FilmLEX launched to attract TV, film production investment, jobs

LEXINGTON, Ky. — VisitLEX announced today that it has launched Film Lexington (FilmLEX), a one-stop resource to market Kentucky’s competitive entertainment incentive program.

Led by industry veteran Lisa Brin, this film and entertainment resource hub will attract new investment and make filming in Lexington easier.

“Across the board, we are seeing record-breaking investment and growth, and it is no surprise that Kentucky’s film and television industry is sharing in that success,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Partners like VisitLEX are helping to show the world that great things are happening here in the commonwealth, and the creation of FilmLEX proves entertainment production will be a big part of our growing economy.”

The FilmLEX team will help develop Lexington and Central Kentucky into a thriving film and entertainment production hub for $1 million to $10 million film and television projects, while driving business to and providing workforce development opportunities in the state, according to VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer.

“Lexington has transformed into a bustling hub of activity and growth, cementing the central Bluegrass region as a premier destination not just to visit, but to live, work and create,” Ramer said. “This strategic move drives business to the region while supporting the state’s competitive entertainment incentive program, which underscores our commitment to nurturing and cultivating a thriving film and television community.”

VisitLEX said the top three ways Lexington will benefit is:

• Films will spend money in Lexington similar to conventions that are recruited to the area. In the last eight months, VisitLEX has assisted with nine projects that booked more than 5,000 hotel room nights in the area, totaling $2.1 million in total spend. VisitLEX also has supported more than 30 projects with local resources including locations, crew, production resources and permitting.
• Lexingtonians no longer will have to leave home to work in the film industry, and many are returning. A group called LAXLEX is a networking community of more than 40 people who have moved to Lexington from Los Angeles — some returning home and others seeing Lexington for the first time.
• Lexington will achieve higher visibility and enhanced reputation with global streaming services now filming in Lexington and the region.

Brin, who will oversee the production resource, is returning to Lexington after launching consumer brand partnership campaigns at The Walt Disney Co., Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and agency The Marketing Store for theatrical franchises “Jurassic World,” “Fast & The Furious,” “Kung Fu Panda,” “Despicable Me,” and “The Grinch.”

Reasons the film and television industry will find Lexington attractive:

• Lexington’s one-stop hub will provide concierge hospitality service to make it easier to find crews, locations, vendors and permitting. The city is a key partner in helping productions to navigate the permitting process quickly and easily.
• FilmLEX is building a database of local talent to staff crews. It continues to add to the directory and encourages people to submit their information.
• Lexington has a diversity of scenery and backdrops. The city has an incomparable lifestyle that redefines the production experience. It also is conveniently within a day’s drive from two-thirds of the U.S. population.

(Click here for a trailer about Lexington created by actors Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez.)

Ramer said Lexington also wants to capitalize on Kentucky’s Entertainment Incentive (KEI), which positions Kentucky to compete for projects up to $10 million through a 30-35% tax credit with a yearly cap of $75 million. In just nine months of 2024, 17 projects for the region (12 film and five for TV) have received approvals for state incentives.

“Hotels and the people we employ depend on Lexington’s ability to attract conventions and meetings. Adding the film and television industry to our target markets will help all hospitality businesses continue to thrive, expand and invest more in our people and infrastructure,” said Manish Patel, owner of MKP Management and member of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau Commission.

“Whether it’s as a leader in the world-renown automotive industry or growing its role in the film and television industry, Kentucky knows how to dream big, then collectively roll up our sleeves to make our dreams come true. We’ve started with a competitive Kentucky Entertainment Incentive package to make the commonwealth stand out, but it’s our gold-standard hospitality that will help close the deal,” said Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel. “I’m grateful to see Lexington and the Bluegrass region taking a strategic approach in creating FilmLEX, which will provide the resources that successful productions expect through a best-in-class concierge level hub.”

“I am a living example of how opportunity is created when communities and states are intentional about cultivating the film industry. I now live and work here. My son also is working in Kentucky because he knows about the growth in the infrastructure that supports the film industry and the job opportunities being developed here.” said Scott Hall, editor, audio and sound at Macaroni Art Production, a company owned by actors Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez, and owner of Screen Eye Productions.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said: “All across Kentucky, we know what it’s like to see our talented young people leave to establish a career and pursue their dreams. Your state legislators have been working diligently to provide opportunities in health care, advanced manufacturing and technology to enhance life right here in the commonwealth. That hard work has been paying off. The creative industry is another piece of our economic and workforce puzzle. The collaborative approach of VisitLEX working with University of Kentucky, Asbury, Transylvania, Kentucky State and Bluegrass Community and Technical College – along with the state entertainment incentive program – means even more of our college graduates will find that their dream starts right here in Kentucky.”

For more information about Film Lexington, or to build a profile in the directory, visit here.

FilmLEX is VisitLEX’s film and television team dedicated to serving and supporting the film and television production community. FilmLEX’s purpose is to help market and promote the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) to the industry to drive economic impact and job opportunities for the region.

“As a filmmaker, my experience shooting in Kentucky was incredible, thanks to the hospitality of Lexington and Wilmore. Personally, I’m excited to come home to Lexington and continue producing inspiring films and television. Central Kentucky has so much to offer filmmakers in general, but especially for family, holiday, and TV series,” said Brady Nasfell, a producer who recently moved his family home to Kentucky as his wife became a screenwriting professor at Asbury University. Nasfell was the producer for the film “Mr. Manhattan,” which was shot in Lexington and Wilmore in 2023 for Great American Pure Flix Media.

“It is amazing what FilmLEX is doing for the film industry in Lexington. Not only are they bringing attention to Lexington’s film industry, but they are also connecting locals with opportunities to work in the films/videos being shot in central Kentucky. It’s an amazing project with brilliant people behind it,” said Lee Archie, owner of Archie Moore Media, a Lexington videography and photography company.

“I am deeply committed to promoting diversity in the arts and culture of Lexington, a mission I have pursued for over 20 years. I hope initiatives like FilmLEX can enhance representation in front of and behind the camera, particularly in a city where around 200 languages are spoken. Lexington’s diversity enriches filmmaking opportunities, allowing us to authentically blend cultures and reflect our community’s global influence, as well as the vibrant stories waiting to be told.” said Soreyda Begley, fashion designer, art and culture funding advocate, and community organizer. She is currently a student at Berea College, where she is double majoring in Political Science and African American Studies.

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