Making movies in Kentucky may soon draw more national appeal.
The state’s largest film and production facility, LEX Studios, celebrated its grand opening June 20, after opening its doors earlier in the spring.
Located at 425 Codell Drive in Lexington, LEX Studios is a 50,000-plus-square-foot facility that will be equipped with three soundstages. In addition, the building has numerous green rooms, office spaces, dining room area for more than 150 people and a parking lot to accommodate more than 100 cars, according to a news release.
“LEX Studios is a groundbreaking addition to the Kentucky entertainment landscape. The opening of LEX Studios is a major step toward building a new industry in Kentucky that has the potential to transform the entertainment industry on a national level,” says LEX Studios Owner Misdee Wrigley Miller in the release.
Several projects are already scheduled for the new facility, per the release.
According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the state offers qualifying productions a 30% to 35% refundable tax credit for up to $10 million.
For comparison, Indiana offers a 20% to 30% nontransferable/nonrefundable tax credit with no listed project cap, according to information provided from Indiana Economic Development Corp. via the Entertainment Partners website.
“Thanks to the Kentucky tax incentive, which is the most robust in the country, we are poised to bring much more film and television production to the state. Enhanced production means business for caterers and restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, etc. and new opportunities for talent throughout the state, as well as those who are interested in a career in production,” added Miller in the release, who owns LEX Studios, along with her husband, James.
The Millers also own and operate Wrigley Media Group, which is a Lexington-based video production service.
LBF has reached out to ask about investment costs for the studio and construction partners. This story may be updated.
Tim Sabo is the studio manager and producer of LEX Studios. With approximately 25 years of production under his belt, he moved from California to Lexington for the opportunity to guide the new venture.
“Promote the studios, promote the state. We have the goal to become renowned as the go-to production facility for U.S. production outside of the four major production hubs — Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago,” said Sabo in the release.
The newly opened space was the former site of Woodhill Cinemas. The process to convert the building from a cineplex to its current formation took four years.
The facility has a number of “living sets” that resemble a dining area, courtroom, FBI analysis lab, morgue, hospital administration area and a movie theater, per the release.
Although the hope is to attract large productions, the facility can also be used for small-scale projects being produced by local companies, such as live streaming and creating corporate videos. It can also be rented out for corporate parties, receptions and other large events.
As far as Louisville film infrastructure, in 2022 a $65 million soundstage project was announced at Louisville Gardens.
