There are some Creative Directors I know, more than one in fact, who, when they find themselves fortunate enough to have a decent budget for a TV production, get on-line and make reservations for either LA or New York.

Pretty stereotypical.

Don't get me wrong. LA and New York are great places to shoot. But if you want to match Director against Director, Editor against Editor, soundstage against soundstage, Key Grip against Key Grip, there are two other coasts to consider: Orlando, near the shores of Lake Buena Vista, and Nashville, on the shores of the Cumberland River.

For the record, allow me to say a couple of things. I happen to live in Nashville and own an ad agency there, Amplifier Advertising. So, of course, I'm prejudiced. I also happen to have some good friends in the film production business in Orlando. So, again, I'm prejudiced. But on the other hand, home turf and friendships only go so far when it comes to doing what's best for one's clients. And with that in mind, I still recommend these alternative coasts.

Sure, LA and New York are going to have more choices of soundstages and deeper talent pools. But there's everything you need in Orlando and Nashville, too. Both cities have strong production heritage; Orlando because of Disney and Universal, and Nashville because of its music video industry and networks like TNN and GAC. And when it comes to client entertainment, what, are you kidding? Orlando is the most visited tourist destination in the world while Nashville is Music City, home to the Grand Ol' Opry and dozens of wood-worn honky tonks.

One of the biggest advantages you'll get on these alternative coasts is cost savings, from crew rates to equipment rentals. Let's face it, part of the cost of shooting in LA or New York is the privilege to say you're shooting there. With all things being equal on a shoot, I'd rather save my client's money. Tennessee and Florida are also right-to-work states. Meaning both union and non-union productions are welcome. Another big advantage is an easy-going attitude, which adds to everyone's comfort. It's been my experience that both Orlando and Nashville production personnel are genuinely glad that you're there and that they're working. I rarely get that vibe in LA and New York.

Of course, if your client just has to have that east or west coast experience, I understand. We are, after all, in the service business, and you won't go wrong in New York or LA. But there are other places, other coasts, where you won't go wrong as well, and here are a few of my production recommendations:

In Nashville:

For editing, Rock Creative Images (rockcreativeimages.com). Headquartered in a funky old house on Lindsey Street, you'll find great editors, reasonable rates and while an LA edit facility might offer a sushi bar, Rock's got an endless jar of beef jerky. Storyville Post and Filmworkers Club are also superb for postproduction.

For music or other sound-to-picture, try Digital Audio Post (digitalaudiopost.com) in the heart of Music Row. The main studio was built for Steve Winwood who recorded some of his biggest hits of the 80's there (Higher Love and Roll With It). Owner Michael Davis has forgotten more about Pro Tools than other engineers will ever know. He also happens to be a hellaciously fine composer.

In Orlando:

For video or film, Florida Film & Tape (ffandt.com). Brad Fuller's been running this company and has been its principal director for 30 years. He's proof positive that experience trumps a hotshot kid with a dozen tattoos and a pumped up ego every time. Although he can shoot anything, from Ford, to Honda, to directing several Alan Jackson videos, Brad's especially adept at shooting action: boats, cars, skiers, planes, etc. By the way, his brother, Mike, of the Mike Fuller Group, also happens to be one of the best still photographers in the country.

For special effects, Two Door FX (twodoorfx.com). A small special effects house (originally from LA) with huge capabilities for a fraction of what you'd pay on the east or west coasts. They're also easy to work with via long distance. I've filled many spots with Two Door special effects and never set foot in their offices.

Admittedly, Orlando's a little light when it comes to music production houses, but they make up for with one of the hardest working film commission offices around. Call Jennifer Pennypacker at the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission, 407-422-7159. If she can't find what you're looking for in the Orlando area, you don't need it.

So think bicoastal for your next TV production. The alternative coasts, that is.

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