax credit
On paper, Kevin Willmott and Hallmark movies are about as different as can be.
Willmott, a Kansas native and professor of film at the University of Kansas, won an Academy Award for his writing of the movie "BlacKkKlansman."
Hallmark Media, based within shouting distance of Kansas in Kansas City, has become infamous for its escapist, romantic comedy romps, often set in cozy, snowy small towns.
But both are united in support for Kansas reinstating a tax credit for TV and film productions, a move that supporters say is necessary to reignite the industry in the state.
Such a move would provide Willmott and Hallmark the potential inducement they need to film their flicks in Kansas. Willmott said it would come at a key time for the industry, which is increasingly moving out of Hollywood and using an array of locations for production.
"The film business has changed," he said, testifying before the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this month. "Movies are shot in the place with the best incentive because the film business, like any other business, is motivated first by profit."