Tommy Hilfiger to film new movie in New York and Memphis

The fashion mogul, who sold Tommy Hilfiger Corp. to Apax Partners in a deal worth $1.6 billion at the end of last year, has invested $20 million in the original film “Rags,” which is set to go into production this summer. Tommy Hilfiger plans to film the new movie in New York and in parts of TN according to an associated producer who is a native of Collierville, TN.

The movie RAGS is about the competitive world of the New York fashion industry and provides an inside look at the business which will include the roles of a fashion publicist, a veteran model, a manager and an aspiring fashion designer and others.

“To make the film real for young designer hopefuls, we thought it necessary to find someone fresh and new to the film industry as well,” explains Director Dale Lewis. “I love working with passionate people and bringing out the best in them. I think someone fresh will add a sense of authenticity to our characters.”

The idea for the film was stated to be inspired during production of CBS’ “The Cut,” Hilfiger’s reality show that gave talented unknowns a chance to design streetwear for his fashion firm.

“Memphis has a lot of talent, undiscovered … and this movie will expose that,” says an associated producer in an interview with Alex Coleman and April Thompson on Live at 9 on WREG Memphis.

Another movie is expected to be filmed 15 days in Memphis, TN entitled “Let’s Ride” which will not only offer opportunities for talented actors and actresses but may also be an opportunity for artists and singers to be on the movie soundtrack. ‘Let’s Ride’ is a warped comedy about three friends who, in an attempt to tame a lifelong college craving, take a journey on a spring break road trip that starts in Los Angeles, Ca and ends at Freaknik, the spring break festival once very popular in Atlanta.

In related news, the billionaire Hilfiger explained that since he closed the deal to sell his fashion company, he plans to invest more personal time and capital in productions with his entertainment company T.H.E. (Tommy Hilfiger Entertainment) which he started more than six years ago. Tommy has always been involved in the music business and done some television, but now he’d like to become more intuned with media.