SENATE BILL 1 ADVANCES, PAVING THE WAY

FOR THE KENTUCKY FILM OFFICE

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 27, 2025) — The Senate Economic Development Committee met today and advanced Senate Bill (SB) 1, priority legislation sponsored by Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, to establish the Kentucky Film Office within the Cabinet for Economic Development. This office will serve as the central hub for industry coordination, marketing, and workforce development, to ensure Kentucky capitalizes on its top-tier film incentive program and attract more productions to the commonwealth.

Speaking at a press conference with film industry leaders, tourism officials, and economic development advocates, Wheeler discussed the significance of SB 1 in creating jobs, streamlining the incentive process, and positioning Kentucky as a leading destination for film and television production.

"Kentucky has the talent, landscapes, and resources to be a top destination for film production, but without the right infrastructure, we’re missing opportunities," said Wheeler "The Kentucky Film Office will be a transformative step by giving filmmakers a single point of contact, streamlining the incentive process, and eliminating unnecessary roadblocks. This is about making Kentucky truly competitive with other states that have built thriving film industries, ensuring we attract major productions, create jobs, and grow our economy."

Strengthening Kentucky’s film industry

SB 1 creates the Kentucky Film Office, which will

  • administer and oversee the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program and ensure transparency and efficiency,

  • market the state as a premier filming destination to attract major productions,

  • serve as a resource and first point of contact for filmmakers and industry professionals,

  • coordinate with local film offices, tourism commissions, and industry partners to support productions and facilitate industry growth, and

  • develop workforce training initiatives in collaboration with Kentucky’s higher education institutions.

Industry leaders, such as Misdee Wrigley, CEO of Wrigley Media Group, expressed strong support for SB 1 an emphasized the bill’s role in driving economic growth and job creation.

"Establishing a dedicated film office is the missing piece Kentucky needs to unlock its full potential in the entertainment industry," said Wrigley. "Other states with centralized film offices have transformed their economies by attracting major productions, creating jobs, and building sustainable industries. It's time for Kentucky to follow suit. This legislation ensures that we’re not just offering incentives on paper, but providing the infrastructure and support necessary to bring productions here and make Kentucky a premier destination for filmmakers."

Governance and Oversight

The Kentucky Film Office will be led by an executive director, selected through a national search, and overseen by the Kentucky Film Leadership Council, a seven-member board composed of

  • three state cabinet secretaries,

  • two representatives from Kentucky-based film production companies,

  • one representative from the film industry (e.g., producer, actor, financier), and

  • one representative from a local or regional film commission.

Merry-Kay Poe, president of Unbridled Film, stressed the need for a more structured, business-friendly approach to growing the film industry in Kentucky.

"Filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals want to work in Kentucky, but right now, there’s no clear, centralized process to help them navigate incentives and logistics," Poe said. "The Kentucky Film Office will change that. It will provide the structure, support, and leadership needed to attract more productions, strengthen our industry, and create lasting opportunities for Kentuckians in film for years to come."

Funding the Film Office

The office will be funded through a sustainable revenue model, including

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

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

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

The office will work closely 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 development.

Kentucky’s Film Industry: A Booming Economic Driver

Recent studies confirm the significant economic impact of Kentucky’s film and entertainment industry:

  • The industry generated $200 million in revenue in 2022, supporting local businesses and workforce development.

  • Film-related industries contributed an additional $128 million in economic activity across the state.

  • The sector generated approximately $27 million in local, state, and federal tax revenues in 2022.

  • Future investments in the industry are projected to have an overall economic impact of $272 million with an estimated $31 million in tax revenues collected.

SB 1 has garnered strong support from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, a longtime advocate for Kentucky’s film industry and related tax incentives.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

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.