Lights, Camera, Tennessee!

You’ve probably spotted the signs: streets blocked off downtown, camera crews parked outside local diners, and maybe even a famous face grabbing coffee next to you! It’s not just your imagination: Hollywood’s headed South! Tennessee’s film and TV production industry is booming, and it’s not just Nashville getting the spotlight. From Memphis to Knoxville, the Volunteer State is the it place for lights, camera, action.

Behind the scenes, this surge in screen time isn’t just about celebrity sightings—it’s big business for Tennessee. With multiple productions rolling throughout 2025 and many more in the works, the economic impact is showing up in hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and job creation across the state.

Big Productions, Bigger Payoff

Here’s what’s filming in Tennessee right now and why it matters:

• “9‑1‑1: Nashville” (TV series)

This major network show kicked off in Nashville this summer and will continue into early 2026. It’s expected to bring in $50 million+ to the local economy and create 600+ local jobs, from grips to caterers.

• True Crime TV Shoots

Several episodic reenactment series are filming in Knoxville and the surrounding areas—good news for local actors and production teams. Episodes of Fatal Attraction, American Detective, and Snapped: Killer Couples recently filmed in Tennessee, and more are on the way.

• Indie Projects and Music Shoots

Independent filmmakers and music video productions are busy across the state, especially in Memphis and Franklin, keeping local crews and studios humming.

• Homegrown Hits

Tennessee isn’t just hosting films—it’s creating them! Programs like Film Fest Knox’s Made in Tennessee help local filmmakers produce short films, documentaries, and indie features year-round. 

What’s Coming Up: The Next Scene

While no major new productions have been officially announced yet, Tennessee remains a hot spot for location scouts and indie projects gearing up behind the scenes. With Tennessee’s diverse landscapes, experienced local crews, and competitive incentives, industry insiders expect more announcements soon.

In the meantime, plenty of smaller shoots, commercials, and documentaries keep the production wheels turning—and the local economy humming—year-round.

Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Local Business

Film sets need more than actors—they need places to stay, eat, and source supplies. That means hotels, restaurants, hardware stores, vintage shops, and even antique dealers all see a boost when productions come to town. For many communities, especially in slower tourism months like August, the economic lift is significant.

Scene Stealer: Tennessee’s Film Boom Is Just Getting Started

With big productions rolling and more projects on the horizon, Tennessee isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a thriving film hub. For local businesses and workers, that means jobs, growth, and plenty of action. The cameras are on Tennessee, and the show’s just getting started!