Southwest Missouri, August 19, 2024 — The newly established Southwest Missouri Film Office (SWMFO) is officially open for business, marking a significant milestone for the region’s creative and economic landscape. Located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, the SWMFO aims to become a central hub for filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals. “It has been amazing seeing the growth of the regional film industry over the past few years.” Says Operations Director David Carr. “There are a lot of amazing organizations and people that have helped grow the efforts to establish a strong film industry in Southwest Missouri, and we are proud to be one of those organizations.”
The SWMFO provides support to film and television projects, and serves as a catalyst for
regional economic growth, fostering job opportunities in the film industry, and showcasing the Missouri Ozarks’ unique assets. The opening of the SWMFO comes at a time when the film and entertainment industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation, with production increasingly taking place outside of LA. With a diverse range of picturesque settings, including rolling hills, vibrant urban areas, and charming small towns, Southwest Missouri offers a unique canvas for storytelling. By partnering with state and local organizations and leveraging the region’s natural beauty, the SWMFO aims to make the area a sought-after destination for filmmakers.
"I am more than excited to see the robust creative economy of the region grow. We established The SW Missouri Film Office to leverage the economic development opportunity for SW Missouri that the Missouri Film Tax Incentive offers. In addition, we want to reverse the brain drain that has seen our best and most talented film students leave for other states by bringing those jobs back to Missouri." said Monty Dobson, President, Board of Directors of the Ozarks Film Foundry.
SWMFO is a resident company of the Gillioz with an office on THETHIRDFLOOR, a partnership between The Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment and the Hatch Foundation. SWMFO is a part of the Ozarks Film Foundry, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to forging a movement that leads to sustainable industries in film, television, and new media production in the Missouri Ozarks. “I am very, very excited to be able to stand down in front of the amazing Gillioz Theater and point to the third floor and say ‘this is where it all started’”said Ken Childers, Director of Outreach.
Media Contact: Ken Childers
Director of Communications,
The Ozarks Film Foundry
ken@ozarksfilmfoundry.org
417.631.1088
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