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New York, New York, October 29th, 2025, FinanceWire Cultural entrepreneur Tannon Sweet has officially announced the Midwest Awards initiative, a new cultural platform designed to align with Missouri’s rapidly expanding entertainment industry. As the state rolls out major film tax incentives and begins construction on the largest production studio in the nation, the Midwest Awards aim to serve as the cultural flagship of this emerging creative hub, bridging the worlds of Hollywood, corporate sponsorship, and regional talent. Missouri recently approved tax incentives allowing production companies to write off between 30 and 40 percent of qualified expenses, positioning the state as one of the most financially attractive locations for film and television production in the country. At the same time, continued development of production facilities and support networks signals the state’s growing commitment to building a sustainable film ecosystem. These developments are attracting national and international attention from producers and studios looking to expand beyond traditional coastal power centers. Sweet’s Midwest Awards initiative is launching to ensure that as economic investment flows into Missouri, there is a cultural infrastructure ready to match it—one that celebrates talent, engages celebrities with Midwestern roots, and connects creative industries with corporate partners. “This moment is rare,” said Tannon Sweet, founder of the Midwest Awards. “Missouri is building the physical backbone of a new entertainment hub. The Midwest Awards will be the cultural counterpart—celebrating talent, attracting attention, and anchoring the narrative that this region is ready to play on a national stage.” Laying Cultural Groundwork Before the Spotlight For the past several months, Sweet has been operating in what he describes as the “exposure phase”—a period focused on strategic groundwork before formal events take place. His efforts have included meetings with Hollywood agents representing notable talent, outreach to creatives with Midwestern ties, and attendance at high-profile industry events to build authentic cultural bridges between national networks and the region. In parallel, Sweet has initiated early conversations with potential corporate sponsors and Midwestern-based companies, exploring long-term partnerships that would position brands as co-founders of a cultural movement rather than one-time sponsors. These relationships are designed to ensure that when productions arrive in Missouri for tax incentives, they find a thriving ecosystem that blends economic opportunity with cultural identity. “Our goal is to make sure that when productions come to Missouri for the incentives, they find a thriving cultural ecosystem waiting for them,” Sweet added. “The Midwest Awards will be that ecosystem’s cultural anchor.” Strategic Timing Meets Cultural Ambition The Midwest Awards announcement comes at a moment of significant industry transition. As Hollywood faces shifting economic pressures, production companies are increasingly looking toward regional hubs that offer financial advantages, flexible infrastructure, and authentic cultural narratives. Missouri’s blend of tax incentives and rapid infrastructure development places it at the center of this trend. Sweet’s initiative is positioned to capture and shape this moment, connecting new productions and industry attention to a cultural platform that elevates local talent and aligns with celebrity and corporate stakeholders. By launching during this formative stage, the Midwest Awards aim to establish themselves as an essential cultural anchor, not an afterthought. “What makes this initiative stand out is the timing,” said the founder of Midwest Awards, Tannon Sweet “The infrastructure is coming online, the incentives are in place, and cultural leadership is the missing piece. The Midwest Awards step into that gap with vision and momentum.” Looking Ahead In addition to cultural programming and sponsorship development, the Midwest Awards initiative plans to invest in talent pipelines through scholarships and nonprofit reinvestment, ensuring the benefits of Missouri’s entertainment expansion are shared across communities. Sweet’s long-term vision involves educational partnerships and funding opportunities designed to nurture local creators, making the cultural ecosystem sustainable for decades to come. More details regarding the Midwest Awards’ first public events and programming will be announced in the coming months as development progresses. About Tannon Sweet Tannon Sweet is a cultural entrepreneur and founder of the Midwest Awards initiative. Beginning his career with a $300 camera, he earned a film scholarship through direct outreach and went on to study at NYU, forging relationships with major industry players. He has lived in nearly every U.S. state, giving him a unique perspective on cultural development outside traditional entertainment hubs. Sweet is currently focused on positioning the Midwest Awards as a cultural anchor for Missouri’s growing entertainment industry. Photo Credit: Brad Prime Website: https://www.midwestawards.org/ Contact Tannon Sweet
