Kentucky Film Incentives
The short version, in plain English. The Kentucky Film Office runs the program, and every answer below links to its official pages for the full rules and current numbers.
The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive, Simply Put
What is it?
A state tax credit on the money your production spends in Kentucky. Any credit left over after your company’s Kentucky taxes is paid out to you.
What kinds of projects qualify?
Most film, TV, documentary, commercial, music video and video game projects, plus touring Broadway shows.
How much comes back?
Up to 35% of what you spend in Kentucky. The exact rate depends on where you shoot, who you hire and the type of project. The Kentucky Film Office guidelines spell it out.
Is my project big enough?
Each type of project has a minimum amount it must spend in Kentucky. Check the current minimums before you budget.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the Kentucky Film Office before you spend the money you want counted. The Kentucky Film Leadership Council reviews applications on a set schedule, so check the deadlines early in your planning.
What happens after I’m approved?
You will have deadlines to start filming, finish, and turn in an audit of your spending. The state sets the final credit amount after the audit.
Shooting in Lexington?
Who to Call
| For | Contact |
|---|---|
| The incentive, applications and statewide help Kentucky Film Office |
filmkentucky.org/ContactUs |
| Lexington and Central Kentucky FilmLEX |
film@visitlex.com |
| Other regions and local film offices | See our Contact page |
Official Sources
Everything below comes straight from the Kentucky Film Office and the Cabinet for Economic Development. These are the pages to trust for deadlines, rules and current numbers.
Find Your Kentucky Crew
KYFilmCrew.org
A directory of Kentucky-based film and TV professionals, built by crew, for crew. Search by department and see profiles, reels and credits. Hiring Kentucky crew can raise your credit rate.
Kentucky Pro Directory
The Kentucky Film Office’s official crew and vendor directory on the state’s Location Pro platform.
Ready to Apply?
KEI applications are filed online through the Kentucky Film Office.
