Why not film in a natural back lot?
Lights, Camera, Harlan!
Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, Harlan County is a prime destination for filmmakers looking to shoot their next project in a unique and authentic setting. In 2016, Harlan County was the location for Above Suspicion which was the largest film project to hit Kentucky since Seabiscuit. Harlan offers many types of locations suitable for documentaries, independent and feature films, and is filled with various types of topography, buildings, cities, outdoor scenes, mountains, et cetera for the many needs of film.
Kentucky offers a competitive package of rebates and tax incentives for film production, which makes filming in Kentucky an affordable place. Click here to learn more about the incentives provided by the Kentucky Film Office.
For more information on filming in Harlan County, call us at (606)-573-4495 or email us at htcc@harlanonline.net.
Harlan County Snapshot
Population of County:
27,000
County Seat:
The City of Harlan
Distance to Nearest Airport:
Knoxville: 126 Miles
Lexington: 160 Miles
Topography:
Mountains, small towns, rolling hills, farmland, coal mines, coal fields, rural, rivers, lakes, and creeks
Filmography:
Hazard (2022), The Evening Hour (2020), Above Suspicion (2017), After Coal (2016), Stand Like A Mountain (2012), Justified (Opening title sequence – 2010), Harlan County U.S.A. (1976)
Resources:
Lodging
Approximately 300 rooms and various private rental homes, ranging from traditional hotels, bed & breakfasts, and rental homes which can accomodated your cast and crew whether you are budget-conscious or have an unlimited budget at your disposal. Harlan also has limited conference space. Most offer Wi-Fi Internet access, hot breakfast, and cable or satellite television. For a list of our traditional hotels and B&Bs click here.
Shopping
Harlan County offers 30+ specialty shops and 19 locally owned restaurants.
Restaurants
Harlan restaurants offer Southern cooking, sit down, international flavors, Italian and pasta/pizza, Americana, deli, etc. Chinese, Indian, and Mexican restaurants are also located in the city of Harlan and Cumberland. National chains include Mcdonald’s, Dairy Queen, Arby’s, Subway, etc.For a list of local and chain restaurants in Harlan County click here.
Hospitals & Clinics
Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital
Daniel Boone Clinic
Mountain Comprehensive Health Care
Quantum Health Care
Cloverfork Clinic
Media
Southeast Community College has Southeast TV. No recording studios exist in Harlan County, although both Harlan County High School & Southeast Community College have media programs.
Other Resources:
Other resources include law enforcement, laundry services, lumber & hardware stores, auto parts stores, realty services, banking, car lots, etc. Automobile rentals are available in Middlesboro, KY.
Note:
We are in a unique situation when it comes to film in Harlan, KY. Because our office works hand in hand with local government, we can assist in and expedite the permitting process for filming, locations, etc. Not only is Harlan an affordable location for your project but it’s convenient and flexible.
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