Bullitt County firefighters, EMS workers play extras in soon-to-be-released feature film

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some Bullitt County firefighters could be in a new movie hitting the big screen.

The Zoneton Fire Protection District said it's been sworn to secrecy until now, but, in early August, firefighters were asked to be background actors in a motion picture filmed, in part, in Louisville.

They extinguished a vehicle fire for the movie and said representatives of Bullitt County EMS were also there for an ambulance scene.

Rich Carlson with the Zoneton Fire District said "it was the real deal for the most part."

"We probably did 10 different evolutions of looking like we're putting out a car that's on fire. It's different than real-life firefighting but that's exactly what we'd do in training. We have several different trainings and scenarios run multiple times," said Carlson. 

The fire district said the movie, which still hasn't been named, is about LAPD K-9 Officer Jake Rosser, who, in the scene they were involved in, has just witnessed the shocking murder of his partner by a mysterious assailant.

Carlson said it's still unclear if their scene will make the final cut. He says he's hoping to get to have a watch party to see the movie once it is released.

Zoneton Fire is no stranger to film. Carlson and other firefighters acted out a similar scenario in a different feature film a few years ago. 

"We were in another made-for-TV movie called, 'Seduced By My Neighbor.' It was directed by Sam Irvin and had a couple well known stars in it, Andrea Bogart and Trevor St. John," said Carlson. "We were simulating an interior fire attack in a house."

It's films like these that Kentucky has seen more of in recent years. Freelance Film Location Scout Adam Snyder says that's largely due to film incentives offered by the state. 

Right now, film projects in Kentucky may be eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits, with a maximum of $75 million available for all projects approved in a single year, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. 

"The increase in film is directly tied to that for sure," Snyder said. "The year that we had them, the first year, we blew up. We probably had 20 movies filmed in the state. Then the next year when the incentives were gone, I don't think we had one. Now that the incentives are back, we've done maybe 14 this year."

Before Kentucky offered incentives, Snyder says he often only scouted for films that needed to be set in Kentucky due to its iconic features: like horse farms for films like Secretariat or Seabiscuit.

"Once we got the incentives, suddenly I'm having to find something that looks like Nevada because they'll try to shoot more in a state that has good incentives," he said. 

Snyder says the film boost caused by the incentives doubled his salary. He also says he's seen first-hand the big economic impact films can have on small communities.

"They get an extra 5% I believe if they shoot in an economically depressed economy. So, that helps draw them out of just the big city," he said. "You're bringing in a project that is going to spend millions of dollars wherever they are. I know every small town that's been filmed in ends up loving it because everyone gets a little bit more money in their pocket."

Snyder says between catering, rental costs, hotels and other expenses, a film crew could spend millions of dollars in an community. 

"Especially as a locations person, I watch them pay out thousands to homeowners and location owners. I see the money going into the community," Snyder said. 

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