MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY

Louisiana is globally recognized as a leading film destination. Since 2002, the motion picture industry has grown exponentially thanks to Louisiana’s unique tax incentive package and the pioneering efforts of the Department of Economic Development. Our skilled crew base has grown over 400% since the program’s beginning and infrastructure continues to mature rapidly with soundstages and post-production facilities open in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport. More businesses servicing our film industry spring up regularly.

• For more information on resources and services click here.

The tax credits, skilled and qualified workforce, a well-developed infrastructure along with a variety of locations create great filmmaking experiences. However, our continued success is also due to the unique joie de vivre and support of our citizens. Across this state, our citizens have embraced the motion picture industry to help foster its growth. We are very proud to be the home of an internationally celebrated and vibrant creative culture.

Productions considering Louisiana can earn a fully transferable tax credit of 25% on in-state expenditures and an additional 10% on the payroll of Louisiana residents. Additionally, we offer a 40% tax credit on the building of long term permanent infrastructure. For full details, please visit our website here.

“Everything you need from Hollywood, Everything you love about Louisiana”

Projects Since 2002

• Pre-incentives: (one or two features annually)
• 2002: 1
• 2003: 16
• 2004: 35
• 2005: 37
• 2006: 36
• 2007: 56
• 2008: 60 (includes projects still filming)

Direct In-State Spending by Projects

• Pre-incentives: Unknown
• 2002: $3.5 mil
• 2003: $80 mil
• 2004: $144 mil
• 2005: $249 mil
• 2006: $281 mil
• 2007: OEID estimates $400 mil

Total Wages Earned by Louisiana Residents

• Pre-incentives: Not Estimated
• 2002: $75,000 (based on 1 project)
• 2003: $19 mil
• 2004: $39 mil
• 2005: $46.5 mil
• 2006: $78 mil
• 2007: $55 mil+

A few titles that have shot or are shooting in our state include, the Disney Channel’s Imagination Movers; Brad Pitt in the David Fincher directed feature film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Year One starring Jack Black; My Own Love Song with Renee Zellweger and Forrest Whitaker; Three Stories About Joan starring and directed by Bruce Willis with Owen Wilson and Kieran Culkin; Leaves of Grass with Edward Norton; Soul Men featuring Bernie Mac & Isaac Hayes; Oliver Stone’s W with Josh Brolin; the Universal Pictures’ feature film Cirque du Freak and many, many more.

For more information on the film industry, contact:

Christopher Stelly
Director, Film and Television
225.342.5403
cstelly@la.gov