Travis Kelce makes film industry debut as executive producer of ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’

LOS ANGELES, Feb 14, (Agencies): Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and 34-year-old Super Bowl champion, is making a significant shift from the football field to filmmaking. He is now serving as an executive producer on the film “My Dead Friend Zoe,” set to debut at South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas on March 9. Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, the movie holds a unique distinction as the first film financed through renewable energy tax credits.

This groundbreaking initiative was made possible by investors leveraging the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by US President Joe Biden in August 2022. The production utilized funds obtained from entrepreneur Mike Field’s sale of surplus tax credits, with Field also assuming a role as a producer on “My Dead Friend Zoe.”

The Inflation Reduction Act, as highlighted by the Department of Energy, represents the “single largest investment in climate and energy in American history.” It aims to address the climate crisis, promote environmental justice, solidify America’s position as a leader in domestic clean energy manufacturing, and align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving a net-zero economy by 2050.

Producer Ray Maiello emphasized the riskiness of Hollywood, particularly in the realm of independent film, rating it at 9.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. However, the federal tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act significantly mitigate this risk, bringing it down to around a five.

Kelce, no stranger to showbusiness, previously hosted Saturday Night Live in March 2023. Reflecting on his foray beyond the sports world, he expressed his enjoyment of activities like being on camera. “I’ve been fortunate to do a few things outside of the sports world that I’ve been enjoying doing,” Kelce shared with reporters last month.