MEMPHIS, Tenn. — “Quarry” is a show based entirely in Memphis, but because of Tennessee’s poor film tax incentives, only a handful of scenes will be shot in the city.
The Cinemax show is about a Marine who returns home from Vietnam and finds himself shunned by friends and the public.
Crews will be shooting downtown this week.
Many Memphians are excited about the show. What they are not thrilled about is the fact that Memphis will not see much in the way of revenue or benefits from a show that is based on their city.
Kelcie Beharelle is a manager at one of Memphis’ oldest and most iconic restaurants, The Arcade Restaurant.
It has been featured in films and television shows over the years, and with “Quarry” filming in downtown Memphis this week, Beharelle is getting a front row seat for the action.
“This morning I saw them actually filming right across the street near Ernestine and Hazel’s,” she said. “So, that was really cool.”
She is even hoping The Arcade will make an appearance in the show.
“We’ve been here for about 100 years. So, I’m hoping we’ll somehow get in that TV show!”
But the majority of the show is not being filmed here in Memphis. Instead, the production will shoot primarily in New Orleans, due in part to Louisiana’s film tax incentives.
That is something that is not sitting well with Memphis student and actress Sarah Smith.
“If it’s about Memphis, it should be in the environment where it’s out and be what Memphis is about,” she said. “Obviously, Louisiana is not Memphis.”
The Film Production Capital rates Louisiana as a 5-star state to film in. Tennessee is only given 1 star.
The ratings take into account Louisiana’s 30 percent tax credit incentive plus an extra 5 percent for the first $1 million of resident labor. Tennessee only offers a cash refund of 25 percent of resident labor and in-state vendor expenses.
Memphis saw a filming boom in the 90s, but the number of projects has dwindled over recent years.
Still, Memphians are hopeful “Quarry” will be a hit and help drive even more tourism.
“We’ve got lots of Elvis fans coming in, but now we may have some TV show fans coming by,” Beharelle said.
“Quarry” will be filming on GE Patterson Avenue from Front Street to Second Street from 6 a.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Friday. Several roads will be closed.