WHEELER FILES SENATE BILL 1 TO ESTABLISH KENTUCKY FILM OFFICE

Priority legislation to strengthen Kentucky’s film industry, drive economic growth

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 19, 2025) — Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, has filed Senate Bill (SB) 1, priority legislation to establish the Kentucky Film Office within the Cabinet for Economic Development. The office will serve as a central hub for industry coordination, marketing, and workforce development to streamline permitting processes and support production companies through the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program. SB 1 seeks to position Kentucky as an attractive destination for film and television productions, create jobs, and boost local economies.

“Kentucky has the talent, landscapes, and resources to be a premier destination for film production, but we need the right infrastructure in place to support and promote the industry,” said Wheeler. “The Kentucky Film Office will be a game-changer in ensuring we maximize our incentives, attract major productions, and create new opportunities for our workforce. By establishing a dedicated film office, we can provide a single point of contact for filmmakers, remove unnecessary roadblocks, and ensure Kentucky remains competitive with other states actively courting the film industry.”

Enhancing the film industry

The Kentucky Film Office will

  • oversee and administer Kentucky’s film incentive program,

  • market the state as a premier filming destination,

  • provide resources for productions filming in Kentucky,

  • ensure responsible and sustainable industry growth, and

  • coordinate with regional film commissions and industry partners.

The office will be led by an executive director, to be selected through a national search, and work closely with the newly created Kentucky Film Leadership Council. This seven-member council, composed of state officials and industry professionals, will guide the industry’s growth, approve incentive applications, and oversee policy compliance.

Funding and Oversight

The film office will be funded through

  • a base allocation of $500,000 per year,

  • 100 percent of revenue from film incentive application and administrative fees, and

  • 2 percent of gross receipts from Kentucky’s 1 percent bed tax.

The office will collaborate with the Cabinet for Economic Development, the Cabinet for Tourism, Arts, and Heritage, and the Education and Labor Cabinet to ensure effective industry oversight and growth.

Positioning Kentucky for Success

Kentucky has one of the top five film incentive programs in the country, yet its potential remains underutilized due to the lack of a centralized film office. SB 1 aims to bring much-needed structure and efficiency to the growing industry.

“This is about more than just economic growth; it’s about fostering a creative industry that supports local businesses, educates a skilled workforce, and showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of our commonwealth,” Wheeler added. “Investing in this industry today means building a foundation for long-term success, where Kentucky becomes synonymous with high-quality film and television production."

SB 1 is strongly supported by Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, who has been a longtime advocate for Kentucky’s film industry and related tax incentives.

The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment. Today is the last day to file new bills in the Kentucky Senate.

For more information on SB 1 and other legislation, visit www.kylegislature.gov.

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Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler serves as chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is also co-chair of the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Additionally, Wheeler is a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Natural Resources and Energy, and Licensing and Occupations.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate131.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wheeler.