The nerve center of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission is the Commission Office in the Crane Co. Building in downtown Memphis. There, two long-time professional staff members, called “film commissioners,” work “hands-on” recruiting and assisting productions. Although initially professional hires, Film Commissioner Linn Sitler and Deputy Film Commissioner/Project Specialist Sharon Fox are now appointed by the City Mayor and the County Mayor. Both hold degrees in production. Sitler is one of only 51 film commissioners in the world to attain certification by the Association of Film Commissioners International. Both Sitler and O’Guin update their professional credentials annually at Cineposium, an educational conference for film commissioners. In addition to Sitler and O’Guin, the Commission now employees two part-time employees: Music Consultant Al “Kapone” Bailey, and Marketing Coordinator Robert King.

The Commission is fortunate to have “on-call” highly qualified attorneys such as Joseph Leibovich, Esquire, who represents The Shelby County Attorney’s Office. Leibovich advises the staff and board on internal and production matters, including County permits and filming on County-owned property.  Joseph Hardison, Esq., of the City Attorney’s office approves filming on City property and serves as City Government’s representative in Commission legal matters, including the various City film permits.