Takeaways:
- Nicole Kidman is expanding her film and TV projects in Nashville, Tennessee, citing strong crews and creative energy.
- Her series Scarpetta has already filmed its first season in Nashville, with season two in production.
- The Oscar-winning actress aims to position Nashville as a growing hub for entertainment production.
Nicole Kidman: Building Hollywood in Nashville
Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman has announced plans to expand her film and television production presence in Nashville, the city she has called home since 2008.
Speaking at the Nashville Film Festival during a special event titled Nicole Kidman: Where Art Meets Home in Nashville, Kidman praised the city’s growing entertainment infrastructure and creative community.
“I’ll be bringing more and more production here,” Kidman told the audience at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater. “The crews are fantastic, the actors are wonderful, and I feel Nashville is really taking off as a production hub.”
Why Nashville Is Becoming a Production Hotspot
Kidman highlighted Tennessee’s combination of talent, crews, and local support, making it an increasingly attractive destination for film and television.
While she confirmed that Big Little Lies won’t be relocating to the South, she emphasized that new productions have plenty of room to grow in Nashville.
Her comments mirror broader industry trends: U.S. cities outside of Los Angeles and New York—such as Atlanta, New Orleans, and Albuquerque—have seen booming growth in tax-incentivized film production. Nashville may now be on the same path.
Scarpetta Season Two Filming in Nashville
Kidman has already shot the first season of her crime drama Scarpetta in Nashville and confirmed that production on season two has begun.
The series, based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novels, follows forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta as she unravels chilling criminal cases. Kidman stars as Scarpetta, bringing both her star power and commitment to filming locally.
She described the city as one that “inspires so much creativity” and said she was “thrilled” to continue building her work there.
Nicole Kidman’s Career Legacy
- Early Career: Kidman gained international recognition with the 1989 thriller Dead Calm before starring in major 1990s films like Days of Thunder, To Die For, and Eyes Wide Shut.
- Awards: She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2003 for portraying Virginia Woolf in The Hours, and has also earned Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards across her career.
- Recent Projects: Along with Scarpetta, Kidman has been a driving force behind prestige television hits like Big Little Lies and continues to balance acting, producing, and industry advocacy.
A Personal Connection to Nashville
Kidman and her husband, country star Keith Urban, have lived in Nashville with their daughters Sunday, 16, and Faith, 13, for nearly two decades.
“My favorite thing is the people,” Kidman said. “They embraced me two decades ago, and they keep making it possible for our family to have the most beautiful life here. I’m incredibly grateful.”
Following her discussion at the festival, Kidman introduced a screening of her 2003 film Cold Mountain, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
What This Means for Entertainment Professionals
Kidman’s commitment to Nashville signals new opportunities for actors, crew members, and creatives in Tennessee.
- For actors: Expect more casting calls and local opportunities tied to Kidman’s expanding productions.
- For crew members: Nashville is gaining recognition for its strong workforce, making it an attractive place for steady production work.
- For aspiring filmmakers: Kidman’s investment shows how industry veterans can transform regional cities into creative hubs.
Final Thoughts
Nicole Kidman’s vision for Nashville could position the city as the next major U.S. entertainment hub, alongside Atlanta and New Orleans. For industry professionals, this expansion means fresh opportunities to work on prestige-level projects without relocating to Hollywood.
