Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
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Introduction to Filming in Kentucky
Home to rolling hills, bustling cityscapes and friendly small towns, Kentucky offers a diverse array of settings while maintaining its distinct Bluegrass State charm. Whether your team is looking for a rugged Appalachian backdrop, a quintessential small town main street or city backdrops that can double for New York City, you can find them in the state that also offers four distinct seasons and more navigable waterways than any other state in the U.S. other than Alaska. With generous incentives and a large pool of local talent, Kentucky is the ideal choice for your next project.
About the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
The Kentucky Office of Film and Development was created to encourage the film and entertainment industry to choose locations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for filming of motion picture or entertainment productions. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development administers the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive program and is a resource to producers and filmmakers who have questions about filming in Kentucky.
A Few Filming Locations in Kentucky
Louisville
Lexington
Danville
Covington
Keeneland Racecourse
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Louisville
Kentucky’s largest city is home to famous sites like Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Factory and the Ohio River shoreline. Filmmakers can also take advantage of Old Louisville, a gorgeous historic district that contains more restored Victorian homes than anywhere in the United States and is an excellent setting for period pieces. Productions will have easy access to experienced crew, gear rentals and expansive studio space.
A Few Filming Locations in Kentucky
Louisville
Kentucky’s largest city is home to famous sites like Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Factory and the Ohio River shoreline. Filmmakers can also take advantage of Old Louisville, a gorgeous historic district that contains more restored Victorian homes than anywhere in the United States and is an excellent setting for period pieces. Productions will have easy access to experienced crew, gear rentals and expansive studio space.
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Lexington
Home to the University of Kentucky and famed statesman Henry Clay, Lexington features academic buildings, horseracing courses and thriving downtown districts for your next project. Opened in 2024 by Wrigley Media Group, the state-of-the-art, 52,000-square foot LEX Studios is the largest production facility in the state.
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Lexington
Home to the University of Kentucky and famed statesman Henry Clay, Lexington features academic buildings, horseracing courses and thriving downtown districts for your next project. Opened in 2024 by Wrigley Media Group, the state-of-the-art, 52,000-square foot LEX Studios is the largest production facility in the state.
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Danville
Danville’s downtown has earned the coveted Great American Main Street Award, and is a perfect backdrop for projects set in an all-American small town.. Buildings in the area such as the Willis Russell House (which dates back to 1837) and the Fisher Ford House (a two-story log cabin) and several antebellum mansions also can lend historic authenticity.
Danville
Danville’s downtown has earned the coveted Great American Main Street Award, and is a perfect backdrop for projects set in an all-American small town.. Buildings in the area such as the Willis Russell House (which dates back to 1837) and the Fisher Ford House (a two-story log cabin) and several antebellum mansions also can lend historic authenticity.
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Covington
Located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, this city’s waterside views can be seen in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Ides of March. The downtown area is brimming with Italianate brick buildings and expansive murals, while the St. Anne Convent in nearby Melbourne was featured in the Oscar-winning Rain Man.
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Covington
Located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, this city’s waterside views can be seen in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Ides of March. The downtown area is brimming with Italianate brick buildings and expansive murals, while the St. Anne Convent in nearby Melbourne was featured in the Oscar-winning Rain Man.
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Keeneland Racecourse
Founded in 1935 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, this 147-acre facility is one of the most famous horseracing venues in the world. The films Seabiscuit and Secretariat both used the track for their horseracing sequences, and the venue’s grandstand design lends it a timeless quality.
Keeneland Racecourse
Founded in 1935 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, this 147-acre facility is one of the most famous horseracing venues in the world. The films Seabiscuit and Secretariat both used the track for their horseracing sequences, and the venue’s grandstand design lends it a timeless quality.
Learn More
Incentives & Rebates
Navigating the world of film production, financial incentives and tax rebates plays a crucial role in bringing your vision to life while maximizing your budget. This section outlines the range of incentives, tax rebates and financial support available to filmmakers choosing this location.
- The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program offers up to $75 million in annual tax credits to qualified projects.
- A refundable income tax credit of up to 30% of approved expenditures in nonenhanced incentive counties and 35% in enhanced incentive counties can be applied for by reaching out to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.
- The state offers an additional 5% incentive for Kentucky-resident crew members.
- A minimum Kentucky spend for narrative films is $250,000 ($125,000 for Kentucky residents) and $20,000 for documentaries ($10,000 for Kentucky residents).
Learn More About Rebates & Incentives
Films That Call Kentucky Home
Kentucky boasts a rich history in filmmaking, providing the perfect backdrop for a diverse array of movies. Explore the titles that have transformed this space into a canvas for storytelling, and envision how your project could be the next to add to its legacy.
Film Credits
- Above Suspicion
- The Asphalt Jungle
- Elizabethtown
- Goldfinger
- The Kentuckian
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer
- Rain Man
- Seabiscuit
Unlock the Perfect Backdrop for Your Production
Timothy Bates
Why Contact this Location?
Diverse Locations: From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, find the perfect backdrop for any scene.
Permit Assistance: Simplified process to obtain necessary filming permits, ensuring a hassle-free production.
Local Production Support: Access to a network of local professionals, from crew members to equipment rental services.
Financial Incentives: Information on tax credits, grants, and other financial benefits to maximize your budget.
Location Scouting Services: Expert scouts familiar with hidden gems and iconic sites to match your script’s needs.
Accommodation Solutions: Exclusive deals and support in arranging accommodations for cast and crew.
Cultural Insight: Insights into local culture, traditions, and language to enrich your project’s authenticity.
Transport and Logistics: Assistance with transportation and logistics for equipment and personnel.
Network of Creatives: Tap into a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, and creatives for collaboration.