Production of one of the largest budget films Barren County has seen has wrapped up

In a bid to harness the scenic beauty and unique locales of Cave City, Barren County Tourism, in collaboration with the Southern Kentucky Film Commission, has successfully attracted two productions with a combined budget of $8 million with a significant portion of that budget going to the area.

This strategic move comes after representatives attended the prestigious American Film Festival, in Los Angeles seeking to leverage the town’s potential as a filming destination. Jennifer Mcnett, Director of Cave City Tourism and Vice President for the SoKy Film Commission explained that without that visit, productions like this would not be possible.

The picturesque landscapes and captivating charm of Cave City served as the perfect backdrop for the upcoming film, drawing filmmakers eager to capture its natural allure on camera. From sprawling caves to lush forests, the region offered a diverse range of settings to bring the script to life. Filming primarily took place at Guntown Mountain and surrounding areas like the caves of the area, which was fitting as the production is a Western.

The film had attracted some renowned actors as well, which Mcnett listed.

The director for the film (as well as the upcoming production) Brian Skiba, is a prolific director, producer and writer whose films can be seen on Lifetime, Showtime and other networks, with works covering a wide swathe of genres.

While the attention garnered by such productions may seem payment enough for some, fortunately the production gave the area a more tangible means of payment. With production staff staying at local hotels and B&B’s, shopping at local boutiques and frequenting eateries across Barren County, the film was a boon to local businesses. Some residents also capitalized on the production as well, which Mcnett explained.

Moreover, the collaboration between Tourism and the SouKy Film Commission signifies a proactive approach to promoting Cave City and Barren County as a desirable location for future film projects. By capitalizing on the town’s unique assets and scenic beauty, officials hope to continue attracting filmmakers and bolstering tourism in the region. As Mcnett said to WCLU, “Stay tuned.”