Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce Utilizes Biden's Renewable Energy Tax Credits for New Indie Film

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ICARO Media Group
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14/02/2024 23h44

Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce is stepping into the world of entertainment as a producer for the indie film, "My Dead Friend Zoe," according to Variety. What sets this project apart is that it is reportedly the first film in the industry to take advantage of President Joe Biden's renewable energy tax credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

Kelce, 34, serves as an executive producer for the dark comedy, which features an impressive cast including Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman. With a budget of under $10 million, the film aims to make the most out of the renewable energy tax credits provided by the US Department of Energy.

President Biden's legislation has been recognized as "the single largest investment in climate and energy in American history," focusing on tackling the climate crisis, advancing environmental justice, and propelling the United States to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050.

Kelce is joined by green energy entrepreneurs Mike Field and Ray Maiello in backing the film. Maiello, who runs California-based Radiant Media Studios with Field, emphasized the significance of the tax credits in reducing the financial risks associated with independent filmmaking. By combining Hollywood and the federal tax credits, the project's risk factor has significantly decreased.

Maiello, a former Netflix executive, explained that Biden's plan has incentivized their partners to move forward with the project. The tax credits address the uncertainty around tax liabilities, providing a more secure environment for filmmakers to pursue their creative endeavors.

In addition to "My Dead Friend Zoe," Kelce, Maiello, and Field are utilizing the same approach for their upcoming documentary about the iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, titled "King Pleasure."

Travis Kelce's foray into the entertainment industry comes as no surprise, as the athlete has previously starred in his own reality dating series, "Catching Kelce," back in 2016. Additionally, Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles, co-host the popular podcast "New Heights."

Travis Kelce's agents have been preparing for his rising fame for years, anticipating his expansion into various ventures. Notably, his involvement with "My Dead Friend Zoe" coincides with his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, which began making headlines in September 2023.

As Kelce embarks on his filmmaking endeavors, he may find inspiration from Swift, who has successfully produced her own films, including the highest-grossing concert film of all time, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" movie released in 2023.

Travis Kelce's partnership with President Biden's renewable energy tax credits illuminates the potential for the film industry's contribution to advancing clean energy and addressing the climate crisis. As "My Dead Friend Zoe" takes shape, Kelce's involvement further showcases the intersection between sports, entertainment, and environmental consciousness.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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