Filmmakers seeking to shoot a sports‑drama in Lawrenceburg asked the council Dec. 1 for a $400,000 marketing subsidy from city funds, prompting a lengthy council discussion about contract safeguards, completion guarantees and precedent.

Mark Petty introduced the project and said the production team could bring tourism and promotion: "It's a sports drama, based in a small town, and it circles around the high school football team," Petty said, noting location opportunities at the city stadium and local businesses.

City legal staff and council members pressed for contract terms that would secure the city’s investment, propose incremental payouts tied to milestones, and ensure the city is first in the "waterfall" for repayment. The presenters said the production budget is an estimated $400,000 with estimated revenue of $2,000,000 and they were willing to negotiate completion bonds, step‑by‑step payments and transparency through regular production updates.

Several council members said they could not approve funding without a formal contract that guarantees repayment or provides collateral. "I don't see none on this paper right now, and that's what we're voting," one council member said. Another member expressed concern about setting a precedent for other local filmmakers.

After discussion, Councilmember Lenny moved, and the council unanimously approved a motion to table the request until a contract is prepared, reviewed and circulated to the council. Presenters said they would work with city staff and legal counsel to draft contract terms and could provide script review and transparency measures.