Every Surrounding & Peer County Is Cashing In—Except Scott County
A common misconception is that Kentucky film productions only shoot in downtown Louisville or Lexington. The official Cabinet for Economic Development (CED) and Kentucky Film Leadership Council (KFLC) registry proves the exact opposite: multi-million-dollar feature films and television series are filming all around Scott County’s borders—in Franklin County (West), Woodford County (Southwest), Fayette County (South), Bourbon & Clark Counties (East), Harrison County (Northeast), and Pendleton County (North)—as well as in rural communities like Barren County (Glasgow), Shelby County (Shelbyville), and Mercer County (Harrodsburg) that have organized film liaisons.
1. "Horse Girls" Bypassed Georgetown for Harrison & Shelby
On May 28, 2026, the KFLC approved $2,003,843 in tax credits (~$6.0M–$6.5M in local spend) for Horse Girls, an episodic television series explicitly centered on competitive equestrian culture in Central Kentucky. Instead of filming in Scott County, the production staged in neighboring Harrison County (Cynthiana) and Shelby County.
2. Ethan Hawke, Steve Zahn & Major Features Next Door
Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat (starring Maya Hawke & Laura Linney) filmed across Franklin and Shelby counties; Steve Zahn’s She Dances filmed in Woodford and Fayette counties; Return of the Living Dead ($2.89M credit) and Bob ($843k credit) filmed in Fayette, Bourbon, and Clark counties—literally encircling Scott County on all sides.
3. How Glasgow-Barren County Tourism Landed 8 Feature Films
By designating Glasgow-Barren County Tourism (MacLean Lessenberry, Executive Director) as an active regional film liaison, rural Barren County captured 8 major feature films (including Twilight of the Dead, The Savior 1 & 2, Scorpion, and Triggermen), generating ~$58M+ in direct local county spend.
How Neighboring & Peer Kentucky Counties Compare to Scott County
| Kentucky County & Proximity | Named Registry Projects (2022–2026) | Notable Star-Driven & Studio Productions Captured | Verified Credit / Spend Highlights | Dedicated Film Liaison / Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette County (Lexington) Borders Scott Co. South (12 mins) |
18 Major Projects | Cody's Wish, Return of the Living Dead, Reset, Black Reins, Carolina Caroline, The Quiet Place, Dominion, Volcano, Bob Trevino Likes It, She Dances, Carved | $18.5M+ in named project credits (~$55M+ spend) | Active: FilmLEX + LEX Studios |
| Jefferson County (Louisville) I-64 West Corridor (60 mins) |
19+ Major Projects | Gambino ($6.37M credit), Dead Man's Wire (Al Pacino, $3.98M credit), Red Right Hand (Orlando Bloom, $8.5M spend), The Revisionist (Dustin Hoffman), Wildcat | $21.0M+ in named credits (~$65M+ spend) | Active: 502 Film Commission |
| Barren County (Glasgow) Rural Tourism Model (Pop. 15,000) |
8 Feature Films | Twilight of the Dead ($3.84M), I Never Should Have Slept with Him ($3.35M), The Savior 1 & 2 ($4.79M), Scorpion ($2.62M), Triggermen ($2.59M), Out of the Ashes ($1.93M), Guns of Redemption ($1.05M) | $20.17M+ in credits (~$58M+ rural spend) | Active: Glasgow-Barren Tourism |
| Pendleton & Trimble Counties Borders North (US-27) & I-71 Rural |
4 Multi-Season Slates | Court Jesters Seasons 2, 3, 4 ($9.96M credit), Family Bites Seasons 1, 2, 3 ($9.82M credit), Gone Viral ($1.88M credit), The Christmas Letter ($693k credit) | $22.35M in credits (~$64M+ rural spend) | Dedicated Rural TV Hubs |
| Shelby County (Shelbyville) I-64 Corridor Peer (35 mins West) |
7 Major Projects | Wildcat (Ethan Hawke), Horse Girls ($2.0M credit), All That Glitters At Christmas ($1.11M credit), Ruff Night with Ron Perlman ($1.12M credit), Venus Invasion, Bob Trevino Likes It | $5.1M+ in multi-county & equestrian credits | Active Equine & Main St. Host |
| Franklin County (Frankfort) Borders Scott Co. West (18 mins) |
6 Major Projects | Wildcat (Ethan Hawke), Black Reins ($2.50M credit), Hostage ($592k single-county thriller), Longshot 3 ($855k), Carved (Hulu), Bob Trevino Likes It | $4.5M+ in single & multi-county credits | State Capital & River Towns |
| Woodford County (Versailles) Borders Scott Co. SW (15 mins) |
5 Major Projects | Cody's Wish ($4.08M credit), She Dances (Steve Zahn, $407k credit), Northbound ($1.36M credit), Longshot 3 ($855k), Liz Here Now ($842k) | Repeatedly booked for horse farm backdrops | FilmLEX Regional Partner |
| Mercer County (Harrodsburg) Historic Bluegrass Peer |
4 Major Projects | Carved (Hulu central production base), Cedar Creek ($745k single-county historical drama), Synthetic (Charlie Cox & Haley Bennett), Grounded in Love | Captured Hulu movie basecamp & period features | Proactive Municipal Permitting |
| Bourbon, Harrison & Clark Border Scott Co. East & NE |
6 Combined Bookings | Horse Girls ($2.0M in Harrison/Shelby), Return of the Living Dead ($2.89M in Bourbon/Clark), Cody's Wish ($4.08M in Bourbon/Clark), Bob ($843k in Fayette/Bourbon), Carved (Clark) | $9.8M+ in regional multi-county credits | Capturing Equine & Rural Spend |
| SCOTT COUNTY (Georgetown) I-75 & I-64 Crossroads (Pop. 60,000+) |
0 Movies (2022–2025) Only 2 split-county mentions in 2026 |
2022: None • 2023: None • 2024: None • 2025: None. 2026: Listed only among 8 counties on Cody's Wish and 3 counties on Northbound. Zero single-county anchored features. |
Virtually $0 retained hotel/basecamp capture (leaks to Lexington) | No Dedicated Film Office |
Where a Representative $2.7M Movie Budget Actually Goes in the Local Economy
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes 141.383 and administrative regulation 307 KAR 1:080E, production entities must satisfy strict local-sourcing rules to certify qualifying expenses: transactions must occur directly with businesses holding a registered physical operating location in Kentucky and employing at least one Kentucky resident. Non-qualifying expenses explicitly exclude payments to out-of-state entities, non-local airfare, non-payroll insurance premiums, legal fees, gifts, tobacco, and alcohol. While line-item vendor invoices are submitted in confidential CPA audit filings within 180 days of production wrap, verified industry cost-allocation models establish the exact flow of dollars into local hospitality, property owners, and merchants:
How In-State Film Budgets Distribute Across Local Business Sectors
| Expenditure Sector | Typical Budget Share | Dollar Yield on $2.7M Shoot | Applicable KEI Credit Rate | Statutory Governance & Local Economic Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels & Crew Accommodations | 4.8% – 6.5% | ~$130,500 (~900 room nights) |
30% Standard / 35% Enhanced | Sourced to KY-registered hotels & B&Bs; generates local transient room tax under KRS 91A.350 on stays under 30 days plus $39,150 in producer tax credits. |
| Restaurants & Food Services | 4.0% – 5.5% | ~$120,000 | 30% Standard / 35% Enhanced | Covers full set catering packages, craft services, and local restaurant dining per diems paid directly to registered in-state food businesses. |
| Venue, Stage & Location Rentals | 6.0% – 8.5% | ~$189,000 – $229,500 | 30% Standard / 35% Enhanced | Soundstage leases, municipal property permits, and daily site fees paid directly to private horse farms, historic estates, and downtown storefronts. |
| Physical Equipment & Vendor Services | 25.0% – 28.0% | ~$720,000 – $760,500 | 30% Standard / 35% Enhanced | Grip, electric & camera packages; set construction lumber & hardware; heavy equipment & vehicle fleet rentals; post-production picture & sound finishing. |
| Kentucky Resident Payroll (ATL & BTL) | 32.0% – 36.0% | ~$918,000 | 35% Statutory Rate Statewide | Earned across all 120 counties whenever hiring KY residents; subject to 3.5% loan-out withholding; Above-the-Line (ATL) wages capped at $1,000,000/person. |
| Non-Resident Payroll (BTL & ATL) | 20.0% – 24.0% | ~$582,000 | 30% Standard / 35% Enhanced | Covers out-of-state department heads, crew, and Above-the-Line talent performing services directly on set within the Commonwealth. |
100% Direct Treasury Cash Refund vs. 15%–20% Tax-Broker Discounts
In a representative $2,700,000 qualified Kentucky film budget ($130,500 across 900 hotel nights + $120,000 catering + $949,500 stages/locations/vendors + $1,500,000 resident & non-resident payroll), the production earns a gross tax credit of $855,000. After the mandatory 0.5% state administrative fee, the Kentucky State Treasury issues a direct cash check for $850,725—completely avoiding the 15% to 20% brokerage losses filmmakers suffer in states with transferable tax credit markets.
Statutory Origins & How Kentucky Built a Top-Tier Film Incentive
1. Creation of 30% / 35% Tiers
Enacted during the 2015 Regular Session, House Bill 340 expanded Kentucky’s old 20% non-refundable credit into a 30% base rate on qualifying spend and non-resident payroll, and a 35% rate for KY-resident labor and enhanced incentive counties.
2. The Non-Refundable Freeze
House Bill 487 eliminated refundability and transferability, restricting credits solely to offset direct KY corporate/income tax liability under a $100M cap. Because out-of-state film LLCs hold no KY income tax liability, production volume collapsed.
3. Full Refundability Restored
Passed in 2021 and effective January 1, 2022, House Bill 249 restored 100% direct cash refundability from the state treasury and set the annual cap at $75,000,000—sparking 270+ productions and $795M+ in spend.
4. KFLC & $25M Priority Pool
Codified in KRS Chapter 154 (Subchapter 61) & KRS 141.383, Senate Bill 324 created the Kentucky Film Leadership Council (KFLC), instituted a $25M priority pool for $10M+ continuous productions, and mandated CPA cost audits within 180 days of wrap.
Side-by-Side Statutory Parameters Across All Three KEI Tiers
| Statutory Parameter | Standard County Spend Tier (Includes Scott Co.) | Enhanced / Heritage County Tier | Continuous Production Tier ($10M+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualified Goods & Sourced Services | 30% Refundable Credit | 35% Refundable Credit | 35% Refundable Credit |
| Non-Resident Crew Labor | 30% Refundable Credit | 35% Refundable Credit | 35% Refundable Credit |
| Kentucky-Resident Labor (ATL & BTL) | 35% Refundable Credit | 35% Refundable Credit | 35% Refundable Credit |
| Above-the-Line (ATL) Salary Cap | $1,000,000 per person | $1,000,000 per person | $1,000,000 per person |
| Statutory Spend Floor (Out-of-State LLC) | $400,000 Feature/TV; $20,000 Doc | $400,000 Feature/TV; $20,000 Doc | $10,000,000 Verified Spend |
| Statutory Spend Floor (In-State KY Company) | $200,000 Feature/TV; $10,000 Doc | $200,000 Feature/TV; $10,000 Doc | Not Applicable |
| Annual Statewide Program Ceiling | $75,000,000 | $75,000,000 | $25,000,000 set-aside (until July 1) |
| Monetization Route | 100% Direct Cash Refund less 0.5% fee | 100% Direct Cash Refund less 0.5% fee | 100% Direct Cash Refund less 0.5% fee |
Verified Kentucky Film & Television Production Registry (2022–2026)
Filter or search the chronological registry of major Kentucky Entertainment Incentive productions below. Notice how frequently neighboring Bluegrass counties (highlighted in Amber) and proactive rural counties like Barren/Glasgow, Pendleton, Trimble, and Mercer appear—while Scott County (Crimson) was completely absent from 2022 through 2025 and only appears twice in 2026 as a multi-county split location.
| Year / Date | Project Title & Format | Corporate Applicant LLC | Filming Counties (Disparity Highlight) | Approved Credit / Impact | Directors, Cast & Production Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 08/05/2026 |
Gambino Feature Film |
Gambino Film Production LLC | Jefferson | $6,366,636.00 Approved Credit |
Major organized crime period drama filmed entirely within the Louisville metropolitan area. |
| 2026 01/29/2026 |
Cody's Wish Feature Film |
CW Productions LLC | Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Scott (1 of 8), Woodford | $4,076,786.00 8-County Split |
Biopic chronicling the Thoroughbred champion and Cody Dorman across Bluegrass horse country; primary staging and hotels centered in Lexington. |
| 2026 05/08/2026 |
Twilight of the Dead Feature Film |
TOTD Film LLC | Barren (Glasgow) | $3,838,918.00 Approved Credit |
George A. Romero legacy horror production operating within Barren County rural studios. |
| 2026 05/08/2026 |
I Never Should Have Slept with Him Feature Film |
AANAXION MOVIE PSC1 LLC | Barren (Glasgow) | $3,354,359.00 Approved Credit |
Large-scale drama capitalizing on South-Central Kentucky's 35% enhanced county status and Glasgow tourism support. |
| 2026 10/21/2026 |
Return of the Living Dead Feature Film |
More Brains LLC | Fayette, Jefferson, Oldham, Bourbon, Washington, Clark, Lincoln, Jessamine | $2,892,048.00 Approved Credit |
Reboot of the classic horror property filming across 8 Central KY counties—including bordering Fayette and Bourbon, bypassing Scott Co. |
| 2026 08/05/2026 |
Reset Feature Film |
Icestone Productions, LLC | Fayette, Powell | $2,739,228.00 Approved Credit |
Sci-fi feature utilizing the Red River Gorge and Lexington soundstages. |
| 2026 03/26/2026 |
Black Reins Documentary |
Black Reins LLC | Franklin, Fayette, Jefferson | $2,503,850.00 Approved Credit |
Large-budget historical documentary focusing on African American jockeys and horsemen; filmed in bordering Franklin & Fayette counties. |
| 2026 04/30/2026 |
The Savior (Sequel) Feature Film |
Savior Movie, LLC | Barren, Hart | $2,113,400.00 Approved Credit |
Sequential follow-up action feature returning to Barren and Hart locations due to Glasgow's film-friendly hospitality. |
| 2026 05/28/2026 |
Horse Girls TV Series |
Horse Girls LLC | Harrison (Borders NE), Shelby | $2,003,843.00 Bypassed Scott Co. |
Episodic series centered on competitive equestrian culture in Central Kentucky—filmed in neighboring Harrison and Shelby counties instead of Georgetown. |
| 2026 06/25/2026 |
Out of the Ashes Feature Film |
OOTA Production LLC | Barren, Hart | $1,926,696.00 Approved Credit |
Narrative feature staging logistics through Glasgow municipal hubs. |
| 2026 06/25/2026 |
Debutantes Feature Film |
Debutantes LLC | McCracken (Paducah) | $1,865,332.00 Approved Credit |
Period narrative feature filmed across Paducah historic districts. |
| 2026 06/25/2026 |
Northbound Feature Film |
Pioneer Productions, LLC | Fayette, Scott (1 of 3), Woodford | $1,355,200.00 3-County Split |
Independent drama utilizing Lexington, Woodford, and Georgetown locations. |
| 2026 08/05/2026 |
The Quiet Place Feature Film |
Helix Productions, LLC | Fayette | $1,338,750.00 Approved Credit |
Psychological thriller staged in Lexington. |
| 2026 08/05/2026 |
Wizard Feature Film |
Wizard Film LLC | Jefferson | $1,235,953.00 Approved Credit |
Louisville-based independent dramatic feature. |
| 2026 09/16/2026 |
Dominion Feature Film |
DOMINION FILM LLC | Fayette | $1,211,779.00 Approved Credit |
Central Kentucky dramatic feature centered in Fayette County. |
| 2026 09/16/2026 |
Pact of the Party: Journey Continues TV Series |
T17 Aries LC | Butler | $1,149,990.00 Approved Credit |
Rural Butler County unscripted episodic television series. |
| 2026 03/26/2026 |
Volcano Feature Film |
Yardstick Productions, LLC | Fayette | $1,131,180.00 Approved Credit |
Narrative feature utilizing urban Lexington locations. |
| 2026 04/30/2026 |
All That Glitters At Christmas Feature Film |
All That Glitters Productions, LLC | Mason (Maysville), Shelby (Shelbyville) | $1,105,175.00 Approved Credit |
Holiday broadcast film utilizing Maysville and Shelbyville small-town Victorian Main Street backdrops. |
| 2026 10/21/2026 |
Bob Feature Film |
Bob Productions LLC | Fayette, Bourbon (Borders East) | $843,716.00 Approved Credit |
Principal photography scheduled Nov–Dec 2026 across bordering Fayette and Bourbon counties. |
| 2026 April–Oct 2026 |
Rear Ended (Episodes 1–10) TV Series |
Rear Ended LLCs | Hopkins | $861,512.00 10-Episode Aggregate |
Episodic comedy series based on a rogue legal firm filmed in Western Kentucky. |
| 2026 10/21/2026 |
The Long Run Feature Film |
The Long Run Movie LLC | Jefferson | $722,532.00 Approved Credit |
Louisville athletic drama feature. |
| 2026 01/29/2026 |
The Christmas Letter Feature Film |
The Christmas Letter LLC | Jackson, Trimble | $693,641.00 Approved Credit |
Holiday family narrative shot in rural Trimble and Jackson counties. |
| 2026 09/16/2026 |
Gasoline Feature Film |
Gasoline Filmed Entertainment, LLC | Fayette, Jefferson | $687,944.00 Approved Credit |
Urban action thriller linking Lexington and Louisville resources. |
| 2026 10/21/2026 |
Oscar Shaw 2 Feature Film |
Oscar Shaw 2 Film LLC | Jefferson | $311,994.00 Approved Credit |
Principal photography scheduled Oct–Nov 2026; crime thriller sequel. |
| 2026 08/05/2026 |
The Spiral Down Feature Film |
Spiral Down Film, LLC | Breckinridge, Bullitt, Daviess, Hancock, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer | $217,855.00 Spend: $641,510 |
Dir: Aaron Mirtes; Story: Neil Marshall; Cast/Prods: Charlotte Kirk, Costas Mandylor. |
| 2025 Filmed '24 / Post '25 |
Synthetic Feature Film |
Ten Knives Productions LLC | Jefferson, Mercer (Harrodsburg) | KEI Certified 2-County Split |
Dir: Oliver Ridge; Cast: Charlie Cox, Haley Bennett, Lana Parrilla, Barkhad Abdi. Combined historic Harrodsburg locations with Louisville soundstages. |
| 2025 Broadcast May 2025 |
Where the Heart Lands Lifetime TV Movie |
Lifetime Network Partnership | Central KY Horse Country | KEI Certified Equine Romance |
Cast: Jana Kramer, Tyler Johnson, Charlene Tilton, John Schneider. Lifetime romantic drama showcasing Kentucky Thoroughbred farms. |
| 2025 Released 2025 |
Grounded in Love Feature Film |
Grounded Feature Productions | Lincoln, Mercer (Harrodsburg) | KEI Certified Rural Feature |
Dir: Ernie Barbarash. Rural feature directing lodging and venue spend into south-central towns. |
| 2024 May 2024 |
Court Jesters (Seasons 2, 3, 4) TV Series Slate |
Gore / Bush / Polk Services LLC | Pendleton (Borders North), Trimble | $9,961,893.00 3-Season Aggregate |
Multi-season episodic production operating dedicated rural facilities in Pendleton and Trimble counties. |
| 2024 07/25/2024 |
Family Bites (Seasons 1, 2, 3) TV Series Slate |
Family Bites S1, S2, S3 LLC | Pendleton (Borders North), Trimble | $9,817,521.00 3-Season Aggregate |
High-volume episodic unscripted/comedy series slate anchored in rural Northern Kentucky. |
| 2024 04/25/2024 |
Appalachia (Season 1) TV Series |
Big Indie Voyager, Inc. | Kenton, Pike | $5,971,317.00 Approved Credit |
High-impact episodic television production with extensive Eastern Kentucky mountain base. |
| 2024 02/29/2024 |
Dead Man's Wire Feature Film |
Him & Her Productions LLC | Jefferson | $3,984,214.00 Approved Credit |
Dir: Gus Van Sant; Cast: Al Pacino, Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Dacre Montgomery. |
| 2024 06/27/2024 |
The Savior Feature Film |
All Day Films 1 LLC | Barren (Glasgow), Hart | $2,677,073.00 Approved Credit |
Action feature utilizing 35% enhanced county spending in Glasgow and surrounding areas. |
| 2024 09/26/2024 |
Scorpion Feature Film |
LHP KY Movie 2 LLC | Barren (Glasgow), Hart | $2,623,702.00 Approved Credit |
Major narrative action production taking advantage of rural South-Central tax incentives. |
| 2024 05/30/2024 |
Triggermen Feature Film |
Triggermen LLC | Barren (Glasgow), Hart | $2,585,344.00 Approved Credit |
Feature-length thriller leveraging Barren County municipal & tourism partnerships. |
| 2024 08/29/2024 |
Gone Viral Feature Film |
Gone Viral Feature LLC | Pendleton (Borders North) | $1,877,267.00 Approved Credit |
Independent thriller staged in rural Pendleton County just north of Harrison/Scott along US-27. |
| 2024 06/27/2024 |
Carolina Caroline Feature Film |
Shot Reverse Shot LLC | Fayette | $1,209,945.00 Approved Credit |
Narrative feature centered in Lexington. |
| 2024 10/31/2024 |
Ruff Night with Ron Perlman TV Series |
The Vault The Film KY, Inc. | Bullitt, Grayson, Jackson, Lincoln, Marion, Meade, Shelby, Spencer | $1,123,325.00 Approved Credit |
Host/Lead: Ron Perlman; multi-county unscripted television series. |
| 2024 03/28/2024 |
Guns of Redemption Feature Film |
Rage Movie, LLC | Barren (Glasgow) | $1,045,643.00 Approved Credit |
Period Western action feature filmed in Barren County. |
| 2024 05/30/2024 |
Call of the Wild TV Series |
Durange Productions, LLC | Fayette, Wolfe | $949,500.00 Approved Credit |
Episodic series shot in Central Kentucky and Red River Gorge. |
| 2024 02/29/2024 |
Flesh & Bone Feature Film |
Flesh and Bone Production LLC | Jefferson | $933,909.00 Approved Credit |
Louisville-based urban crime narrative. |
| 2024 09/26/2024 |
Longshot 3: Chasing The Sun TV Docuseries |
Longshot Records 3 LLC | Boyd, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, McCracken, Woodford | $855,800.00 Approved Credit |
Multi-region music docuseries filmed across bordering Franklin, Woodford, and Fayette counties—skipping Scott Co. |
| 2024 06/27/2024 |
Liz Here Now Feature Film |
Ferocious Productions, LLC | Fayette, Jefferson, Woodford, Kenton, Campbell | $842,550.00 Approved Credit |
Narrative drama connecting Northern KY (Kenton/Campbell) and Central KY (Fayette/Woodford) straight down I-75—passing right through Scott Co. without stopping. |
| 2024 07/25/2024 |
1000-lb Sisters (Season 6) TV Series |
RTL Productions LLC | Caldwell, Fayette, Jefferson, Henderson, Union | $816,183.00 Approved Credit |
Extended unscripted TLC reality series filming across Western and Central Kentucky. |
| 2024 09/26/2024 |
The Revisionist Feature Film |
The Revisionist Movie, LLC | Jefferson | $752,385.00 Approved Credit |
Dir: Alex Vlack; Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Alison Brie, Tom Sturridge, André Holland. |
| 2024 01/25/2024 |
Cedar Creek Feature Film |
Pumpkin Pictures LLC | Mercer (Harrodsburg) | $745,079.00 Approved Credit |
Historical drama feature centered entirely in Mercer County. |
| 2024 02/29/2024 |
Venus Invasion Feature Film |
Invasion Movie LLC | Powell, Shelby | $690,950.00 Approved Credit |
Narrative sci-fi feature utilizing Shelby County and eastern natural reserves. |
| 2024 06/27/2024 |
Grounded Feature Film |
Grounded Productions Inc. | Lincoln | $600,246.00 Approved Credit |
Dir: Ernie Barbarash; Lincoln County drama. |
| 2024 09/26/2024 |
Hostage Feature Film |
Hostage Film Project LLC | Franklin (Borders West) | $592,488.00 Approved Credit |
Political and crime thriller shot entirely in neighboring Frankfort / Franklin County (18 minutes from Georgetown). |
| 2024 May–June 2024 |
National Broadway Touring Shows Broadway Tech |
BOM / Elf / Mean Girls Touring LLC | McCracken, Madison (Richmond) | $420,077.00 3-Show Aggregate |
The Book of Mormon, Elf The Musical, and Mean Girls national tour technical stage rehearsals. |
| 2024 06/27/2024 |
Beyond Boo-Yah! Stuart Scott Documentary |
Black Science, LLC | Jefferson | $253,425.00 Approved Credit |
Biographical documentary on legendary ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. |
| 2023 Jan–Mar 2023 |
Wildcat (Principal Photography) Feature Film |
Wildcat Movie LLC / Kingdom Story Co. | Jefferson, Shelby, Franklin (Borders West), Kenton, Marion | 246 KY Jobs Major Indie Feature |
Dir: Ethan Hawke; Cast: Maya Hawke, Laura Linney, Steve Zahn, Cooper Hoffman. Recreated rural Georgia settings across Kentucky farmsteads. |
| 2023 Mid 2023 |
Bob Trevino Likes It Feature Film |
Trevino Film LLC / Roadside Attractions | Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Gallatin, Madison, Nelson, Shelby, Simpson | SXSW Winner 8-County Shoot |
Dir: Tracie Laymon; Cast: Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart. Filmed across Central KY neighbors while skipping Scott Co. |
| 2023 Fall 2023 |
She Dances Feature Film |
Own the Rad LLC | Fayette, Jefferson, Powell, Pulaski, Woodford (Borders SW) | $407,425.00 119 Local Jobs |
Dir: Rick Gomez; Writers/Cast: Steve Zahn & ensemble. Filmed in bordering Fayette and Woodford counties. |
| 2023 Fall 2023 |
Carved (Hulu) Streaming Feature |
American High / Hulu | Mercer, Adair, Barren, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Grant (Borders NW), Jessamine, Pulaski | Hulu Original 10 Counties (0 Scott) |
Dir: Justin Harding; Cast: Peyton Elizabeth Lee, DJ Qualls. Filmed in Grant, Franklin, and Fayette—surrounding Scott Co. on 3 borders without filming in Georgetown. |
| 2023 Fall 2023 |
A Mother's Love Feature Film |
180 Degrees Productions LLC | Oldham, Jefferson | KEI Certified Indie Thriller |
Dir: Patrick Roberts; Cast: Emily Hall, Nathan Owens, Abi Van Andel, Kara Hayward. |
| 2022 Apr–May 2022 |
Red Right Hand Feature Film |
Red Right Hand Productions, LLC | Henry (New Castle / Campbellsburg), Jefferson, Bullitt | ~$8,500,000 Spend 356 Direct Jobs |
Dirs: Ian & Eshom Nelms; Cast: Orlando Bloom, Andie MacDowell, Scott Haze, Garret Dillahunt. |
| 2022 July–Winter 2022 |
Wildcat (Scouting & Pre-Production) Feature Staging |
Renovo Media Group / Kingdom Story Co. | Jefferson, Shelby, Franklin, Kenton | Multi-County Vendor Staging |
Dir: Ethan Hawke; Producers: Ryan Hawke, Joe Goodman, Karri O'Reilly. Established long-term regional vendor accounts. |
| 2022 Mid 2022 |
Kangaroo Kids Feature Film |
Scatena & Rosner Films | Daviess (Owensboro), Henderson | KEI Certified Family Feature |
Producers: Garet & Jordan Rosner. Regional family feature utilizing Western Kentucky lodging and vendor bases. |
Kentucky Film Governance & Active Production Infrastructure Directory
Physical film production in Kentucky is administered jointly by state economic development officers in Frankfort, the statutory Kentucky Film Leadership Council (KFLC), regional municipal film commissions, and established production facilities. Launching the Georgetown/Scott County Film Office plugs Scott County directly into this official decision-making network:
Official Kentucky Film Authorities & Regional Liaisons
| Regulatory Agency / Commission | Executive Leadership | Headquarters & Contact | Operational Mandate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Film Office | Meg Fister, Executive Director Michael Crabtree, Incentive Program Manager |
Mayo-Underwood Bldg, 5th Fl 500 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 892-3237 |
Administers initial KEI review, maintains statewide crew and vendor directories, and provides location scouting support. |
| Cabinet for Economic Development (CED) | Jeff Noel, Cabinet Secretary Matthew Wingate, General Counsel |
Mayo-Underwood Bldg, 5th Fl 500 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 782-1948 |
Manages statutory compliance, executes formal tax incentive agreements, and assesses administrative and application fees. |
| Kentucky Film Leadership Council (KFLC) | Soozie Eastman, Council Chair Jeremy Winton, Council Member |
500 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40601 ced.ky.gov/Locating_Expanding/KEI |
Holds monthly public meetings under SB 324 to conduct statutory economic impact scoring and execute formal tax credit approvals. |
| Louisville Film Commission (502 Film) | Production Support Desk | Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St Louisville, KY 40202 |
Facilitates municipal street permitting, police escorts, urban vendor integration, and soundstage staging at Louisville Gardens. |
| FilmLEX (Lexington Film Commission) | Lisa Brin, Film Commissioner | 215 W. Main St, Suite 750 Lexington, KY 40507 |
Coordinates municipal film logistics, horse farm location agreements, and technical staging across Lexington / Fayette County. |
| Glasgow-Barren County Tourism (Rural Tourism Film Model) |
MacLean Lessenberry, Executive Director | 118 E. Public Square Glasgow, KY 42141 (270) 651-3041 |
Primary regional tourism liaison for projects filming in South-Central Kentucky's 35% enhanced incentive zone ($20.1M+ credits captured). |
Key Studio Operators & Recurring Production Entities in Kentucky
| Entity / Studio Facility | Key Executives / Producers | Location Base | Notable Production Engagements | Infrastructure & Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrigley Media Group / LEX Studios | Misdee Wrigley Miller, Owner David Cottingham, President |
1200 Red Mile Road Lexington, KY 40504 (15 mins from Scott Co.) |
Deadly Waters, Relative Justice, unscripted series & regional features | 52,000 sq. ft. production complex; 3 soundstages; full editorial, mixing, and color-finishing suites. |
| Red Right Hand Productions LLC | Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Jason Tamasco | 8605 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 |
Red Right Hand (Orlando Bloom, Andie MacDowell) | Feature production finance and management entity for mid-budget action features filming in rural Kentucky. |
| Him & Her Productions LLC | Line Producers & Production Counsel | Registered Agent Base Louisville, KY |
Dead Man's Wire (Dir: Gus Van Sant; Star: Al Pacino) | Special-purpose production packaging entity for major ensemble independent features. |
| Sunshine Films Florida LLC | Jacob Rispo, Producer | Louisville, KY / Miami, FL | Sugar Baby, Soccer Mom Murder, Checkmate, Finding Grace | High-output production company operating recurring television thriller slates in Kentucky. |
| Spiral Down Film LLC | Charlotte Kirk, Aaron Mirtes | Louisville, KY | The Spiral Down (8-county Kentucky shoot) | Multi-county genre feature production combining urban Louisville and rural county stages. |
| Georgetown / Scott County Equine & Virtual Production Backlots | Countywide Private Landowners, Historic Estates & Virtual Production Partners | Georgetown & Scott County, KY (I-75 / I-64 Crossroads) |
Equine features, period dramas, commercial slates, outdoor arena & historic estate backlots | 140+ acre gated equine estates; 40-acre private lake horizons; 1857 Greek Revival architecture (Ward Hall); indoor arenas equipped with modular LED volume virtual production. |
Economic Trajectory & Why Scott County Must Act Before the 2027 Expansion
By late October 2026, the Kentucky Film Leadership Council certified 88 project applications representing $64.11M in tax credits against the $75M ceiling—plus $4,120,616 recaptured from unexecuted projects, preserving $15,006,620 in active 2026 capital.
With cumulative KEI production expenditures exceeding $800 million since 2022 and annual demand consistently testing the $75M cap, creative coalitions and the KY Film Commission are advancing 2027 legislative proposals to expand or uncap the ceiling for larger studio slates.
Every surrounding county is already capturing millions in lodging, catering, and location fees. Launching the Georgetown/Scott County Film Office with $0 commercial lease overhead ensures Scott County never goes unrepresented again.
Explore the Complete 5-Desk Film Office Blueprint & Revenue Study
Review our turnkey municipal implementation plan, test the interactive KEI & Room-Night ROI Calculator, or browse the equal-access Community Film Directory.