Could Your Kentucky Home Become a Movie Set?

Now that more and more movies are being filmed in Kentucky, thanks in part to the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive, you might be wondering how filmmakers actually choose the locations for their productions. As it turns out, there's a pretty extensive process involved, and it could present an interesting opportunity for Kentucky homeowners.

According to The Head Space Studios, the process can begin as soon as a script, or even a basic concept, is locked in. Location managers examine the settings and environmental details described in the screenplay to determine what kinds of places will be needed.

Scouts then cross-reference their own location databases, which may contain notes and photographs from previous productions, with information gathered through searches of Google Earth, Airbnb, and other resources. Local film offices can also help with the search.

It's not a process that happens overnight. Location scouting can take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks, depending on the production and its requirements.

And sometimes, a filming location offers considerably more than a picturesque home or a scenic stretch of countryside. One Kentucky property recently featured by Wildomar Movie Ranch offers an almost unbelievable collection of potential backdrops, including a Southern-style mansion, a cavern and waterfall, a sawmill, a golf course and even a private zoo. Wildomar identifies the property as Kentucky Falls of The Rough, describing it as a secluded location about 90 miles from Nashville.

How to Make Your Kentucky Home a Filming Location

So what does this mean for a Kentucky homeowner who wants to put their property in the spotlight? It begins with getting that property into the Commonwealth's production and location directories.

The Kentucky Film Office's Location Portal is the place to start. The state launched its revamped website and production databases on July 1, 2026, giving filmmakers a way to explore locations, businesses, and other resources throughout Kentucky. Residents can also submit their own properties.

In a July interview with WKMS, Kentucky Film Office Executive Director Meg Fister explained that the goal is to showcase the variety of settings available to filmmakers across the Commonwealth.

If you're interested in registering your property, the Film Kentucky Location Portal's FAQ and help section is a good place to begin.

Regional Film Commissions Offer Another Avenue

The statewide directory isn't the only resource available. Several regional film organizations are also working to connect filmmakers with interesting properties.

Here in western Kentucky, the West Kentucky Film Commission has been seeking potential filming locations throughout the region. I wrote about that effort last December when the commission was encouraging homeowners and property owners to volunteer their properties as possible shooting locations. You can revisit that story HERE.

The commission's property registration page outlines a few requirements. You must own the property or have written permission from its owner to register it. You'll also need at least 10 high-quality photographs showing the property from multiple angles.

Those should include exterior views, interior rooms and hallways, street views showing the surrounding neighborhood, and any distinctive architectural details or other standout features. The commission reserves the right to remove duplicate or low-quality photographs.

Homeowners in the Louisville area can also explore opportunities through the Louisville Film Office, which invites residents to make their homes and businesses available for filming.

In Eastern Kentucky, the Eastern Kentucky Film Commission maintains a regional location network. Property owners can make their locations discoverable to filmmakers while keeping private contact information and exact addresses protected until a qualified inquiry comes along. Joining is free.

Could Your Property Be What a Filmmaker Is Looking For?

You might think your home isn't particularly special. But that's not necessarily how a location scout would see it. A filmmaker looking for a particular architectural style, neighborhood, or atmosphere might find exactly what they need in a home its owner considers perfectly ordinary.

And it doesn't necessarily have to be a house. Farms, barns, historic properties, commercial buildings, and distinctive outdoor spaces can all potentially serve as filming locations.

Of course, getting your property into a location database doesn't guarantee a production will choose it. Every project has specific requirements, and a location that works for one production might not work for another.

If a production does express interest, homeowners should discuss compensation, scheduling, property access, insurance, and potential disruptions before agreeing to let a film crew on the premises. A listing is an introduction, not a filming agreement.

Still, with Kentucky working to attract more film and television productions, it might be worth taking a few photographs of your property and letting filmmakers know what's available.

Who knows? The next time you're watching a movie or television show, you might recognize a house, a barn, or even an entire neighborhood that looks awfully familiar. It could be right here in Kentucky.