Nashville, Tennessee, is not only known as the country music capital of the world but also a growing hub for feature filmmaking. The city has been the backdrop for many iconic movies such as “Walk the Line,” and has an established infrastructure of film production companies, equipment rental shops, and a talented pool of film professionals. In this article we’re going to explore 8 feature films that were shot in Music City!
The state of Tennessee also offers incentives for filmmakers, making Nashville an attractive location for producing movies. In 2019, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission offered up to 25% cash rebates for film and TV productions in the state. This incentive has resulted in a surge of film and TV projects being produced in Nashville, creating job opportunities for local professionals and boosting the local economy.
Moreover, the diverse landscape of Nashville, with its urban downtown areas, lush green forests, and rolling hills, provides filmmakers with a variety of settings to choose from. The city also has a unique culture that filmmakers can tap into to create authentic stories that connect with audiences. With its growing infrastructure, incentives, and diverse settings, Nashville is quickly becoming a hub for feature filmmaking, attracting filmmakers from all over the world.
Below is a list of eight feature films that have been shot in Nashville!
Country Strong (2010) – A drama film directed by Shana Feste, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, and Leighton Meester. The film tells the story of Kelly Canter (Paltrow), a country music star who is attempting to make a comeback after suffering from alcohol addiction. With the help of her husband (McGraw), a young musician (Hedlund), and a rising starlet (Meester), Kelly embarks on a tour across the country, facing personal and professional challenges along the way.
Nashville (1975) – A musical drama film directed by Robert Altman, starring an ensemble cast including Henry Gibson, Lily Tomlin, and Keith Carradine. The film depicts the lives of a group of people involved in the country music industry in Nashville, including musicians, politicians, and businessmen. The film is known for its intricate storyline, complex characters, and portrayal of the cultural and political climate of the time.
The Last Castle (2001) – A thriller film directed by Rod Lurie, starring Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, and Mark Ruffalo. The film tells the story of a former military officer (Redford) who is sent to a maximum-security prison and finds himself in conflict with the corrupt warden (Gandolfini). With the help of his fellow inmates, the officer leads a revolt against the warden and attempts to reclaim the prison.
The Green Mile (1999) – A drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the novel by Stephen King, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and David Morse. The film depicts the story of a death row prison guard (Hanks) who discovers a supernatural ability in a prisoner (Duncan) accused of murdering two girls. The film explores themes of racism, redemption, and the power of faith.
The Thing Called Love (1993) – A romantic drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring River Phoenix, Samantha Mathis, and Dermot Mulroney. The film follows the lives of aspiring country music songwriters trying to make it in Nashville, including their struggles with relationships, competition, and the challenges of the music industry. The film is known for its portrayal of the vibrant music scene in Nashville.
Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009) – A comedy film directed by Peter Chelsom, starring Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Emily Osment. The film is based on the popular Disney Channel character Hannah Montana, who goes back to her hometown in Tennessee to reconnect with her roots and escape the pressures of fame. The film explores themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery.
Ernest Goes to Jail (1990) – A comedy film directed by John R. Cherry III, starring Jim Varney as the popular character Ernest P. Worrell. In the film, Ernest gets mistaken for a notorious criminal and sent to jail. With the help of his friends and his trademark humor, Ernest attempts to clear his name and expose the true culprit.
A Country Christmas Story (2013) – A musical drama film directed by Eric Bross, starring Dolly Parton, Brian McKnight, and Mary Kay Place. The film tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a country music star, and her journey to perform in the country music capital, Nashville. With the help of her mother (Place), a talented musician (McKnight), and a famous singer (Parton), the girl overcomes obstacles and pursues her passion.
How We Can Help Produce your Feature in Nashville
Seek First Productions is a Nashville-based production company that has the expertise and resources to help you create your next feature film. Our team can assist in every aspect of your production, including securing the perfect locations, staffing the best crew, and even line producing your film. Our goal is to make the process as easy and efficient as possible so that you can focus on bringing your vision to life.
One of the biggest challenges in feature filmmaking is finding the right locations to shoot. With our extensive knowledge of Nashville and the surrounding areas, we can help you find the perfect locations for your film. Whether you need an urban landscape or a scenic countryside, we know just the spots to create the backdrop for your story. We can also help you navigate the permitting process, ensuring that your production stays on schedule and within budget.
Staffing your production with the right crew members is also crucial to success. Seek First Productions has a deep network of talented filmmakers and crew members in Nashville and beyond. From cinematographers to sound mixers, we can provide you with the right team. We can also take care of all the logistical details, such as travel and accommodations for your cast and crew.
Finally, line producing your film can take your production to the next level. Seek First Productions can work with you to create a comprehensive budget and production schedule, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from pre-production to post. Our team has the experience to handle any challenges that may arise, so you can be confident that your project is in good hands.
In summary, Seek First Productions is the ideal partner for feature filmmaking in Nashville TN. Contact us to get started.