Film making

While Louisiana may give a seemingly good deal in its -30% transferable incentive for total and state expenses related to the production of a film, there exist some major disadvantages in shooting there as compared to other states.

While tax incentives induce economic advantages to that particular state, secondary economic benefits also take place. One example is movie induced tourism or FIT. However, Louisiana hosts hundreds of films, all of which haven’t increased or even experienced film induced tourism.

A number of other states in close proximity have both tax incentives and also have been observing film induced tourism for the past decade such as Georgia and North Carolina. Though seemingly perfect for a production that has a non-urban or suburban setting, Louisiana is incredibly identifiable and does not have that “Anywhere, USA” adaptability that other cities say Atlanta or Wilmington have. In contrast to Louisiana, North Carolina has shorelines that are comparable to that of California, minus the steep Hollywood production cost. Additionally, travel in and out of Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, just isn’t a piece of cake, especially since Hurricane Katrina’s devastation and the resulting infrastructural failures. Once more, Atlanta provides a really practical substitute for Louisiana, as Atlanta hosts the busiest airport in the country and provides very adaptable travel arrangements that any production officer could require. And also, EUE/ Screen Gems, a renowned movie and tv production company, are conveniently located six miles from Atlanta’s Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Louisiana has been struck really hard by the latest economic depression as well as natural disasters, forcing many inhabitants to relocate in other places. The outflow of the work force has proved to be damaging to the film industry as many workers are now earning a living for other companies not based in Louisiana. With no convenient airport nearby and a work force that’s been reducing within the past number of years, the movie industry in Louisiana isn’t what it used to be. Even though huge movies have been filmed there, they’re mostly computer animated and television shows are leaning more on the production sites in North Carolina and Georgia. Actually, EUE/ Screen Gems is now home to more than 9 tv programs this year, which includes a 9th Season of “One Tree Hill” that is currently being shot in Wilmington, North Carolina.

It is very essential to offer a versatile location for filming when choosing production studios to work with. As mentioned earlier, although Louisiana may provide cost-effective options through extensive tax incentives, it doesn’t provide a convenient city location for filming. While New Orleans is definitely an exciting place full of culture, it’s unique and recognizable, and really can’t be used when searching for a “generic city” type feel. For that reason, if a film or television show needs urban scenes, it is likely that they’ll have to travel to a close convenient city, raising production expenses with transportation expenses for stars, staff, as well as crew. This hassle looks avoidable when EUE/Screen Gems production studios in Wilmington, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia have the 2 biggest stages eastern side of California.

While the cost of movie production keeps rising, tax incentives were passed in order to minimize production costs and also encourage the domestic economic conditions in Louisiana.This Louisiana film tax credit is the latest anchor of film financing equations.