Episode 18: Behind the Scenes: Tennessee’s Creative Economy with Bob Raines

Did you know Tennessee ranks number one in the nation for its music industry workforce relative to size? Listeners will understand the complex logistics of location scouting and how Tennessee competes with global entertainment hubs like LA and London. Bob Raines, Executive Director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, joins Cathy Ackerman to break down the economic impact of the state's multi-billion dollar entertainment sector. From Knoxville’s non-scripted television dominance to Memphis’s independent film grit, Bob explains how Tennessee leverages its unique creative class to attract massive productions like Netflix's Brian Banks and NBC's Bluff City Law. He also dives deep into the "nuances" of the highly competitive incentives game, explaining why a grant-based approach often serves the state better than massive tax credits. Tune in to discover how Tennessee is setting the stage for the next golden age of content creation!