For Union and Non-Union Filmmakers : 

As a dedicated members of the film industry in Memphis, We have witnessed the need for innovative leadership that resonates with the vibrant and evolving needs of our community. Our current Film Commissioner is not capturing the breadth of opportunities available or fulfilling the potential this city holds for fostering cinematic talent.

Memphis and Shelby County are rich in artistic capability and cultural significance, with the power to attract and inspire filmmakers from far and wide. However, we need a Film Commissioner who can tap into this potential and positively impact the industry throughout the region.

Regretfully, Memphis/Shelby County has had the same film commissioner since about 1987! That is 37 years! Memphis film is no where near where it should be to have had the same film commissioner sit this long. 

We believe this underscores the fact that NEW vision and NEW strategies are urgently needed.

Thus, we ask the Mayors of Memphis and Shelby County to appoint a new Film Commissioner. A NEW leader genuinely invested in recognizing and developing our community's cinematic talents, and someone who understands the importance of supporting local productions as a way of driving economic growth and cultural richness in OUR area. Someone who supports the diverse backgrounds of the many people who make up the Memphis Film Community.

Join us in campaigning for a NEW Film Commissioner who can truly represent us and revitalize our film industry. Please sign this petition today.

For Memphis/Shelby County Tax-Paying Residents:

As tax-paying residents of Memphis and Shelby County, we understand that a thriving film industry can significantly benefit our community and economy. The Film Commissioner plays a vital role in attracting filmmakers through tax incentives, which can lead to job creation, increased tourism, and support for local businesses.

However, our current Film Commissioner has been in place since 1987— sitting for decades without fresh ideas or strategies to maximize these opportunities. Innovative leadership is crucial for leveraging our city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage to attract new productions.

A new Film Commissioner can revitalize our approach to tax incentives and upholding laws that protect film makers making Memphis an appealing destination for filmmaking. This means more local jobs for actual crew members, not just background actors,  and a boost to our economy, as productions often WANT TO hire local talent and utilize local services. Additionally, when films are made here, it highlights our community on a national scale, driving even more tourism and interest in our area.

For General Movie Fans:

As passionate movie fans, we know that films can tell powerful stories that inspire and connect us. Memphis, with its rich cultural heritage, has the potential to be a vibrant hub for filmmaking. However, the film industry here has not reached its full potential, largely due to outdated leadership.

The Film Commissioner plays a crucial role in attracting filmmakers through tax incentives, which can help bring exciting projects to our city. Unfortunately, —we have missed opportunities to showcase the unique stories our community has to offer.

A new Film Commissioner can breathe life into our film scene, reimagining how we attract productions through competitive tax incentives. This could lead to more local films that reflect our diverse experiences, along with a stronger presence of film-related events and festivals that we can all enjoy.

By appointing a Film Commissioner who is in tune with the needs of filmmakers and the community, we can elevate Memphis as a cinematic destination. This change would mean more films created here, showcasing our culture and giving us, the fans, more stories to celebrate.