Stepping away from the office is never easy, but Cineposium is one of the rare times when film commissioners from all over the world come together to share ideas, compare challenges, and learn from one another. It’s a space where the people in the room are uniquely qualified to understand the complexities of our work: balancing the needs of productions with the realities of our communities, finding ways to compete globally while serving locally, and pushing to grow creative economies in very different environments.
This year in Cincinnati, one theme came up again and again: productions are continuing to move abroad. Whether it is because of incentives, exchange rates, or simply the cost of doing business in the United States, the pull of international destinations was underscored throughout the conference. Even when it wasn’t the headline of a session, it lingered in the background of nearly every conversation. That reality forces all of us to think about how we can remain competitive beyond just the financial tools we have to offer.
It was encouraging to see examples of jurisdictions finding creative ways to stand out. Some are streamlining permitting to make the production process smoother. Others are investing in infrastructure, workforce training, and technology such as virtual production. Many are leaning into the cultural and narrative identities of their cities, showing that productions can gain more than savings when they choose to film locally. These conversations felt especially relevant to Kansas City because they reflect the strengths we already bring to the table.
One of the advantages of being a growing market is that we are not experiencing the same slowdown that some of our colleagues in larger, more established cities are facing. Our community’s strong foundation in commercial and advertising work, as well as our appeal to unscripted television and independent film, gives us a niche that is not only holding steady but in many ways thriving. These genres are among the few not leaving for Europe, and that puts us in a unique position to grow. Being able to learn from markets that have already expanded their industries while also staying true to the kind of work that sets Kansas City apart gives us a real advantage.
The conference also touched on topics that felt timely for us. Screen tourism was one area of focus, with new research and best practices presented about how destinations can extend the value of productions long after filming wraps. Workforce development was another, with conversations around building more inclusive pipelines and equipping local crews with the skills needed for a rapidly changing industry. Sustainability came through strongly as well, with case studies about how film offices are helping productions reduce waste, use greener vendors, and think differently about their impact. Technology was everywhere, from virtual production to AI-assisted workflows, and served as a reminder of how quickly the production landscape is shifting.
But what struck us most was how useful it is to compare notes in a room full of people who understand the stakes. Larger markets gave us insight into what scaling up looks like and where the pitfalls might be. Offices closer in size to ours provided ideas that felt immediately adaptable, whether it was a new way to handle location requests or a creative community partnership that helped build momentum. These exchanges, both formal and informal, are part of what makes taking this time away worth it.
Coming home, we feel energized. Cineposium reminded us that while the challenges facing our industry are real, so are the opportunities. Kansas City’s momentum is building, and by learning from others, leaning into our strengths, and staying ahead of the trends shaping global production, we’re confident our market is on the right path. This trip was more than a conference. It was a chance to step back, reconnect with the bigger picture, and bring home new ideas that will help us continue to grow a vibrant, resilient film industry here in Kansas City.
And yes, George Clooney was there. He seemed lovely.
