Lexington, KY – June 2024 — Get ready for your close-up, Kentucky. The new, state-of-the-art LEX Studios is positioned to shine a light on the Bluegrass State, while significantly boosting the economy and creating jobs. Located in the former Woodhill Cinemas in Lexington, LEX Studios is the result of the vision and talent of well-known business leaders Misdee Wrigley Miller and James Miller.
“LEX Studios is a groundbreaking addition to the Kentucky entertainment landscape. The opening of LEX Studios is a major step toward building a new industry in Kentucky that has the potential to transform the entertainment industry on a national level,” says LEX Studios Owner Misdee Wrigley Miller.
Located at 425 Codell Drive, LEX Studios is equipped to become a national hub for creative innovation and media entertainment with several projects already slated for the upcoming summer months. Wrigley Miller adds, “Thanks to the Kentucky tax incentive, which is the most robust in the country, we are poised to bring much more film and television production to the state. Enhanced production means business for caterers and restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, etc. and new opportunities for talent throughout the state, as well as those who are interested in a career in production.”
Kentucky offers qualifying productions a 30 to 35 percent refundable tax credit for up to $10 million and a skilled crew base of over 16,500 (Source: Kentucky Economic Development Guide). “Promote the studios, promote the state. We have the goal to become renowned as the go-to production facility for U.S. production outside of the four major production hubs – Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago,” explains Studio Manager and Producer Tim Sabo. With 25 years of experience in production including Field Producing for The Biggest Loser, Sabo moved to Kentucky from California to manage LEX Studios.
It took four years of extensive construction to convert the building from an abandoned cineplex to a 50,000-square-foot production facility with three soundstages, well-equipped green rooms, numerous office spaces, dining areas for 150+, parking for 100+, and production support. “LEX Studios not only offers the technical infrastructure necessary for high-caliber productions, but also grants access to Kentucky’s rich variety of filming locations. From urban settings to natural landscapes, the region provides an array of visually striking backdrops that can elevate any production” adds Wrigley Miller.
The building itself is designed to be a living set with spaces that can be stand in as a dining area, courtroom, hospital administration, an FBI Analysis Lab, morgue, and, paying homage to the building’s history, a movie theater. In addition to being a one stop shop for large-scale production, LEX Studios is a resource for local companies for small-scale projects including corporate videos, live streaming, creating sizzle reels, etc. The space also offers room ambiance to create unique events such as corporate parties and receptions.
LEX Studios’ sister company Wrigley Media Group, also owned by Wrigley Miller and headed up by industry veteran Joe Livecchi as CEO, is located just 10 minutes from LEX and provides additional production and post production support. Known for extensive experience in content creation, and production services & logistics, Wrigley Media’s resources include a 60’X40’ cyc wall stage, nine Avid edit bays optimized for remote collaboration, and a fully equipped audio recording studio.
About LEX Studios – Kentucky’s largest production facility, LEX Studios is a total production environment with three soundstages, well-equipped green rooms, numerous office spaces, dining areas for 150+, ample parking, and production support. Opened in spring 2024, LEX Studios is a one-stop-shop for technical and logistical support, from lighting, grip and rigging to set construction, transportation, and craft services. Information about LEX Studios is available on https://www.lexstudios.tv/.