Welcome to About Town, where we take a deeper dive into one neighborhood each week while also highlighting the latest news, developments and back stories from Memphis’ neighborhoods. This week’s focus: Whitehaven

In a previous About Town last month, I mentioned a Memphis-based company’s proposal to build an 85-acre film studio in Whitehaven.

We know a little more about their plans thanks to a subscribers-only story from Daily Memphian columnist Chris Herrington.

Herrington reports the proposal by BLP Film Studios, led by founder/CEO Jason A. Farmer, includes a dozen sound stages, post-production studios, warehouses, workshops, offices and lodging spaces for production crews.

Check out the full story: BLP Studios aims to answer ‘a $10 billion question’

If it all comes together, the undeveloped intersection of Elvis Presley Boulevard and Holmes Road could eventually be home to the second largest Black-owned film studio in the U.S. 

That could also mean Memphis projects overlooked (or ignored) in the past, for various reasons, may reconsider their stances in the future. 

The announcement regarding the potential film studio doesn’t address all the challenges of filmmaking in Memphis. There are still several unanswered questions about the project — at least for now. The most looming one: How much the proposal will cost, and if the requisite funds are there?

BLP is also committed to a training program with the Shelby County Film Commission and local colleges to improve the city’s talent base of local crews — another shortcoming cited in the past.

“Building it doesn’t guarantee the work will be generated, but it certainly puts the city in a much more advantageous position to attract work they’ve been trying to attract already,” Herrington said.

More About Town

Free outdoor activities offered at Wolf River Greenway this summer

The events include a free one-hour canoe or kayak session, nature walk or one-hour fitness class.

Throughout the summer and fall, the Wolf River Conservancy will offer free activities including canoeing and kayaking. (Daily Memphian file)

Frayser Connect wants to rewrite neighborhood’s narrative

Frayser has its challenges. But it’s also seeing nearly $100 million in investments and new development. The Frayser Community Development Corp. has a robust program that helps residents buy their own homes. There are investments being made in parks, streetscapes, the library and more.

Juneteenth celebrated throughout weekend

Juneteenth celebration this weekend moves from Robert R. Church Park to Health Sciences Park only days after remains of Nathan Bedford Forrest are removed.

Shovels break earth Monday, June 14, 2021 for the Liberty Park youth sports complex on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds property. (Bill Dries/Daily Memphian)

Liberty Park breaks ground after 14 years and three mayors

The Monday, June 14, groundbreaking starts with a youth sports complex that is the centerpiece of the $126 million project about where the Libertyland amusement park once stood.

Despite no construction date, Frayser library still brings excitement

The current Frayser library, located at 3712 Argonne St., has been a community staple for more than 50 years. While it’s been important for allowing children and adults alike for book access and computer use, it’s also a vital community space for the neighborhood.

In addition to offering access to books for adults and kids, the Frayser library serves as a gathering place for neighborhood meetings. (Ziggy Mack/Daily Memphian file)

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