The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has approved a $7.5 million grant to the producers of the "Nashville" television show that ABC will begin airing this fall. ECD officials said the reimbursable grant will be based on the actual qualified expenditures made in Tennessee to local vendor or residents. Making the show, which is being produced by ABC, Lionsgate and Gaylord Entertainment, is expected to employ more than 350 crew members.

"We are taking a new approach to one of Tennessee’s strongest and most unique businesses, the entertainment industry," Commissioner Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said. "Gov. Bill Haslam has made a concerted effort to fold the film and music sectors into our department and make them a part of the state’s regular economic goals and initiatives."