In 1985, when VHS tapes were still revolutionary and the internet was barely a concept, Memphis and Shelby County made a prescient decision that would transform their community into a sought-after destination for filmmakers worldwide. Founded in 1985 by joint City/County resolution, The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission is the official City/County economic development agency for film and television. As the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, it stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the unique allure of the Bluff City.
From Vision to Reality: The Early Years
When the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission was established four decades ago, the concept of regional film commissions was still relatively new. The founders understood something that seems obvious today but was revolutionary then: location matters in storytelling. Memphis, with its rich musical heritage, distinctive architecture, and authentic Southern charm, had stories to tell and backdrops to offer that couldn’t be replicated on a Hollywood soundstage.
Since 1989 Memphis has become a hot destination for filmmakers looking for a unique setting. This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of deliberate, professional outreach and relationship-building that positioned Memphis as more than just another filming location, but as an active partner in the creative process.
Professional Excellence in Film Services
The success of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission can be attributed to its professional approach to film services. 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.
Leading this effort are Film Commissioner Linn Sitler and Deputy Film Commissioner/Project Specialist Sharon Fox O’Guin, both of whom hold degrees in production and bring professional expertise to every project. The credibility of their work is underscored by the fact that Sitler is one of only 51 film commissioners in the world to attain certification by the Association of Film Commissioners International.
In addition to Sitler and O’Guin, the Commission welcomed its first Music Consultant, Al “Kapone” Bailey, to the team.
Economic Impact and Production Volume
The Commission’s work extends far beyond simply attracting productions—it serves as a crucial economic development engine for the region. The Commission is not an arts agency –nor is it a trade association. Rather, the Commission Office works as an economic development agency, focusing on the tangible benefits that film and television production brings to the local economy.
The Commission presents an annual report listing Commission clients and each’s direct spend and number of local hires to City and County funders each fiscal year, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and accountability in their economic development role.
The numbers tell the story of sustained success spanning multiple decades. For the fiscal year 2025, fifty-seven productions used Memphis as a film location or base representing the Six Million Thirty One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty One Dollars ($6,031, 381) direct spend in Memphis / Shelby County and One Thousand Five Hundred Thirteen (513) jobs created. Commission clients include Tyler Perry Studios, Damaged Goods LLC, RTP David Allen, LLC, and Memphis Movie Production, to name a few.
The Commission has continued to attract major network productions, such as NBC-Universal’s “Young Rock” Season 3, which was filmed in Memphis during fiscal year 2022-2023. This diverse range of productions—from national commercials to independent films to major network series—demonstrates the Commission’s ability to attract various types of content creators and maintain relevance across changing industry trends.
The Memphis Advantage
What makes Memphis such an attractive destination for filmmakers goes beyond the professional services of the Commission. The city offers a unique combination of authentic locations, cultural richness, and practical advantages that keep productions coming back.
Unique locations, a famous and groundbreaking music scene, a favorable economy, a pleasant climate all contribute to Memphis’s appeal as a filming destination. The city’s architectural diversity—from antebellum mansions to modern downtown buildings, from historic Beale Street to suburban neighborhoods—provides filmmakers with a range of authentic backdrops that would be expensive to recreate elsewhere.
The Commission’s approach goes beyond just showcasing locations. The Film/TV Commission also offers location research and, when available, discounts on hotels in the area. This comprehensive support system recognizes that successful productions require more than just pretty scenery—they need logistical support, local expertise, and cost-effective solutions.
Looking Forward: The Next 40 Years
As the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission Foundation marks its 40th anniversary, it does so in a media landscape that would be unrecognizable to its founders. Streaming platforms have created unprecedented demand for content, regional storytelling has gained new appreciation, and technological advances have made high-quality production more accessible.
The emergence of platforms like Sweetspire TV, also based in Memphis and focused on showcasing regional content, suggests that the Commission’s four decades of work have helped create not just a filming destination, but a genuine media hub with homegrown content creators and distributors.
The Commission’s professional approach, established relationships, and deep understanding of both the local community and the entertainment industry position it well for continued success in an evolved media landscape. As new forms of content creation emerge and the appetite for authentic regional stories grows, Memphis’s unique combination of cultural richness, professional film services, and Southern hospitality continues to offer compelling value to content creators.
A Legacy of Partnership
The 40th anniversary of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission Foundation represents more than just institutional longevity—it represents four decades of successful partnership between public sector vision and private sector creativity. The Commission’s model of professional, dedicated service has not only brought economic benefits to the region but has also helped share Memphis’s stories, culture, and character with audiences worldwide.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the Foundation’s four-decade track record provides a solid foundation for the next chapter of Memphis’s role in American filmmaking. The lights, cameras, and action that have defined the past 40 years are not just looking back at accomplishments—they’re pointing toward an even more dynamic future for Memphis as a center of authentic American storytelling.
In an industry where relationships matter as much as locations, and where professionalism can make the difference between a good shoot and a great one, the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission Foundation has proven that with vision, dedication, and genuine partnership, a mid-sized Southern city can become an indispensable part of the global entertainment landscape.
This blog was written by Angela D. Green, Esq., Co-founder of Sweetspire TV & Editor of Sweetspire Sampler
Angela D. Green, Esq. is a practicing attorney in Memphis, TN with over 20 years experience in the film and music industry. Her IMDb credits include executive producer, writer and music supervisor. She is also the Co-founder of Sweetspire TV and Editor of the Sweetspire Sampler magazine.
