‘Young Rock’ to film at Graceland, potentially changing the ‘future of filmmaking’ in Memphis
A still from “Young Rock” episode 212. Pictured, left to right: Michael Strassner as Jerry Lawler, Ryan Pinkston as Downtown Bruno, Uli Latukefu as Dwayne Johnson. (Photo credit: Mark Taylor/NBC)
Last month, NBC announced that the third season of its television series, “Young Rock” will be filmed in Memphis.
In addition to other undisclosed locations, the project will be shot at Graceland.
Linn Sitler, executive director of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission, said the show will use both Graceland’s exhibition halls and sound stage.
“We’re very happy,” Sitler said. “I think this could change the face of the future of filmmaking in Memphis.”
A few changes are already in the works.
“By hiring 10 graduates of the film commission and On Location: Memphis professional production workshops, we’ve increased our local crew base with episodic TV experience by 10,” Sitler said. “And today I was told by NBCUniversal senior vice president Richard Ross that his company could be available to teach additional film commission workshops.”
According to the film commission’s executive director, Elvis Presley Enterprises’ majority owner, Joel Weinshanker, has been wanting to bring more television and movie projects to Elvis’ former estate for several years. In 2018, “Christmas at Graceland,” filmed on location at the attraction and starring Kellie Pickler, debuted as part of the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas.
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic came out this year, but it was filmed in Australia.
“When I heard that ‘Young Rock’ was in town and looking for a sound stage, I immediately called Jack Soden and he talked to Weinshanker,” Sitler said. “The rest is history.”
Production for the third season of “Young Rock” is slated to begin this fall, with a premiere date of Nov. 4 on NBC. The show was inspired by the life of former pro wrestler turned actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
While Sitler could not confirm if The Rock would be on set during filming at Graceland, the director did say the star would be in the Bluff City during the show’s taping.
Topics
Dwayne Johnson NBC Young RockJasmine McCraven
Jasmine McCraven considers herself to be a music enthusiast and believes that she makes the best playlists ever. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State, but couldn’t wait to move back home to Memphis for the best food and culture in Tennessee.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.