Lights, camera, action! Beshear signs bill establishing Kentucky Film Office
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Filmmaking and showrunning opportunities are set to rise to new levels in the Commonwealth following the signature of a bill on Wednesday establishing the Kentucky Film Office (KFO).
Kentucky, like most other states, offers financial incentives to attract film and TV productions. In 2022, the industry generated $200 million in revenue for the state, on top of an estimated $128 million brought in locally from all the extra spending these productions bring, like dining or set construction. Industry leaders believe a state film office would help make those numbers bigger.
Gov. Beshear vetoes 9 bills on education, healthcare, and more on Wednesday
SB 1 passed unanimously during its initial vote on March 4 and passed with a 77-8 vote 10 days later before being signed Wednesday.
The KFO will increase the workforce in local and regional film production with training programs while also marketing the Bluegrass as a film location.
'The film office will serve as the hub for marketing, industry coordination, workforce development, and solidifying Kentucky's position as an attractive destination for feature film production,' Sen. Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) told lawmakers in February.
South Laurel High School earns Blue Ribbon Lighthouse designation
Woman charged in connection with slaying of Louisville corrections officer
Lights, camera, action! Beshear signs bill establishing Kentucky Film Office
The office will work in tandem with the Kentucky Film Leadership Council, also established in the bill, which will consist of seven members to help strategize industry-related decisions. This will reportedly be done in partnership with the Cabinet for Economic Development, the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, and the Education and Labor Cabinet.
The law officially establishing the Kentucky Film Office goes into effect July 1.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Beshear activates Emergency Operations Center ahead of ‘No Kings' protests
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Gov. Andy Beshear has opened the state's Emergency Operations Center ahead of 'No Kings' protests on Saturday. Seeing protests ramp up across the country, Beshear said they will be monitoring situations as information comes in and coordinating resources for any area that might need it. Lexington 'No Kings' rally to remain peaceful amid anti-ICE protests in LA While recognizing people have the right to protest, he is encouraging folks to stay peaceful. 'If you're going out to protest on Saturday, that is your right. Again, make sure it stays peaceful, and I would recommend everyone wrap it up before dark. We've seen in the past how other groups can come in, especially at night. In turn, what was a peaceful protest aimed at change turns into something that looks very different,' Beshear said. Kentucky Kroger closes aisle after possible rodent infestation Beshear activates Emergency Operations Center ahead of 'No Kings' protests Lexington 'No Kings' rally to remain peaceful amid anti-ICE protests in LA Beshear said those engaging in violent acts, such as setting things on fire and looting, should be prosecuted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Governor Beshear's 'Pre-K for All' Initiative comes to Owensboro
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear traveled to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce where he joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, local officials, educators, business leaders and parents to rally support for the 'Pre-K for All' initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth's public education system and job growth. 'Access to quality child care and preschool opportunities are critical for Kentucky to ultimately advance educational attainment levels in all grades and to allow more parents to participate in the workforce,' said Scott Davis, chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. 'We know that children in early-learning environments frequently have better academic achievement and better language development skills. Also, a higher percentage of them are more likely to graduate high school and attend college. Furthermore, ensuring that more Kentucky children have access to early-learning opportunities can play a significant role in closing the socio-economic gap between those who have financial means and those who do not.' Beshear helps break ground on $20M facility in Muhlenberg County During his remarks, Governor Beshear mentioned key points that support how children, families and businesses will benefit from the initiative. This is what is in his intiative: Increases Kindergarten readiness for all Kentucky 4-year-olds. According to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky's children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten. Eliminates child-care deserts. According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky's 120 counties – nearly two-thirds – don't have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it, with the majority of those located in Eastern Kentucky. Boosts parents take-home pay. A long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow. Saves Kentucky families out-of-pocket child-care costs. By reducing child-care costs, Pre-K for All will ease financial strain for hard-working families and strengthen the foundation of Kentucky's economy. Grows Kentucky's labor force by 40,000 to 70,000 Kentuckians. According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky's workforce by up to 70,000 people. Grows Kentucky's economy. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every dollar invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy. Gov. Beshear stressed that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan issue, noting that 18 states – including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia – offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds. 'They have gotten it done, and so can we,' the Governor said in outlining his plans. As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Lexington ‘No Kings' rally to remain peaceful amid anti-ICE protests in LA
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Thousands of 'No Kings' rallies are expected to take place this weekend. More than 20 are planned in the Bluegrass, including Lexington. The protest will take place on Saturday at 12 at Lexington's Robert F. Kennedy Stephens Federal Courthouse Plaza. Lexington 'No Kings' rally to remain peaceful amid anti-ICE protests in LA Guilty verdict reinstated for Lexington father convicted of killing son on Father's Day Board approves proposed tuition increases at EKU, Murray State, WKU With anti-ICE protests making waves across the country, organizers of Saturday's protest are reminding everyone to keep it peaceful. 'It shouldn't be that hard to keep it peaceful here,' said organizer Annabel Nagel. 'We've held multiple of these rallies before right here in Lexington, and nothing has gone wrong.' By Saturday afternoon, the quiet plaza will transform into a sea of signs and voices with thousands of Kentuckians rallying against the current administration. 'We feel the need to step up anytime something goes wrong within our government, whether it be state or local; we want people to feel like they have a voice,' Nagel added. 'We want D.C. and the Trump administration to hear us and hear our concerns and know that we care and we are ready to get mobilized.' Kentuckians spend the 3rd highest share of their income on fast food Bill could make federal minimum wage $15: Kentucky among states paying less than that Kentucky sitting near bottom of rankings in environmental protection: Study Nagel said they're well aware of how protests have escalated in L.A., but said this one is built on non-violent principles. 'We're taking extra precautions to make it safe and everyone feels comfortable and nothing dangerous happens,' Nagel said. 'We have volunteers dedicated to safety and helping people cross roads, just making sure everything stays as legal and as calm as possible.' More than 2,000 people have already signed up, and while organizers hope for more, they understand the hesitation after what's happened in L.A. 'This is a fully peaceful protest. Everything we're doing is going to be legal. We have permits, and everything is in line with all of the organizers. They have experience; we've been through this before,' added Nagel. Congressman curses fellow lawmaker on House floor Democrats demand testimony from Noem over Padilla handcuffing Lexington 'No Kings' rally to remain peaceful amid anti-ICE protests in LA The Lexington Police Department stated that they are aware of events occurring across the country and are monitoring developments in Lexington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
