Louisville is currently enjoying its most active period for film production in recent memory. Five separate movies are shooting in the city and surrounding areas, a surge that local crews and business owners say is directly tied to Kentucky’s generous film‑industry tax‑credit program.
Local productions in full swing
At Cherokee Park, a marathon‑style setup is actually a scene from The Long Run, a character‑driven drama about a woman running the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of her late husband. Producer Leeni Marshall, based in Los Angeles, praised Louisville’s “practical realities” and diverse locations, noting that the city’s geography matched the filmmakers’ vision for the story.
Other projects include the thriller Oscar Shaw 2, starring Michael Jai White, which is filming in Louisville and La Grange, and the upcoming film Catnap, rumored to feature Kaia Gerber, which shot several scenes in the Highlands on Monday.
Why Kentucky’s incentives matter
The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program offers up to $75 million annually in tax credits for qualifying productions. This year alone the state has awarded roughly $60 million in credits, a figure that location manager Oliver Brooks says has made Kentucky a “especially busy period for film production.” He added, “I think this is the busiest Louisville has ever been. There’s five different movies happening here right now.”
Brooks, who spent two decades working in New York, highlighted the contrast in regulatory burden: “In New York everything is so much harder, so much more expensive. There are so many more hoops to jump through.” He also praised Kentucky’s variety of locations, noting that producers can find a range of looks within a 30‑mile radius.
Economic boost for the community
Local businesses are feeling the impact. Casting director Cathy Campbell explained that crews are spending heavily on hotels, catering, and restaurants, creating a noticeable flow of money into the city and state. “They’re staying in hotels. They’re hiring caterers; they’re using restaurants. There’s lots of ways the money is flowing to our city and state,” she said.
Beyond immediate spending, the productions are providing employment opportunities for Louisville residents, from background actors to technical crew members. Campbell’s talent agency continues to seek local extras, inviting community members to participate in the films.
Looking ahead
Marshall expressed enthusiasm about returning to Kentucky for future projects, saying, “I hope to come back and make more movies in Kentucky.” With the state’s tax‑credit program remaining robust and the local infrastructure proving adaptable, Louisville appears poised to maintain its momentum as a desirable filming destination.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
