Students introduced to location management at Lexington film training initiative

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Students from six Central Kentucky colleges and universities, as well as Fayette County Public Schools, filled the Farish Theater to learn about location management, another avenue of filmmaking.

Film Lexington is partnering with Location Managers Guild International to create the two-day learning experience for film students.

Students learn about jobs beyond directing and producing

Jim Owens, dean of the College of Communication Arts at Asbury University, said many students enter film school with a specific goal.

“I think a lot of students go into film school thinking I’m going to be a director or producer and they don’t realize there are another 50 jobs,” Owens said.

Andrea Keener, secretary of Location Managers Guild International, said she hopes the two days of learning will spark students’ creative eye for scouting film locations.

“We have the opportunity to see all the different possibilities that Kentucky and Lexington specifically have to offer things that are more than horse and bourbon,” Keener said.

Student describes interest in Kentucky film work

Caroline Ferrell, a University of Kentucky senior and business arts major, is one of the students taking part. She also interns with Film Lexington, which facilitates film production in central Kentucky while spotlighting incentives.

“Kentucky is not usually the place that students look to come get a film degree, but with all of the new things that we’re doing and all the projects coming here and all the events that we’re having, it’s drawing more of that attraction to here, so students don’t need to go to New York or California,” Ferrell said.

Kentucky incentives and industry spending

Incentives from the Kentucky Film Office are increasing interest in using Kentucky for movies and television.

Lisa Brin, head of Film Lexington, described the state’s entertainment incentive.

“Kentucky’s entertainment incentive is really competitive; it is a 30 to 35 percent fully refundable tax credit. You get an additional five percent bump if you hire in-state crews. Obviously, this is a workforce development opportunity,” Brin said.

Since 2022, Gov. Andy Beshear has said the film industry has brought more than $400 million to the commonwealth. More major motion picture location managers, including Keener, are spending time in Kentucky.

Keener said she hopes students can build a base for the industry in Kentucky.

“They can help bring up then the next generation and keep it sustainable and give them a really great foundation of building the crew base and building their own career right here in their home,” Keener said.