Tupelo Film Office

    PO Drawer 47 Tupelo MS 38802 P:800-533-0611 www.tupelo.net

Tupelo, recognized worldwide as the “Birthplace of Elvis,” is a city that has attracted filmmakers and production companies across the globe for years. The filming of documentaries and television programs about Elvis, gospel music, the Natchez Trace Parkway and other subjects have been of continued interest.

“It is the mission of the Tupelo Film Commission to attract productions to Tupelo,” says Pat Rasberry who heads The Tupelo Film Commission. “We are genuine in our efforts to accommodate filmmakers’ requests and provide the assistance needed for successful projects. We are fortunate to have a municipality and citizens who are supportive of film productions.” In addition to supporting productions, the Tupelo Film Commission has increased film synergy in the area. The Commission also oversees the Tupelo Film Festival, Film Workshops, Children’s Film Events, Indie Film Series and other special film projects.

A city of 36,000 residents, which expands to 100,000 during the workday, Tupelo has a wonderful historic downtown district, interesting and remarkable attractions, great retail venues, old buildings and that ‘Pleasantville’ environment. Also within a few miles is the Tombigbee River, diverse terrain, cotton and soybean fields, manufacturing and industrial plants, and railroad yards.

The city also has an innovative alternative to soundstages for producers looking to shoot interiors or do extensive set building. Tupelo is the third-largest furniture market in the country with two huge furniture complexes. The Tupelo Furniture Market Complex is open all year with the exception of a six-week limitation during furniture market season, but the Mississippi Complex is open the entire year for film requests or set building.

“The buildings have many amenities,” Rasberry points out, citing carpenters, electricians, office support, security, 24-hour access, props from permanent showrooms, huge lighted parking lots, RV hook-ups, catering, an onsite apartment, and numerous loading docks. The largest space available in the six-building Tupelo Complex is 96,000 square feet and the largest column-less space is 63,000 square feet. The Mississippi Complex offers spaces measuring 43,000 and 39,000 square feet.

Mississippi’s Motion Picture Incentive Program offers “great incentives to filmmakers,” says Rasberry. “Ward Emling, director of the Mississippi Film Office, has been the driving force behind enhancing the incentive package and making it more attractive.” Emling continues to research ideas and opportunities to improve the rebate program and strengthen the crew base in Mississippi.

“With great incentives, warm hospitality and genuine interest, Tupelo wants to be your next film location,” she declares. “Take a look at what we have to offer and give us a call.”

Virginia Film Office

    901 E Byrd St Richmond VA 23219 P:800-854-6233 www.film.virginia.org

specialty advertising Virginia Film Office

Since 1607 when Captain John Smith and his fellow travelers founded the first English-speaking settlement at Jamestown, Virginia has been part of many of our country’s most significant events. Home to eight presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the state was the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War at Yorktown. It was the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Virginia has a significant military and aerospace presence. Films such as Gods and Generals, Iron Jawed Angels, The New World, Cold Mountain, and the acclaimed HBO mini-series John Adams have all made use of Virginia’s historic locations.

Virginia is a study in contrasts where spectacular natural beauty and rich architecture co-exist with a wide variety of cities and towns. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean with urban resort towns and deserted ocean beaches. To the west are rolling foothills, dramatic mountain vistas and serene valleys. Historic plantations and modern farms abound. There are towns of all sizes and descriptions, some rough and industrial, others historical and charming, still others sleek and ultra-modern. Dirty Dancing, Coal Miner’s Daughter, What About Bob?, Evan Almighty and Sommersby are films showcasing Virginia’s scenic and urban locations.

Richmond, Virginia has doubled for our nation’s capitol with buildings standing in for Washington, D.C. government locations, past or present. A wide variety of historic row homes and residential buildings have replicated Georgetown and other Washington neighborhoods. Feature films such as The Contender, Hannibal, Dave, and First Kid all featured Richmond playing the nation’s capital.

For information about filming in Virginia, visit www.film.virginia.org where you can find the Production Services Directory or view more than 4000 locations online. For information on Virginia incentives, call 800.854.6233.