About Memphis
An urban center nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is found in a southwestern section of the state of Tennessee. In a city that has become synonymous with music, some of the best blues, soul, and rock and roll musicians have originated here. Several of the world’s most well-known recording artists have made albums at the Memphis’ famed Sun Studio including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King.
Memphis’ location in the heart of the Mississippi Delta makes it a particularly scenic metropolitan center. An eclectic mix of the bustling life of the big city combined with the relaxed vibe of the Old South, Memphis is well renowned not only for its quaint historic districts but also for its monuments memorializing such legendary figures as Elvis Presley and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When it comes to fun things to do, Memphis is one city that does not disappoint. You’ll find everything here from historic concert venues, museums, and even landmarks to the musical genres that were born here such as the blues and rock and roll. A trip to Memphis would not be complete without a trip to such iconic places as Beale Street, the Overton Park Shell amphitheater, and Graceland to name only a few of the city’s most popular attractions.
A metropolitan center with its own unique charms, it is not too difficult to understand why many directors decide to do some filming during their time in Memphis. If a Memphis filming location is on your list of must-haves for your next movie, TV show, documentary, or commercial, you’ll have no shortage of great choices here.
Filming Options in Memphis
Choosing the right filming locale in Memphis will not be too hard with so many great choices. Memphis is home to some of the top supply vendors, rental businesses, and set designers in the company, all with the skills to help you get your space ready for the cameras to roll in no time.
- Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals
Memphis has many exceptional quality AV equipment rental businesses offering the latest equipment for affordable monthly prices. Whether you need lighting, specialized lenses, a new camera, a monitor or speakers, a soundboard, or something entirely different, the right AV equipment company has got you covered.
- Security
It’s important to have the peace of mind that your property and possessions at your Memphis filming locale are properly protected at all times. Since you can’t be on the premises every hour or every day, the next best thing you can do is hire a professional security team to design a comprehensive protection plan for you.
- Catering
To ensure your filming schedule stays on target, it’s a good idea to hire a catering company to provide snacks and meals to keep your cast and crew well-fed and energized to give their best performances. From coffee, tea, and sweet treats to sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and salads, and even to hot meals and dessert buffets, the right Phoenix caterer can ensure your staff is treated to a feast that is fit for a king.
Filming Companies in Memphis
You’ve found the perfect spot in which to do some filming in Memphis. Your next job is putting the finishing touches in place for a productive film shoot. That’s where some of Memphis’ top professionals can be a big help to you. From supply vendors and caterers to set designers, rental companies, and even prop stores, you’ll find it all in Memphis.
- Memphis Sound Lab
Memphis Sound Lab is a professional audio-visual equipment rental and event planning service. Offering some of the latest equipment for the industry for rent or purchase at affordable monthly prices, Memphis Sound Lab works collaboratively with you to help you find the equipment you need for an event that comes off without a hitch.
- Pro-Tech Security
Pro-Tech Security, a business located in the heart of Memphis, is a professional security company specializing in protective services for your home, office, commercial property, film, or photo shoot. A company in operation for greater than 30 years, Pro-Tech Security was established by Don O. Lewis, a former Chief of Police and security specialist.
- Draper’s Catering of Memphis
With more than 30 years of industry experience to their credit, Draper’s Catering of Memphis is the team you need for cuisine that is innovative, exquisite, and delicious. Originally established as a small local deli; today, Draper’s Catering of Memphis operates out of a large commercial kitchen, providing its top-tier cuisine at events all throughout the Greater Memphis region.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Memphis
Memphis is an urban center full of history, culture, and charm. Still, this metropolitan center comes with its positives and negatives that should be carefully considered before renting a location to do some filming here.
Advantages
- Reasonable cost of living
When it comes to large metropolitan cities with lots of appeal, Memphis does not disappoint when it comes to its cost-of-living expenses. Memphis is an affordable urban area in which to live, work, and play.
- Low tax rates
Memphis offers an added bonus to those who choose to work or live here. There are no individual state income taxes imposed on anyone so you save money in many ways.
- Mild winters
A city that enjoys consistently beautiful weather on a year-round basis, Memphis has mild winter conditions, making it possible to say goodbye to mittens, hats, boots, and heavy overcoats for those who come here.
Disadvantages
- Hot, humid summers
Unfortunately, Memphis’ summers are as hot and humid as its winters are mild and pleasant.
- High incidence of storms
Memphis is a hotspot for many different types of extreme storms including thunderstorms, hail, lightning, and even tornadoes.
- Limited public transportation options
Traveling around Memphis is best done via car or on foot. There are only very limited options for public transit here.
Famous Locations in Memphis
- Graceland
Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is the ideal place to visit if you are a true fan of the man often referred to as the King of Rock and Roll. Measuring 14 acres in total land space, this property was Elvis’ home since 1957. Today, Elvis’ former home, his belongings, and his tomb are on display for all to enjoy.
- Sun Studio
Sun Studio is a place of worldwide renown. A recording studio that has seen the lives of such popular performers as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash, Sun Studio is still in use today for a younger generation of artists. Shuttle service from Graceland to Sun Studio is available on a daily basis and for no additional cost.
- Beale Street
Beale Street is one of the most popular attractions in Memphis. Sometimes called the Home of the Blues, Beale Street houses such iconic destinations as the Memphis Rock & Soul Museum, W.C. Handy’s House, and the historic A. Schwab dry goods shop.
