The State of Indiana Film
Filmmakers gather at the Stutz to learn more about SB306 and discuss the future of the film industry in Indiana
The State of Indiana Film
Indiana’s film and media sector recently reached an important milestone with the convening of the state’s first State of Film event. Spearheaded by Pattern Inc., in partnership with Film Indy, The Box Media, Hoodox, and 12 Stars Media,, the event brought together nearly 100 filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals from across the state to assess current conditions and discuss pathways for growth.
The convening underscored both the momentum within Indiana’s film community and the urgency of coordinated action. Participants engaged in discussions focused on strengthening Indiana’s competitiveness as a production destination, improving infrastructure, and aligning policy, workforce, and capital strategies. The program also featured insights from regional peers, including perspectives from Kentucky’s film ecosystem on how targeted incentives and sustained advocacy have driven measurable industry expansion.
The energy in the room was undeniable. Filmmakers, producers, and creatives gathered to connect, strategize, and discuss ways to make Indiana a real player in film production. We also had the privilege of hearing from Louisville Film Commission Chair, Soozie Eastman, who shared key insights on how states like Kentucky are driving significant film industry growth.
Why Film Matters to the Creative Economy
Film and media production is a critical component of the broader creative economy and plays a disproportionate role in economic spillover. A healthy film sector generates demand across hospitality, transportation, construction, equipment rental, post-production, and professional services, while supporting a wide range of creative and technical occupations. From camera and lighting crews to carpenters, caterers, stylists, editors, and designers, film production sustains high-quality jobs and keeps creative talent rooted in local communities.
As national production patterns shift and independent filmmakers seek alternatives to legacy hubs, Indiana is well-positioned to capture new opportunities. Doing so, however, requires a policy environment that is competitive, predictable, and aligned with industry realities.
Scaling What Works: Policy and Incentives
Neighboring states offer a clear point of comparison. Kentucky’s film industry generated an estimated $203 million in economic impact in 2024, demonstrating the return that well-structured incentives can deliver. For Indiana, Senate Bill 306 represents a pivotal opportunity to modernize the state’s film tax credit by making it transferable and extending its authorization through 2035. These changes would significantly improve Indiana’s ability to attract private investment and larger-scale productions.
Advocacy efforts around SB306 are ongoing, with coordination among filmmakers, creative businesses, economic development leaders, and partner organizations, including Pattern. Ensuring that legislators hear directly from stakeholders across all regions of the state is essential to demonstrating the bill’s statewide economic relevance.
Toward a Regional Film Strategy
Indiana’s aspirations need not stop at state borders. Cities such as Louisville and Cincinnati have shown that mid-sized markets can build nationally competitive film ecosystems. Looking ahead, there is potential for deeper regional collaboration across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, aligning talent pipelines, infrastructure, and incentives to create a multi-state production corridor capable of competing at scale.
Workforce Development and Industry Education
In parallel with policy advocacy, continued investment in education and professional development remains critical. Pattern, in collaboration with Hoodox, 12 Stars Media, Heartland Film, and Film Indy, is leading Film Lab, a multi-session workshop series designed to strengthen business readiness, production practices, and industry knowledge among emerging and aspiring filmmakers.
The series includes sessions on best practices for filmmaking in Indiana, production finance and funding, creative development, and distribution strategy. Support from the Herb Simon Family Foundation and the Samerian Foundation has made this initiative possible.
Next Steps on SB306
We are continuing to work with Catalyst Group to support the SB306 Action Plan they developed that clearly outlines the bill’s economic rationale, priority decision-makers, and effective advocacy strategies. The coming weeks are critical. While Central Indiana voices are well represented, engagement from Northern and Southern Indiana is especially needed. Filmmakers, business owners, and community leaders in regions such as Fort Wayne, Elkhart, South Bend, Evansville, Jasper, and New Albany play a vital role in demonstrating that a stronger film industry benefits local economies statewide.
The Creative Economy Leadership Alliance will continue to support coordination, research, and advocacy efforts to ensure that film and media are fully integrated into Indiana’s long-term economic development strategy.
