News Summary
The film industry in Chalmette, Louisiana, is facing a severe slowdown due to legislative negotiations and global market pressures. With only one upcoming project, ‘Motion,’ and a reported 50% decrease in production compared to last year, the local workforce is facing significant challenges. Initiatives are underway to enhance the state’s film tax credit program, but uncertainty remains as competition from international filming locations intensifies. Industry leaders are optimistic about the future with plans to modernize incentives, while ongoing negotiations aim to stabilize the local film economy.
Chalmette, Louisiana’s Film Industry Faces Severe Slowdown Amid Legislative Negotiations and Global Market Pressures
The film and television industry in Louisiana is experiencing a significant slowdown as ongoing legislative negotiations and global market pressures take their toll. Currently, no major productions are underway in the state, with only one upcoming project, a crime thriller titled “Motion,” which features stars like Tiffany Haddish and Bella Thorne.
As of January 11, 2024, workers are busy constructing sets for various film series at The Ranch Studios in Chalmette. However, the reality for Louisiana’s film sector is starkly different, with a reported 50% decrease in project production compared to the previous year. The state’s film workforce, which includes approximately 10,000 skilled workers, is facing a challenging period as there are few projects making use of their expertise.
Jason Waggenspack, the President of Film Louisiana and CEO of The Ranch Studios, has been actively negotiating with the state legislature regarding Louisiana’s film tax credits. Despite the downturn, Waggenspack remains optimistic about the interest from studios and independent filmmakers in Louisiana’s film industry. Initiatives are being implemented to encourage production, focusing on enhancing the state’s production infrastructure.
Current Status of Productions
As it stands, the only upcoming project on the horizon is “Motion,” and there are tentative plans for a few independent projects in the north Louisiana region, specifically the Shreveport-Bossier area. Notably, the recent sluggishness in the industry has seen only one production, “Leverage: Redemption,” filmed in Louisiana at the beginning of 2024.
Legislative Efforts and Economic Factors
Waggenspack has emphasized the significance of Act 44, a new law aimed at modernizing and extending Louisiana’s film tax credit program. Act 44 is designed to maintain existing incentives while adding credits for workforce training and above-the-line talent to attract larger projects. Key updates in the legislation include removing caps on project and individual credits, along with providing bonuses for hiring local talent or utilizing Louisiana-based scripts.
In addition to state efforts to strengthen the industry, discussions are ongoing about a federal initiative aimed at assisting U.S. film hubs in competing with international filming locations. Waggenspack and advocate Katie Pryor are collaborating with Film USA to push for the establishment of a Federal Film Office and national incentives to attract investment to the domestic film sector.
National Context and Future Outlook
Nationally, the film industry is slowly recovering from significant disruptions caused by writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023. Reports indicate that overall spending remains below pre-pandemic and pre-strike levels, which has contributed to the current challenges faced by Louisiana’s film industry. Analysts suggest a modest recovery in production volume over the next year; however, uncertainty lingers.
The competition from more affordable filming locations in Europe and Canada remains a significant hurdle for Louisiana. Despite these challenges, it is anticipated that studios will begin shifting some production back to the United States around 2026.
Infrastructure and Local Sentiment
The state’s production infrastructure experienced substantial investment before this current slowdown, with expansions at facilities such as Second Line Stages and Quixote Studios. Brittany Chandler, head of Film New Orleans, has highlighted the existing infrastructure and the creative energy prevalent in Louisiana, even in light of recent adversities.
Waggenspack remains confident in Louisiana’s inherent strengths, including a film-friendly culture and a diverse range of locations that could bolster future production opportunities. As the local industry navigates these turbulent waters, initiatives aimed at enhancing support for filmmakers and improving the business landscape will be crucial for recovery.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 8 Live: Louisiana Film Industry Expects Work to Pick Up
- Business Report: Louisiana’s Film Industry Setting the Stage for a Comeback
- NOLA.com: Louisiana Film Industry Struggles Amid Production Slump
- New Orleans CityBusiness: Louisiana Film Tax Credit Reform 2025
- Wikipedia: Film Industry in Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
