Kentucky Film Incentives Draw Multiple Movies to Louisville, Brooks Says

“The character runs 26.2 miles, requiring a location that could visually match what the filmmakers had in mind,” said L.A.-based producer Leeni Marshall.

Film crews are transforming locations across Louisville into movie sets for several active film productions.

Kentucky’s film industry is seeing a major surge as state incentives attract Hollywood crews to local neighborhoods. The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program provides up to $75 million annually in tax credits, drawing five different movies to the area simultaneously.

Location manager Oliver Brooks told WLKY that the current production slate represents a record high for the city. “I think this is the busiest Louisville has ever been,” Brooks said.

Incentives draw film productions to Louisville — WLKY News Louisville

State tax credits have driven much of the recent activity, with Kentucky awarding approximately $60 million this year alone. Beyond financial backing, location managers point to logistical advantages over traditional production hubs.

“I lived in New York, doing this work for 20 years and it’s just everything is so much harder, so much more expensive,” Brooks told WLKY. “There are so many more hoops to jump through.”

The state’s geographic variety also plays a role in attracting directors. Production teams can access a diverse range of looks within a compact 30-mile radius.

Active sets in Louisville and neighboring La Grange are generating immediate economic activity for local hospitality and service providers. “They’re staying in hotels. They’re hiring caterers; they’re using restaurants,” casting director Cathy Campbell told WLKY.

Productions currently underway include the thriller “Oscar Shaw 2,” starring Michael Jai White, and “Catnap,” which recently filmed scenes around the Highlands. Meanwhile, background casting remains open through Campbell Talent Group for extras looking to appear in the local films.