Memphis is a most unique location for filmmaking with its rich history, musical roots and famous food scene as well as geography on the bluff above the Mississippi River. But making movies requires far more than a little personality and soul.
Just ask Film Commissioner Linn Sitler and her partner in crime Commissioner Sharon Fox O’Guin. The dynamic duo behind the Memphis and Shelby County Film/TV Commission, these women are why MovieMaker magazine selected Memphis once more for its list of “The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.”
The two wear many hats and share work with a board appointed by the City and County mayors to recruit and support productions from independent to blockbuster. With a background in journalism and television, Linn knows how to navigate the intricacies of production and works closely with local and state governments to enhance the movie making experience in the River City. Sharon oversees the “Location Library,” seeking out the best spots in town for filming. They also have a team of “Ambassadors” to provide the support necessary for quality productions. The Film Commission does not provide funding but supports worthy projects with their extensive resources and expertise as well as talent, hospitality and security. “We are basically a mini Chamber of Commerce,” says Linn.
While multiple blockbuster films have been shot in Memphis like Great Balls of Fire (1989), The Firm (1993) and Hustle & Flow (2005), Tennessee fell behind neighboring states like Georgia and Louisiana in incentivizing film making. However, just last year, The Tennessee Entertainment Commission announced a Franchise and Excise (F&E) tax credit program to bolster the state’s entertainment industry through job creation and economic development. The 40% tax credit is available to qualified productions in the state and an additional 10% is available in “economically distressed” areas like Shelby County. This has attracted recent projects to the River City including Bluff City Law and Young Rock. However, the credits on payroll expenses are available for feature films, scripted and unscripted TV, video games, commercials and post-production as well.
With tax incentives in place, Linn is focusing her efforts on training crew at every level. Her team is asking Governor Bill Lee for a grant to fund an apprenticeship program for painters, builders, costumers, grips, gaffers, sound mixers and tailors. This so-called “Operation Bootstrap'' is an outgrowth of the workshops Sitler started years ago to nurture local talent. She partnered with On Location Memphis with funding from the Gates Foundation to train crew and promote “best practices.” In addition to training, Memphis offers world class infrastructure like the new sound studio in the Graceland Exhibition Center. Every piece of the puzzle helps to “promote the art,” says Linn and to attract the best of the industry to the River City.