The Rise of Film Production in Nashville:
What Creatives Need to Know in 2025
Lights, Camera… Incentives!
Nashville may be known as Music City, but it’s quickly becoming a rising star in film and television production.
Thanks to generous state incentives and a growing production scene, 2025 is looking like a breakthrough year for filmmakers and content creators in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Entertainment Commission offers:
A 25% grant on in-state spending for qualifying productions
A 50% tax credit on franchise & excise taxes for film and TV projects
(Source: Tennessee Film Incentives)
For independent filmmakers, ad agencies, and music video crews, that means more budget flexibility—and a compelling reason to shoot local.
In 2023 alone, Tennessee productions created over 10,000 jobs and generated more than $500 million in local economic impact. Those numbers are expected to grow as more out-of-state productions discover the value of filming here. (Source: tnentertainment.com)
A Local Industry on the Rise
2025 is also seeing more city support. Nashville recently launched its own Film, Music & Entertainment Commission—designed to attract everything from TV series and docuseries to animation and game studios.
Even Universal Music Nashville is diving in—launching Sing Me Back Home Productions, its in-house film division.
(Source: Axios Nashville)
Other productions choosing Tennessee in recent years include commercials for major brands, national broadcast specials, and feature-length independent films. With its mix of urban landscapes, historic sites, and wide-open rural spaces, the state offers location diversity that rivals California—at a fraction of the cost.
Nashville Film Festival: Launching Creative Futures
The Nashville Film Festival isn’t just a red-carpet event—it’s an industry hub, screening over 180 films and drawing thousands of creatives each year.
Its Oscar-qualifying short film categories make it a serious launchpad for emerging talent.
(Source: Nashville Film Festival Wiki)
In addition to screenings, the festival also hosts industry panels, pitch sessions, and networking events, giving filmmakers a chance to connect directly with distributors and decision-makers. In 2024, nearly 20% of films shown secured streaming or distribution deals within a year of the festival.
More Than Screenings
The festival doesn’t stop at films—it’s a hub for industry panels, pitch sessions, and networking events that bring together local talent, national distributors, and global streaming platforms. These gatherings give filmmakers valuable face time with decision-makers who can open doors to financing, partnerships, and exposure.
From workshops on cinematography and sound design to Q&A sessions with established directors and producers, the festival offers hands-on learning and insider access. Networking mixers and after-parties also help creators connect in a more relaxed environment, building relationships that often lead to future collaborations.
In fact, in 2024, nearly 20% of featured films landed streaming or distribution deals within a year of showing at the festival—a strong reminder that what happens off-screen can be just as important as what’s on the screen.
Why Tennessee Works for Productions
Here’s what makes Tennessee—and Nashville in particular—so attractive for filmmakers:
Cost Savings
Lower labor and location costs compared to traditional hubs like LA or New York make Tennessee a smart choice for productions working on tight budgets. Affordable permitting fees and competitive rental rates also help stretch production dollars further. Many producers find they can achieve a Hollywood look without the Hollywood price tag.
Diverse Locations
From the honky-tonks of Broadway to rolling farmland, urban lofts, historic plantations, and even scenic mountain backdrops, Tennessee offers a wide variety of looks within just a short drive. This diversity reduces the need for costly travel between states and allows crews to capture multiple settings in one region.
Talent Pool
With more film schools, universities, and training programs offering specialized courses in production, editing, and cinematography, Nashville is building a strong base of crew talent. The city also attracts experienced professionals from Film, television, and live event industries, giving productions access to versatile creative teams.
Accessibility
Nashville International Airport connects quickly to major U.S. cities, making it easy to bring in cast, crew, or specialized equipment when needed. Combined with the state’s central location, this makes Tennessee an efficient hub for regional and national productions.
Supportive Community
Tennessee has a growing network of local film commissions, crew, and creative organizations that actively support filmmakers. From helping with permits to connecting crews with local businesses, the community-oriented approach helps productions run smoothly and fosters long-term industry growth.
Local Resource Spotlight:
“Gear up, where Nashville creators go first.”
Since 1980, Citation Support has supported Nashville productions with:
✅ Grip equipment (stands, trucks, modifiers, etc…)
✅ Radios and Production supplies
Need it same-day? We’ve got you. Need a quick consult on a lighting setup? We’re here. That’s the power of working with local pros who get it.
📍 Visit us at 6737 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN or request a quote here
Wrapping Up: Nashville’s Film Future Is Bright
As Nashville’s creative economy grows, so does its appeal to filmmakers—and so does the need for accessible, trusted production resources.
Whether you're a seasoned DP, a photographer with a vision, or a first-time director:
📦 Gear matters. Service matters. Local support matters.
With state incentives, a growing festival scene, and new commissions attracting bigger projects, Tennessee is cementing its place on the map for filmmakers. The momentum is undeniable—productions that once defaulted to Los Angeles or New York are now seriously considering Nashville as a cost-effective, talent-rich alternative.
For filmmakers, this means more opportunities to tell stories with regional authenticity while still enjoying the professional infrastructure of a major production hub. And for local creatives, it means more jobs, more collaborations, and more chances to showcase their skills on both national and international stages.
With over four decades of experience, Citation Support is ready to back you up every step of the way. From last-minute gear rentals to expert advice, we’re committed to helping bring your vision to life in the heart of Tennessee’s growing film industry.**