Memphis, Tennessee, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The film ‘Hoop Street,’ currently being shot in Memphis, Tennessee, tells the story of a young basketball player, Mason James, striving for a college scholarship amidst challenges. Executive producer Teresa Dickerson champions local talent, with 98% of the cast hailing from Memphis, ensuring an authentic representation of the community and its rich basketball culture. Filming began on July 5 and is set to conclude in early August, with a release planned for late 2025. The film aims to inspire youth by highlighting themes of hope, resilience, and the power of dreams.
Memphis Hosts Production of Inspiring Basketball Film ‘Hoop Street’
A new basketball film titled “Hoop Street” is currently being filmed in Memphis, Tennessee. The movie aims to convey a powerful message of hope and the pursuit of dreams, targeting young people facing various challenges in their lives. With an emphasis on the importance of community and the local basketball culture, this film is designed to resonate with both locals and those outside the region.
The story follows Mason James, an economically disadvantaged high school basketball player who aspires to earn a college scholarship. Mason embodies a true Memphis persona, encapsulating the city’s rich basketball heritage and ethos. The film emphasizes the determination and resilience of youth in the face of adversity.
Teresa Dickerson, the film’s executive producer, brings her personal experiences in basketball to this project. Having played for Fayette-Ware High School and later having brief involvement with the Memphis Grizzlies, Dickerson has a deep understanding of both the sport and the local community. She believes that the film will inspire young people by showcasing relatable struggles and triumphs.
The acting crew for “Hoop Street” consists of 98% local talent from Memphis, ensuring authenticity and a genuine representation of the area. The character of Masonโs coach and mentor, played by Kenneth Farmer, draws inspiration from local basketball legend Penny Hardaway, further rooting the film in Memphis’ basketball identity.
Princeton James, the director of “Hoop Street”, also emphasizes the importance of showcasing Memphis culture in the film. Authentic elements of Memphis life, including local murals and slang, are integrated into the narrative, enriching the filmโs connection to the community.
Shooting for “Hoop Street” began on July 5 and is expected to wrap up around August 3, with plans for additional shots later in the production cycle. The film is slated for release in late 2025, capitalizing on the local audience’s anticipation while aiming to attract those outside the region.
The production has utilized various local locations, including Greenlaw Park and the Four Way soul food restaurant, which helps illustrate the vibrant spirit of Memphis. A relatively small team of about 25 crew members and 20 actors participated in the project, most of whom were sourced from Memphis and the Mid-South area.
To fund the film, Teresa Dickerson is committed to using her personal savings from her corporate jobs in sports and media. This dedication showcases the passion behind the project while aiming to reposition Memphis as a hub for independent filmmaking. In light of previous successes like “Hustle & Flow”, there is hope that “Hoop Street” will contribute to a renaissance of filmmaking in the region.
Conclusion
Overall, “Hoop Street” is not only a film about basketball but also a narrative that highlights the hopeful journey of young individuals striving to achieve their dreams in the face of adversity. With a strong local touch and relatable content, this film seeks to inspire a new generation of dream chasers.
FAQs
What is the title of the film being filmed in Memphis?
A new basketball film titled โHoop Streetโ is currently being filmed in Memphis, Tennessee.
What is the main theme of “Hoop Street”?
The movie aims to convey a powerful message of hope and the pursuit of dreams.
Who is the executive producer of the film?
Teresa Dickerson is the film’s executive producer.
What is the story of the main character, Mason James?
The film follows the story of Mason James, an economically disadvantaged high school basketball player seeking a college scholarship.
What percentage of the acting crew comes from Memphis?
The acting crew is composed of 98% local talent from Memphis.
When did shooting for “Hoop Street” begin and end?
Shooting for “Hoop Street” began on July 5 and wrapped up around August 3, with plans for additional shots later.
When is the film’s planned release date?
The film is set for release in late 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: “Hoop Street” Showcases Cityโs Basketball Culture
- Memphis Flyer: Filmmakers to Screen Works at Italian Film Festival
- Commercial Appeal: Movie Filming in Memphis with Kevin Sorbo
- Commercial Appeal: Movies Filmed in Memphis, Tennessee
- Princeton Tigers: Men’s Basketball Roster
- Wikipedia: Basketball
- Google Search: Memphis Basketball Culture
- Google Scholar: Basketball Films
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Google News: Memphis Movies
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
