Kentucky’s Largest Film Studio, LEX Studios, Is Now Open
LEX Studios, Kentucky’s largest film and TV studio, recently opened its doors in the city of Lexington. Aiming to revolutionize the state’s burgeoning movie and TV production industry, the studio is outfitted with over 50,000 square feet of sound stages, offices, dressing rooms, and various other facilities. It is designed to manage everything from pre-production to post-production stages of film making. LEX Studios has opened up new opportunities, increasing the chance of Kentucky becoming the next big hub for movie production.
What’s Inside the Studios?
The colossal production center, which was inaugurated on June 20, is more than just a soundstage. It boasts greenrooms, hair and makeup stations with rinse sinks, built-in washers and dryers, and office spaces. According to Debra Griffin, president and owner of Debra Locker Group, the owners envision this facility to be one of the top spots for film and TV production outside the traditional film centers like LA, NY, Chicago, and Atlanta.
What’s more, the studios have the capacity to host three productions simultaneously. The set-up allows for an array of locations to be staged, ranging from a courtroom or movie theater to an FBI analysis lab, or even a morgue. The facility is designed to make the production process both easy and pleasant for all involved.
Economic Impact & Incentives Program
Soozie Eastman, president of 502 Film, is enthusiastic about the integration of LEX Studios into the state’s existing film and TV production model and believes it will positively impact Kentucky’s film economy. The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program (KEI), aimed at promoting the development of the film and entertainment industry in the state, could attract more industry professionals due to the new studio. LEX Studios will not only create job opportunities but also help in developing production and post-production infrastructure for film production within Kentucky.
KEI Program and its benefits
Film projects shot in Kentucky are eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits annually, and a total of $75 million is available for all approved projects per year. Further, the state’s competitive tax incentives allow productions to recover 30-35% on various projects when shot in the state. LEX Studios is anticipated to draw more such projects, thereby boosting the state’s film industry.
LEX Studios Inspires Next Gen Filmmakers
The newly opened studio is not just a workspace for professional filmmakers but also an inspiration for aspiring ones. Tim Sabo, the director of LEX Studios, encourages film students to explore the facility to get a glimpse of what possibilities the studio offers. Misdee Miller, Owner and CEO of LEX Studios, aims to develop the state’s budding film and TV industry and believes in the ‘wow factor’ of the space.
Additional Facts About LEX Studios
- Size: Spanning across 52,000 square feet, it encompasses sound stages, offices, dressing rooms, and more.
- Location: Situated at 425 Codell Dr. in Lexington, Kentucky.
- Type of Productions: LEX Studios is capable of producing a wide range of shows and films from game shows and movie productions to short films.
- Cost: The cost of renting space varies depending on the requirements of the production.
- Contact: For pitching show or movie ideas, Studio Director Tim Sabo can be reached at timsabo@lexstudios.tv.
