Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has made his debut as an executive producer in the film sector — with help from President Biden.
The football star is backing the indie film “My Dead Friend Zoe” while leveraging renewable energy tax credits provided by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
“My Dead Friend Zoe,” a dark comedy set to premiere this year at the SXSW film festival, stars notable actors such as Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales. The project is among the first films financed through the incentives of the IRA. The act’s goal is to encourage investments in sustainable projects, including film production, to reduce environmental impact.
The money was generated by the sale of surplus tax credits by green energy entrepreneur Mike Field, who is also a producer on the film. According to Ray Maiello, co-founder of Radiant Media Studios and “My Dead Friend Zoe” producer, incorporating federal tax credits significantly lowers the investment risk associated with independent filmmaking, Variety reported.
Mr. Maiello and Mr. Field, along with Mr. Kelce, plan to continue employing the funding strategy, already embarking on a second film project, the Jean-Michel Basquiat documentary “King Pleasure,” directed by Quinn Wilson and authorized by the late artist’s estate.
“My Dead Friend Zoe” tells the story of a female veteran of the Afghanistan War clashing with her Vietnam War vet grandfather in their family’s ancestral lake house. Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and produced by Legion M, the film anticipates its world premiere on March 9.
Mr. Kelce’s foray into Hollywood mirrors the actions of other star athletes, namely Tom Brady, who has also ventured into film production. Despite Mr. Kelce’s commitment to his National Football League career, with plans to help the Chiefs win a third straight title next season, his involvement in the film industry marks a significant step into broader endeavors outside of sports.
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