A new chapter in Owensboro’s economic and cultural landscape began Friday as officials unveiled Kentucky Sound Stage. The state-of-the-art film production complex, located in the former Malco theater, promises to put Western Kentucky on the entertainment industry map.
Gov. Andy Beshear, local leaders, and project founders Jeremy Winton and Kristi Kilday joined community members in celebrating the transformation of the former movie theater into a full-service production facility.
“This is an incredible reimagining and revitalization of this former downtown movie house into a fully operational, state-of-the-art filmmaking and creative production complex,” Beshear said. “Jeremy Winton, a Western Kentucky native; his partner, film industry veteran Kristi Kilday; and their team are creating something really special here in Owensboro.”
Beshear highlighted the rapid growth of Kentucky’s film industry, attributing it to the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive. Since 2022, the program has provided more than $181 million in support for film productions, generating over $200 million for communities statewide and creating 7,400 jobs, he said.
“Kentucky is leading the entire nation in increased spending on film production – 800% higher than the next state,” Beshear said. “This modern, full-service facility is going to make sure that Owensboro and Western Kentucky get their share.”
For Winton, the project represents more than just business – it’s a homecoming.
“I was born right here in Owensboro, so for me, this is personal,” Winton said. “This sound stage isn’t just about making movies, it’s about creating jobs and bringing opportunities to the people of western Kentucky.”
Winton credited strong partnerships for making the project possible, thanking Kilday and others for their support in bringing Kentucky Sound Stage to fruition.
“Kristi Kilday is simply one of the hardest-working and smartest people I’ve ever met,” Winton said. “Her knowledge, experience, and ability to navigate this industry are instrumental in bringing us here today.”
Kilday, a 25-year veteran of Hollywood’s post-production industry, moved to Kentucky in 2023 after learning about the state’s film incentives.
“I picked up my life and moved across the country because of the incentive that Kentucky provides,” Kilday said. “But I stayed because I fell in love with Kentucky.”
Her visit to Owensboro solidified that decision.
“After the tour, I got into the car and started crying. Jeremy asked what was wrong, and I said, ‘Nothing. There’s just something special about this place,’” Kilday said. “Now, I know why – I had found home.”
The project has been met with enthusiasm from several local economic leaders.
“Working with Jeremy and Kristi on this initiative has been an exciting experience,” said Claude Bacon, President & CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation. “Not only are they bringing a premier studio to Owensboro and Western Kentucky, but they have already filmed two productions here – generating economic impact and opening new opportunities for our residents. With national distribution potential, these projects will showcase Owensboro and Daviess County in an entirely new and exciting way. We are grateful they have chosen Owensboro as their ‘New Kentucky Home.’”
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson emphasized the broad economic benefits the film industry will bring to the area.
“A film studio creates employment in many sectors – from technical roles like camera operators to support positions such as production assistants and accountants,” Watson said. “Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and retailers all benefit when film crews are in town.”
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen echoed those sentiments, calling the new studio “a game changer” for the region.
“This space will be an incubator for talent, supporting the local arts and fostering a rich cultural environment,” Castlen said. “We have beautiful farm communities, a vibrant downtown, and four distinct seasons – there’s no doubt Owensboro is ready to become a film destination.”
Candance Brake, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, said the project is a testament to the city’s appeal.
“When Kristi Kilday told the crowd about moving from L.A. to find her new home here in Owensboro, she lit up the room,” Brake said. “When people visit here and understand what we know – that Owensboro is the place to live, work, and play – we know we have done our job well. Congratulations to our sister organizations – Visit Owensboro and Economic Development Corporation for their role in this project.”
With Kentucky Sound Stage now open, Winton and Kilday are determined to make Western Kentucky the heart of film and television production in the state.
“This facility is more than just a building – it’s a gateway to opportunity,” Winton said. “Productions will come here, jobs will stay here, and young filmmakers won’t have to leave the state to pursue their dreams.”
As the final ribbon was cut, Kilday set the tone for the future.
“Let’s go make Western Kentucky the center of film and television in Kentucky,” she said.
