Kentucky’s growing film and entertainment industry is getting renewed support through the updated Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI), and production teams are encouraged to apply for funding, according to a release from the Cabinet for Economic Development.
The KEI program offers refundable, nontransferable tax incentives covering 30% of eligible production costs, or 35% for projects based in Enhanced Incentive Counties or employing Kentucky-based crews. The release said the program has been a key factor in positioning the state as a leading destination for film and entertainment production, creating new investment and job opportunities across the commonwealth.
“The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive program has played an incredibly important role in positioning our state at center stage for productions of every kind,” Cabinet Secretary Jeff Noel said in the release. “We want to ensure that everyone who might be interested in this support is aware of this opportunity and all that our commonwealth and our people have to offer.”
Since the program’s launch in 2022, more than 250 projects have been approved for $242 million in potential incentives, supporting thousands of Kentucky jobs. Eligible projects include feature films, television programs, documentaries, Broadway shows and industrial productions, according to the release.
To further strengthen the state’s connection with the industry, the General Assembly and Gov. Andy Beshear created the Kentucky Film Leadership Council earlier this year. The new board, now seated, has adopted a vision and mission statement and reviews applications monthly.
“The creation of the Kentucky Film Office and the Kentucky Film Leadership Council ensures we can continue to grow our film industry, its resident workforce and local infrastructure while providing safeguards around our incentive and the interests of Kentuckians,” Soozie Eastman, council chair and president of 502 Film, said in the release.
The council will meet twice before year’s end. Funds remain available for applicants, and $75 million has been allocated for the 2026 program year.