Film, TV Crews Find What They Need in Tennessee
Published Apr 07, 2004
Television crew
Tennessee may not look like Hollywood, but it has all the key ingredients, star quality and something the Golden State doesn’t – a heaping helping of Southern hospitality.
Over the years, Tennessee has been gaining ground in the film, television and music industries thanks to its central location, historical landmarks and attractive scenery. Complementing those qualities is considerable access to some of the industry’s most experienced and talented creative teams and production crews.
“Any kind of service, equipment or crew needs that a film or production company might have can be found right here in Tennessee,” says David J. Bennett, executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission. “Also, many companies find that along with these conveniences, things here are much more cost-effective, and it’s hard to beat the Southern hospitality found here.”
The state’s film and television production business generated more than $178 million in 2003, according to the Tennessee Film, Entertainment & Music Commission; the local industries’ most popular music genres (country, Christian and blues) brought in nearly $2 billion through retail sales. Bennett added that the state’s three distinct regions – East, Middle and West – each offers something unique for companies interested in shooting films, commercials, music videos or other productions in the state.
“This is really a well-rounded area for film, television and music venues,” Bennett says. “In the East region of the state, you’ll find strong roots in bluegrass, along with networks like HGTV and Scripps Television. Middle Tennessee is the hub for country and Christian music and has CMT and Great American Country as part of its television base. The West Tennessee area is best known for blues, rock ’n’ roll and R&B and is now experiencing an emerging rap and hip-hop music scene.”
Several new companies are also setting up shop in Tennessee, providing additional growth and resources. RFD-TV, a national television network featuring rural lifestyle and agricultural programming, is relocating to Nashville in an effort to expand its music and entertainment programming. HSN – formerly the Home Shopping Network – will move its fulfillment center to Piney Flat in Sullivan County, while Shop at Home Network continues to produce its programming at studios in Nashville. Through its theater circuit, Knoxville-based Regal Entertainment Group operates 6,119 screens in 562 locations in 39 states – making it a corporate powerhouse and the largest motion-picture exhibitor in the world.
Bennett says all these operations are advantages for the state and, when teamed with the state’s established and internationally recognized music industry, continue to increase the state’s ability to attract other entertainment-related industries.
In the last two decades, Tennessee has been the locale for more than 200 film and television projects. With the explosion of the cable television industry, six national cable channels have been launched in the state. The USA Network’s hit television reality show, “Nashville Star,” is also creating a buzz. In addition to creating several local jobs, the show is bringing in more than $5 million in revenue to the local economy, according to Jennifer Andrews, film coordinator for the Metro-Davidson County Mayor’s Office of Film.
Commercial work in the area also has increased, with groups like the Tennessee Lottery, ESPN and Choice Hotels turning to Middle Tennessee for production needs, Andrews says. The Nashville area is also catching the eye of some major retailers, including Neiman Marcus, which shot its 2004 Christmas catalog in Nashville.
“We do very well,” Andrews says. “We have a really talented, experienced crew in Nashville. There is so much talent here that three major motion pictures can go on simultaneously. With transplants from Los Angeles and New York, their interest in the music industry and the quality of life here have been attractive enticements.”
Sharon O’Guin, deputy commissioner of the Memphis/Shelby County Film and Television Commission, says the Memphis/Mid-South region has also been successful in attracting major production projects. The agency’s job is to recruit and assist companies interested in producing commercials, videos, feature films and television shows in the area.
Walk the Line, a biographical film about Johnny Cash, was recently shot in Memphis featuring Tennessee-native Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde 2, Sweet Home Alabama) and Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator). The movie production is expected to pump more than $5 million into the local economy, according to O’Guin.
Memphis native Craig Brewer wrote and directed Hustle & Flow, with filmmaker John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood, Rosewood) serving as executive producer. Shot entirely in Memphis, the film features an all-star cast including Anthony Anderson, Terrence Howard and Elise Neal.
Story by K. Dawn Rutledge Jones & Jessica C. Kurtz
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