American Ninja Warrior
In May we welcomed back NBC’s American Ninja Warrior to film part of their ninth season right here in Kansas City. There were six days of pre-production for this spectacle and in-between downtime the KC Film Office was able to give the producers and crew a fun time around Kansas City.
We were able to take them to Char Bar for some famous Kansas City barbecue and afterwards we turned the spotlight on them while singing some karaoke at Off Key. Through the night the production crew had countless comments on the friendly vibes of the city and how accommodating the people in KC are.
Production was located in front of the iconic Union Station once again. The aesthetic of ANW comes from shooting at night, during filming the Union Station was illuminated with multicolored lights both inside and out. ANW filmed for two nights with an unexpected third due to inclement weather. We lodged the entire crew around the KC area totaling in over 950 room nights! Though there was a delay in filming the production crew was able to accomplish their objectives.
People from all over came to spectate the ninjas compete on the course. Many families of the competitors were there to show their support, traveling from far and wide. Within the crowd Alex Smith and Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs were enjoying the show with their friends and family.
Among the production crew there were graduates from the KC Arts Institute International – Kansas City. One of them being Shelby Cipolla, who was born right here in KC! Cipolla assisted camera during the filming nights
Notorious vlogger Logan Paul was able to run the course first! Fans came to see Paul in person and he was able to interact with them and the production crew. You can check out his vlog he made in preparation for the run here
As ANW participated in KC’s Film Incentive and with that producers Sean Fitzgibbons and Betsy Greer engaged with the community by putting on a Q & A at the weekly Independent Filmmakers Coalition (IFCKC). The producers we able to speak about their experience during the touring, planning, and production of this show. Also they were able to give some insight on how to progress through the film/television industry. Thanks Sean and Betsy for braving the stage at the IFCKC your insights into the industry were valuable.
Other ANW crew members such as the Co-Executive Producer Kristen Stabile and Director of Photography Adam Biggs were kind enough to film a Film in KC Testimonial video on their experience with filming in Kansas City. Check it out below:
A big thank you to everyone involved with the American Ninja Warrior Season 9 production! Without the community efforts from Union Station, KCPD and Kansas City, this production wouldn’t of been possible. Be sure to watch the Kansas City episodes of America Ninja Warrior on NBC July 3rd and August 14th!