CAVE CITY, Ky. — As the state continues its work to bolster the film industry in Kentucky, people who live in the Cave City area are getting a shot at an acting career.
Some in the industry say southern Kentucky is the perfect spot for making movies.
Barren County saw quite the turnout at the Cave City Convention Center in March when a casting call was held for acting talent. Directors and producers of a new movie met with people hoping to try their shot at acting in it.
16-year-old Jared Charles traveled all the way from Georgetown, Kentucky and was one of the first in line with some headshots.
“Definitely a first getting to audition for a movie, an actual movie,” Charles said, noting he’d only gotten to act in a couple of school plays before this potential opportunity.
As he walked into a room to audition, Charles got to meet well-known actor and director Branscombe Richmond, who’s co-directing a film with the project name of “Kangaroo Kids” with his son, Fairai Richmond, who is also an actor and director.
“Kangaroo Kids” is going to be a children’s movie available on a new streaming platform for kids called Sunn Stream Productions.
Early on during the casting call, Branscombe Richmond smiled as he said, “We’ve been sitting here for 15 to 20 minutes, and people say, ‘I’ve always wanted to be an actor.’ Oh my God, it makes your heart—you know, ‘I’ve got dreams and all that kind of stuff.’ So if we’re the ones to make your day, we are blessed.”
As he took time to shake hands and meet everyone at the casting, Fairai Richmond added that it’s about more than just making dreams come true. Authentic, local talent is important, he says.
“I’m a huge fan of films that use the actual people in the community in the movie, and it brings that elevated sense of realism,” Fairai said. “We are representing Kentucky, and we’re going to bring out the best of the people, the architecture, the food and just the overall atmosphere and environment.”
That’s an idea shared by several big projects late, with counties like Barren, Hart and Warren hosting filming locations for movies and TV shows. With charming small towns and diverse landscapes available for sets, Fairai describes the area as having the “classic Americana” feeling that’s great for films.
“I see this place as totally magical,” Fairai said, “And I think that’s a whole strength for this movie. I liken it to those movies that I grew up with, like ‘The Goonies’ or ‘E.T.’ or any of those sorts of Spielbergian films.”
Fairai expects the movie, with filming set to begin in May, will be just as good of an opportunity for the community.
“It stimulates the economy. It gives children hope. It gives, you know, parents and everybody something to talk about, and there’s something happening here, and that’s a big thing, right? There’s a movie being shot here.”
“Kangaroo Kids” will be the tenth movie Branscombe has worked on in Kentucky. He says the film incentives in the Bluegrass state are enticing.
The movie will receive nearly $130,000 in incentives from the state to film in Barren, Warren and Hart Counties.