SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS, R-MANCHESTER, MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN CHARLES RIVKIN AND SEN. PHILLIP WHEELER, R-PIKEVILLE, DURING RIVKIN’S FIRST VISIT TO THE COMMONWEALTH

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 19, 2025) — Kentucky’s growing presence in the film industry took another step forward this week as Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, met with Motion Picture Association (MPA) Chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin to discuss opportunities for continued growth in the film industry here.

“Kentucky has so much to offer film and television producers, from our natural beauty and unique communities to our rich culinary traditions,” said Stivers. “It’s exciting to see national and international audiences discovering this through film and television and can drive economic development.”

Rivkin is the leading advocate of the global film, television, and streaming industry. The MPA’s members currently include such notable entertainment leaders as Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Rivkin, a former U.S. diplomat, now advocates for policies that drive investment in film and television production, protect creative content, and open markets. 

Rivkin also met with Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Jeff Noel. This cabinet will house the newly-created Kentucky Film Commission created by priority legislation Senate Bill (SB) 1, sponsored by Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, during the 2025 session.

This was Rivkin’s first such visit to the Commonwealth. He took a tour of the historic Louisville Gardens which will be transformed into Louisville Studios at the Gardens with 20,000 square feet of production space. It will be a central hub for industry coordination, marketing and workforce development to attract and support productions. The city of Louisville previously allocated $10 million of Kentucky General Assembly funding toward the project in Feb. 2025 as part of more than $100 million in transformational investment projects in the Commonwealth’s largest city. 

“I was delighted to welcome Mr. Rivkin for his first visit to the Commonwealth,” said Unbridled Films President/CEO Merry-Kay Poe. “Showing the Motion Picture Association the history of Louisville Gardens and how we will transform it into world-class production stages sent a clear message about our commitment to making Kentucky competitive for major film and television projects.”

This visit builds on Kentucky’s recent notoriety in television production. A $10 million seed investment from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) during fiscal year 2021-2022 has blossomed into national recognition for one production piece highlighting Kentucky at the Tribeca Film Festival. You Belong Here is a pilot show celebrating Kentucky’s people, places, and food through the efforts of nationally recognized Lexington chef and entrepreneur Ouita Michel.  

You Belong Here showcases Kentucky through storytelling and hands-on culinary learning. The show features Chef Ouita Michel and highlights Central and Southeastern Kentucky’s vibrant farm-to-table culture. Local chefs and restaurateurs, including Kristin Smith, owner of The Wrigley in Corbin, contributed to creating an inviting and authentic portrayal of Kentucky’s culinary scene.

"Kentucky is ready for its close-up," Stivers said. "I’m thrilled to see the strong interest from the MPA, and I’m confident that we’re building on Kentucky’s national reputation and momentum to create more jobs, boost tourism, and expand opportunities across the Commonwealth."

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Lawmakers returned to Frankfort on June 3 to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, January. 6.

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