Why Memphis
unique locations, a famous and groundbreaking music scene, a favorable economy, a pleasant climate
Why Memphis
unique locations, a famous and groundbreaking music scene, a favorable economy, a pleasant climate
MEMPHIS: SELECTED 7 TIMES BY MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE AS A “TOP 10 U.S. CITY FOR MOVIEMAKERS.”
Urban, Small Town Locations. Dedicated, Professional Crew. Affordable Prices. Long established, award-winning City/County Film Commission.
Rave Reviews
Rave Reviews
STEPHANIE ALLAIN
PRODUCER
"Shooting Hustle & Flow in Memphis allowed us to capture the essence of Craig Brewer’s script with the minimum amount of hassle. The film commission was extremely helpful in introducing us to local businesses and securing picture perfect locations. Locals welcomed us with open arms. My only warning is to watch out for the myriad of great restaurants featuring fabulous local musicians. You might just want to stay.”
Ira
Sachs
DIRECTOR
“There’s no better place in the world to make a movie than Memphis. It’s the people, and the generosity of spirit, and the locations, and the history – all of those things together are part of the Memphis filmmaking experience. It’s also got the best film commission in America. Linn Sitler and Sharon O’Guin have the keys to all the city has to offer, and they make sure the doors are opened for you.”
Leslie
Greif
CEO / Thinkfactory
"It was a pleasure shooting “Million Dollar Quartet” in one of America’s most beautiful and iconic cities. I am so grateful for the hospitality that all the residents and the City of Memphis showed us. This show is Memphis’ show. Memphis is a big city with a small town charm, and without the support of the local businesses and residents, the production value wouldn’t have been the same and for that I thank you all.”
Mike
Ryan
PRODUCER
“I have filmed in over 30 states and I can confidently say that the assistance your production gets from Linn and Sharon surpasses practically every other state film commission. They are always eager and available to help your production and they treat each film personally as if it were their own production. I have shot several films in Memphis and I can’t wait to return.”
Morgan Jon Fox
Director
"I continue to shoot in Memphis because we have an incredible talent pool to work with at every crew level, really diverse locations, and an extremely film friendly atmosphere."
Jay RoewE
Michael Askin
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT PRODUCTION/DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION (HBO)
"The producers, cast and crew of “Quarry” had a terrific experience filming in Memphis. The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission and the local production community were there every step of the way to help us coordinate logistics and accomplish everything we set out to capture. They worked effortlessly to ensure a very pleasant experience."
Rod
Lurie
Director
“There are few places in America, even the world, as conducive to filmmaking as Memphis. It’s the creativity of the place, I think. Creativity sings and dances and exalts in Memphis. If you’re not creating, then you are thinking about creating.”
A Location Manager's Dream
A Location Manager's Dream
Rural, Small Town, And Urban Locations
All just Minutes Away
Rural, small town, and urban looks. Period town squares and courthouses. A 14,000-acre forest: Shelby Forest. Miles of 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s homes — all in mid-town Memphis. Even a Victorian Village. One of the world’s largest urban parks, complete with buffalo: Shelby Farms. And a downtown resting on the banks of the Mississippi River.
The Crew Base is amazing
The Crew Base is amazing
The Memphis production community boasts well-established and highly experienced crew members with substantial feature, commercial, and industrial credits. And Memphis production has historically been free of labor conflict. Like many Southeastern states, Tennessee is a right-to-work state.
Since 1988, Memphis has hosted both independent features and big budget studio pictures.
The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Production Guide, powered by Reel-Crew
Professional, Diverse Talent Pool
Professional, Diverse Talent Pool
Long recognized for its rich theatrical tradition, Memphis has also become a favorite site for casting calls for films shooting both locally and outside the region.
Along with many excellent community theatres, professional theatre companies, and a large number of multi-talented African-American actors provide stature and diversity to the acting scene. Several outstanding college theatre departments also serve as important resources for the area's acting talent pool.
And, of course, Memphis' incomparable musicians and their music enhance the majority of the productions shot in the city.
Memphis Music
Memphis Music
Nightclubs. Juke Joints. Come walk the Memphis of Elvis and B.B. King. Then sit in the clubs on Beale Street, Midtown Memphis, and South Memphis and hear the sound of
Memphis music today.
Memphis music + Memphis musicians = your soundtrack.
STREAMLINED PERMITTING PROCESS
STREAMLINED PERMITTING PROCESS
Memphis/Shelby County permit and insurance requirements reflect the Film Commission’s years of experience with on-location filming.
Be smart - call early in pre-production for easy permitting of public properties and the commercial use of drones.
Call 901.527.8300 extension 2 or 3.
NO LOCATION FEES
FOR CITY/COUNTY - OWNED LOCATIONS
NO LOCATION FEES
FOR CITY/COUNTY - OWNED LOCATIONS
Find out what you need to know to
book your location.
Call early: 901.527.8300 extension 2 or 3.
Sleep like a Baby
Sleep like a Baby
…at a variety of hotels, most offering discounted film commission production rates.
Call the Film Commission Office first, and then book your room.
It’ll save you money. 901.527.8300 extension 2 or 3.
Sunny and Warm
Sunny and Warm
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Memphis area environment offers film-makers a variety of terrains and a very temperate climate.
Non-Stop Flights
Non-Stop Flights
NON-STOP FLIGHTS to major cities, including daily, non-stop service round-trip to Los Angeles and multiple non-stop flights to
New York City.
Extended Express Shipping Hours
Extended Express Shipping Hours
ADD HOURS TO YOUR DEADLINES THROUGH FEDEX’S EXTENDED EXPRESS SHIPPING HOURS.
As home of FedEx’s corporate headquarters, Memphis-based productions enjoy extended shipping hours. Drop off your packages as late as 11:59 pm weeknights at FedEx’s 4450 Distriplex Cove location near the Memphis International Airport.
AWARD WINNING FILM COMMISSION SUPPORT
AWARD WINNING FILM COMMISSION SUPPORT
Base in Memphis and you’ll enjoy the best production support available from The
Memphis & Shelby County
Film and Television Commission’s
Linn Sitler and Sharon Fox O’Guin.
Over 50 years combined hands-on production support experience.
Reap the rewards of our long-established alliance with The Tennessee Entertainment Commission, your source for state location permitting and state filming incentives.
Go to tnentertainment.com for more information.
Or contact TN Film Commissioner Bob Raines or Project Manager Gisela Moore at 615.741.3456.