La. ranked top state for film production

Hollywood-based film trade publication P3 Update has named Louisiana the top state for production work. “Louisiana was the first state on the scene to adopt tax incentives, which sparked a trend across America. More and more filmmakers are now heading to Louisiana, where business has been booming,” says P3 Update. “In addition to the southern hospitality, Louisiana’s success is largely due to the state’s ability to attract repeat business with its attractive incentive programs, deep crew base and abundance of studio facilities.” Louisiana Entertainment Film Director Chris Stelly tells P3 Update Louisiana is currently nine to 10 crews deep in production work, a nearly 400% increase since 2002. “We have seen a 22% growth in the industry’s workforce each year,” Stelly is quoted as saying. After a big 2008–09 fiscal year—when the state saw $494 million in production—fiscal year 2009–10 drew $674.1 million in direct spending, thanks to over 100 productions, Stelly says. Read the full story and see the complete rankings here.