Lexington Launches FilmLEX Initiative to Attract Film Productions and Boost Local Economy

Lexington is making a strategic move to enhance its position as a prime location for film productions. On Tuesday, the city’s tourism division, VisitLEX, unveiled a new initiative called FilmLEX, designed to attract filmmakers to create TV shows and movies in the area. This initiative comes in response to the new filmmaker tax credits introduced in Kentucky, which took effect on January 1, providing up to 35% back on approved film expenses.

FilmLEX will serve as a concierge service for filmmakers, assisting with accommodations, filming locations, and local crew connections. It also aims to simplify the permitting process, enabling a smoother experience for incoming productions. Jeff Noel, secretary for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development, highlighted the economic potential, stating, “Creativity is, in reality, big business.” He pointed out that the national film industry contributed $80 billion in expenditures last year alone.

The initiative is projected to foster job creation and stimulate local economic activity, akin to the impact of conventions. According to VisitLEX president Mary Quinn Ramer, previous productions brought 5,000 hotel room bookings to Lexington in the last eight months alone. She noted, “Film crews support Lexington’s economy in the same way conventions do.” Several upcoming projects have also shown interest in filming within the city.

However, the focus of FilmLEX will primarily be on smaller-scale productions, with budgets ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Ramer explained that these typically include TV movies, such as seasonal specials on networks like Hallmark. The inaugural budget for FilmLEX is set at $225,000, sourced from the VisitLEX budget, which itself is financed by transient room tax and grants.

As VisitLEX positions itself to leverage the state’s filmmaker tax incentives, the city of Lexington is poised to become an emerging hub for creative projects, aiming to balance artistic opportunities with economic benefits for its residents.