The West Kentucky Film Commission officially launched Wednesday afternoon at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts, bringing together state and local leaders to spotlight the region’s emerging film industry. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear headlined the event, celebrating the collaborative effort as a “team Kentucky” initiative to grow the state’s creative economy.
“This is about creating a long-term creative economy in our region,” said Kristi Kilday, co-commissioner of the new film commission. “The stories are here, the people are ready, and the film world is starting to take notice.”
Co-commissioner Jeremy Winton emphasized that the commission is focused on more than just scenic landscapes.
“Our message is simple: Kentucky is open for production,” Winton said. “We’re not just selling scenic views — we’re offering community support, talent, and access.”
Kilday and Winton recently spearheaded the development of Kentucky Sound Stage, a state-of-the-art production facility in the former Malco theater in Owensboro, which has already hosted multiple productions and drawn praise from economic leaders statewide.
On Wednesday in Madisonville, they stood alongside Beshear as he celebrated the formation of the West Kentucky Film Commission, a regional collaboration of communities including Hopkins County, Bowling Green, Paducah, Oak Grove, Franklin, Central City, Henderson, and Owensboro.
Beshear praised the commission as a symbol of teamwork and a vital part of Kentucky’s record-breaking economic momentum.
“It is so exciting to be in Hopkins County,” Beshear said. “I’m really proud that together, we secure more private sector investment than any other administration. Now it is $17 billion more than any other administration.”
He pointed to the state’s rising profile in the film industry, including productions by Ethan Hawke, Dustin Hoffman, and Gus Van Sant, and noted Kentucky is now leading the nation in increased film production spending.
“According to a recent report in Bloomberg, Kentucky is leading the entire nation in the increased spending on film production, clocking in at a whole 800% higher than the next state,” Beshear said.
He also highlighted the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive and the creation of the Kentucky Office of Film and Development, both aimed at attracting top-tier productions and professionals to the Commonwealth.
“This film commission is going to make sure that West Kentucky is a part of those new heights,” Beshear said. “And just a few months ago, I was with these folks in Owensboro as we helped cut the rivets on the brand new Kentucky Sound Stage.”
Beshear described the launch as a continuation of Kentucky’s mission to build not just a strong economy, but a strong sense of place.
“When I think about film, I think about storytellers,” Beshear said. “There’s something about the story of Kentuckians that people across the country and across the world can relate to. I think it’s our strong sense of place and our pride. There’s an authenticity to us, to Kentuckians, that shines through when we relate to others.”
He concluded by celebrating the unity and purpose behind the commission’s launch.
“This is how we take these last five years of incredible progress in economic development and job creation and ensure we’re creating decades of prosperity for our people,” Beshear said. “With the West Kentucky Film Commission, the Commonwealth is ready for our close-up.”
