Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN is home to a population of 1,869,900 and industries spanning Tourism, Healthcare, Education. Known as Music City and The Athens of the South, the city was founded in 1806. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Nashville — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Peter Leininger, Director of Photography — Nashville, Tennessee — Assignment Desk

Nashville at a Glance

Population

1,869,900

Founded

1806

Nicknames

Music City, The Athens of the South

Industries

Tourism, Healthcare, Education

About Nashville

Nashville is a fast-growing city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. Best known as the home of country music, Nashville’s entertainment industry extends far beyond one genre. The city is also one of the country’s leading healthcare hubs with HCA Healthcare headquartered here. Nashville’s skyline is constantly evolving with new restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues popping up regularly. The city blends southern hospitality with a modern, creative energy that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Attractions & Things to Do

Nashville’s top attractions include the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the honky-tonks of Broadway. The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece. Music Row is the historic home of the country music recording industry. Other highlights include the Johnny Cash Museum, the Frist Art Museum, and the Nashville Zoo. Higher education options include Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University.

Sports Teams

Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), Nashville SC (MLS)

Where to Stay

Nashville has a wide range of hotel options from luxury to budget-friendly. Downtown hotels like the JW Marriott, The Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel put you within walking distance of Broadway and major attractions. The Gulch and Midtown areas offer modern boutique options. Airport hotels are available for those needing early departures.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Nashville International Airport

Approx. 15 minutes to downtown

Getting Around

Nashville’s public transportation includes WeGo buses and a commuter rail line. However, a car or ride-share service is recommended for production crews. Uber and Lyft are widely available. Parking downtown can be expensive and limited, especially near Broadway. Pre-arranged parking is always appreciated by crews.

Locations & Drive Times

Nashville International Airport is only about 15 minutes from downtown, making it one of the most convenient airports for city access. Most attractions within Nashville are within a 15-20 minute drive. Traffic on I-24 and I-40 can be heavy during rush hours. The city is generally easy to navigate with a grid layout downtown.

Weather

Nashville experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s. Winters are mild compared to northern cities, with temperatures averaging in the 40s and occasional snow. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons with comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

View 10-day forecast for Nashville →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Nashville are based on a ten hour day and the crew is on the clock at the specified crew call. Overtime at a rate of time and a half begins after ten hours. A distant location is any location outside a 30-mile radius drawn around the city. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Our Crew in Nashville

Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the Nashville area, ready to handle your production needs.

Reinaldo Gentile-Rondon

Nashville, TN

Chamber of Commerce

If you have additional questions about Nashville, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, 211 Commerce St. Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37201, www.nashvillechamber.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Nashville?

Nashville shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers tourism, healthcare, education industries as primary production subjects. Nashville experiences all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s. Winters are mild compared to northern cities, with temperatures averaging in the 40s and occasional snow. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons with comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

Where should my crew stay in Nashville?

How do I get from the airport to my shoot in Nashville?

The primary airport is Nashville International Airport. Nashville International Airport is only about 15 minutes from downtown, making it one of the most convenient airports for city access. Most attractions within Nashville are within a 15-20 minute drive. Traffic on I-24 and I-40 can be heavy during rush hours. The city is generally easy to navigate with a grid layout downtown.

What is the weather like for shooting in Nashville?

How do I book a video crew in Nashville?

Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Nashville, TN. Call 312-464-8600 or visit our booking form at assignmentdesk.com/hire-a-crew. Our staff Directors of Photography come equipped with full camera, lighting, and audio packages.

Read about recent productions shot in Nashville. Browse Production Stories →