Stelly shows his entertainment chops in dual role

At the state’s office of Entertainment Industry Development, professionalism meets creative expression. It’s a good fit for Chris Stelly, a fount of knowledge on music, film and Louisiana history. For six months, he has served director of the state’s office of film and television and interim executive director for all of Louisiana Entertainment. Ever since his former boss, Sherri McConnell, left for the private sector, Stelly has been pulling double duty as her replacement and the state’s director of film and television. “I grew up in a blue-collar family and feel fortunate to do what I do,” he says. “I don’t like to look too far ahead on things that are not in my control, so we’re just focused on building up an industry that is indigenous, long-term and self-sustaining. As 2011 ends, the digital interactive sector of Stelly’s office is booming, A&E series Breakout Kings continues filming in Baton Rouge and rumor has it another large feature film project will be announced in January—all of which promises success in the year ahead. To read the complete story from the December issue of 225 magazine, click here.