The Surprising Rise of St. Louis as a Film Industry Powerhouse
If you’ve been following the film industry, you’ve probably noticed the usual suspects: Hollywood, New York, Atlanta. But here’s a curveball—St. Louis is quietly emerging as a major player, and not just because of its iconic Gateway Arch. A recent study by Giggster, an online platform for film locations, ranks St. Louis as the No. 1 city in the U.S. for real pay in film production jobs. Yes, you read that right—St. Louis beats Hollywood. Personally, I think this is one of those stories that makes you pause and rethink everything you thought you knew about the industry.
What’s Behind the Numbers?
The reason St. Louis tops the list isn’t just about local wages; it’s about the intersection of national union rates and the city’s lower cost of living. Film production wages are set by national unions based on a movie’s budget, not the local economy. This means a crew member in St. Louis earns the same as their L.A. counterpart but gets to stretch that paycheck much further. From my perspective, this is a classic case of economic arbitrage—a win-win for both workers and the city.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it’s reshaping the industry’s geography. Kelley Hiatt, St. Louis’ film commissioner, notes that many L.A. transplants are moving back to St. Louis, realizing they can afford a much higher quality of life. One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer scale of this migration—it’s not just a trickle; it’s a trend. This raises a deeper question: Could St. Louis become the next big hub for film talent?
The Role of Incentives and Hospitality
St. Louis isn’t just relying on its cost of living advantage. The state’s resurrected film tax credits, approved in 2023, are playing a huge role. Missouri now offers up to $8 million annually for both movies and TV productions. But here’s the kicker: incentives alone aren’t enough. As Variety recently pointed out, productions are increasingly looking for local talent and hospitality.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how St. Louis is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for filmmakers. Hiatt’s office at Explore St. Louis is streamlining the process, from securing permits to opening doors to unique locations. This level of support is rare, and word of mouth is spreading fast. What this really suggests is that St. Louis isn’t just competing on price—it’s competing on experience.
The Broader Implications
If you take a step back and think about it, St. Louis’ success isn’t just a local story; it’s a reflection of broader shifts in the industry. The rise of mid-sized cities as film hubs challenges the traditional dominance of Hollywood and New York. What many people don’t realize is that this trend could democratize the industry, giving more people access to opportunities without forcing them to relocate to expensive coastal cities.
In my opinion, this also speaks to the growing importance of regional identity in filmmaking. St. Louis’ unique locations and talent pool offer something different—a fresh perspective that’s hard to find in overused L.A. backdrops. This isn’t just about economics; it’s about creativity and diversity in storytelling.
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for St. Louis? With productions like Chasing Summer and Jacob Beats Up Nate already filming there, the momentum is undeniable. Hiatt hints at more mid-sized productions on the horizon, and the city’s 7% growth in film-related employment since 2023 is a strong indicator of its potential.
But here’s the thing: St. Louis’ success isn’t guaranteed. The industry is fickle, and maintaining this momentum will require continued investment and innovation. Personally, I think the city has what it takes—its combination of economic advantages, incentives, and hospitality is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
St. Louis’ rise as a film industry powerhouse is more than just a feel-good story; it’s a blueprint for other cities looking to carve out their niche. It challenges us to rethink where and how films are made, and it reminds us that talent and opportunity aren’t limited to the coasts.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: the future of film might not be in Hollywood—it might just be in the heartland. And that, in my opinion, is a story worth watching.
