Infrastructure

In addition to the proverbial ‘village,’ we discussed last month, nurturing a budding film industry requires infrastructure.  Without entertainment infrastructure, i.e., stages, studios, facilities needed to create film, television or recording projects, large production companies cannot function effectively, so will generally find a location to shoot that can provide the needed infrastructure. Additionally, “soft infrastructure,” i.e., experienced production and post-production professionals, and a favorable tax incentive structure are fundamentals of a thriving film industry.

The development of the Tennessee film industry has taken several years and a number of state administrations. David Bennett, who was Film & Music Commissioner from 2003 to 2007, championed a tax incentive program to combat the loss of revenue going to bordering states like Louisiana, Georgia, and North Carolina.  However, he was faced with a state regime that did not share his vision and relinquished his post.  Not much happened until a pro-industry administration assumed power in Tennessee and pushed for a more profitable industry structure in the state.  (Nashville Scene)

Eric Close, TV Mayor of "Nashville" and
Karl Dean, the real Mayor of Nashville   

The current Film Commissioner, Bob Raines, has worked hard to create a film-friendly environment where shows like “Nashville” can be produced and maintained in the state.  To accommodate the needs of producers, his office has joined forces with Nashville’s Mayor Karl Dean, the Office of Economic & Community Development, the Metro Arts Commission, Film Nashville, and a number of film oriented organizations to form the Nashville Film Television Transmedia Council, similar to the Music City Music Council, which was organized in 2009.  The mission of the council is to create more film and television opportunities in the state and ensure that the required infrastructure is in place, including trained, talented production personnel.

The educational/training component includes colleges and universities such as Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Lipscomb University, Columbia College and Belmont, plus film schools that specialize in film and TV production.

“The industry is here,” says Read Ridley of Columbia College. “There’s a need for skilled film technicians. This is what needs to happen in order to steer more opportunity and build a diversified workforce for the film market in Nashville.”

"It's a chicken and egg situation," says Loucas George, producer of the series, “Nashville.” "Without the infrastructure you don't attract the business. … Without the business, the infrastructure doesn't develop. … Now the infrastructure is developing."

The positive financial impact of "Nashville" is felt all over the city, and the show has spent more than a $1 million to build a suitable sound stage facility that could attract more projects to the area.

“The show has employed actors, music artists and production workers,” says Mayor Dean. “It has also generated increased tourism dollars that can be applied to many areas of our city's budget.”

Because of the financial advantages, new state incentives have been initiated to bring in smaller film and television productions. Originally, only projects with million dollar budgets qualified for the program, but the minimum per project or per episode budget has been lowered to $200,000. (Music Row)

At a recent event, members of the local film community gathered to salute the mayor for his efforts in establishing and reinforcing Nashville’s entertainment infrastructure.  Representatives from the actor’s unions (SAG/AFTRA), the production unions (IATSE), public television, film festivals, and support organizations, including Women in Film & Television, Film Nashville and the Arts and Business Council all pledged support. 

Eric Close, who portrays Mayor Teddy on “Nashville” summed it up by saying, “So many have been impacted by the show. ‘Nashville’ is just the tip of the iceberg.  There is so much more to come!”