Linn Sitler - Memphis & Shelby County Film Commissioner Since becoming head of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission in 1987, Linn Sitler has led the Mid-South through Memphis’ greatest production activity in its history.  Among the studio and network television productions Memphis has hosted since 1987 are: "The Firm" (Paramount Pictures)..."The Client" (Warner Brothers)...Cybill Shepherd's TV -movie "Memphis"...ABC-TV series "Elvis: Good Rockin' Tonight!"...  Orion's "Great Balls of Fire!"...."The People vs. Larry Flynt" (Columbia)...  Paramount's "The Rainmaker"... Robert Zemeckis' "Cast Away" (Dreamworks)… “21 Grams” (Focus Features)… Hallmark's "A Painted House"…20th Century Fox’s "Walk the Line"… and innumerable network MTV, NBC, CBS, and cable and international television productions.

National critical successes by made-in-Memphis film clients of Sitler include: Craig Brewer’s “Hustle & Flow” and Ira Sachs' "Forty Shades of Blue." Both films were big winners at Sundance 2005. Brewer's film won a record-breaking distribution deal there and the "Audience Choice Award." Sachs took home the "Grand Jury Prize." And, of course, the 2006 Academy Awards again thrust Memphis in the movie spotlight. The made-in-Memphis Johnny Cash bio-pic, "Walk the Line," won Oscar Gold – as did "Hustle & Flow" !

In 2006, Sitler and the Film Commission played host to Kar Wai Wong’s “My Blueberry Nights” and also Brewer’s second feature film, “Black Snake Moan.” 

It comes as no surprise that in 2007 and, again, in 2008, Memphis made Moviemaker Magazine's "Top 10 List " --- chosen as one of the top ten cities in the U.S.A. in which to make an independent film!

After working for three years to gain the passage of state filming incentives, Sitler and the Commission hosted in 2007 – along with the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission – the first incentives-lured feature --- director Rod Lurie’s “Nothing but the Truth.” The political thriller is planned for release in 2008.

As an Emmy-nominated producer/writer/reporter, Sitler brought eight years of broadcast experience -- both local and national -- to the Commission.  Her television credits include co-host/segment producer/writer for Memphis' "PM MAGAZINE." While working for “PM MAGAZINE,” Linn made history by being a member of the first Memphis television crew to be sent on assignment overseas – to both The Netherlands and to Israel.  Later, as reporter/producer/writer for NEWS TRAVEL NETWORK, she was syndicated to 40 U.S. markets and to "GOOD MORNING, AUSTRALIA.” More recently, as a freelance television reporter, Sitler traveled to China for the television program, “TENNESSEE CROSSROADS.”  Today, Sitler’s broadcast career continues as she begins her eighth year as Memphis’ Fox television affiliate’s film critic. (www.myfoxmemphis.com)

During her almost 21 years at The Commission, Sitler has appeared almost every one of them on Memphis Magazine’s annual list of “Memphis’ 100 Movers & Shakers.”  Recently, she was chosen for the cover of Memphis Magazine (August, 2006) and to be featured on a County historical marker  celebrating the history of Memphis film.

As Film Commissioner, her other honors include being named 1988’s “Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year” (by The Sales & Marketing Executives of Memphis) and 1996’s “Communicator of the Year” (by The National Public Relations Society of America – Memphis Chapter).  She also was selected by The Commercial Appeal as one of “12 Persons Who Made a Difference in 2004.”

On a personal note, Sitler is no stranger to Memphis,Tennessee. As a young teenager, she moved to Memphis from Wiesbaden, Germany, with her brother, sister, and parents, Colonel and Mrs. Fred Sitler. Sitler attended Memphis’ Central High School for three years and graduated with honors.  

Later, Sitler graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Soon thereafter, she received a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Radio - T.V. - Film from the University of Memphis. Post-graduate work included first year studies at the University of Memphis School of Law and, additionally, a three month work exchange program in Germany. There, she not only was employed at Schloss Elmau in Oberbayern (Upper Bavaria), but also produced -- as part of her post-graduate studies -- a short television program on Oberammerergau’s Passion Play.The program later aired on Memphis’ PBS affiliate.

Professionally, she is a member of Mensa, the Association of Film Commissioners International, the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and the International Women's Forum.