Lexington, Kentucky Film Incentives

Lexington, Kentucky. It's Your Scene.

The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) Program is back and more generous than ever. With $75 million in annual tax credits for qualifying film and digital media productions, bringing your next project to life in the cinematic beauty of Central Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region has never made more sense. Whatever scene you’re shooting for, you can find it in Lexington.

Why Lexington?

Diverse Landscapes

Rolling bluegrass hills, lush forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, a modern city surrounded by quaint small towns. The Lexington area has it all.

Eclectic Architecture

Lexington’s rich past is evident in many well-preserved structures representing unique eras of American history.

Easy Accessibility

Avoid the headaches that come from big crowds and remote destinations. Lexington’s central location makes it convenient to get to and a breeze to navigate. We're located roughly an hour from both Louisville and Cincinnati, and only three hours from Nashville.

It’s a Good Time

All work and no play, right? With a thriving culinary scene and vibrant nightlife, your cast and crew will love every minute in the heart of horse and bourbon country.

Royal

Front of the Kentucky Castle in the snow

Historic

Abandoned

Bourbon

Horse Farms

Eligibility

To receive KEI tax incentives, approved projects will need to incur a minimum combined total of qualifying expenditures in Kentucky. These incentives vary by type of production and exact location within the state, but projects may be eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits, with a maximum of $75 million available for all approved projects per calendar year.

Qualifying expenditures must be incurred with businesses located in Kentucky and used only for the project being produced here.

Qualifying expenditures include…

Set construction and operations
Lease or rental of property as a set location
Audio and visual equipment and services

Tax incentives awarded through the KEI program are refundable and non transferable and may be claimed against the approved company's Kentucky corporate, limited liability or individual income tax. Unused credits may not be carried forward.

More information, including a full list of qualifying expenditures.

Getting Started

Tax stuff can be complicated. VisitLEX is here to make sure you get the most out of Kentucky’s generous entertainment incentives and your next film or digital media production is a success. If you’d like a helping hand with the process or more information about why Lexington deserves a starring role in your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Better yet, plan a trip to experience it for yourself. We’re happy to audition.