Backstage: Thanks to its attractive tax incentives and scenic locales, many in the film industry refer to Louisiana as Hollywood South. By some measures, the state actually out-earned California in 2013 film production. For those jockeying to get in front of the camera, this makes cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans logical and desirable career destinations.
3 comments:
I am not surprised at all by this article as I have heard so much about Louisiana as a film capitol emerging among the South. As there are less film shoots year after year around Atlanta and Charlotte, Louisiana has been blossoming as a film location for not only movies about the south, but many more as well! This makes me the most excited as a southerner myself. In past years it seemed that movies and television were only shot in the south if the film or show it self was set in a southern locale. Although this is most certainly needed, it is great to prove that southern states can supply more than just farms and swamps, but we can also be a large source of filming for all types. Not to mention how the film community in Louisiana helps to support southern theatre artists and also provide opportunities for education locally.
Compared to Delaney I did not hear nor realize that the south was growing into a filling capitol. I did know that a lot of states have been giving tax ride offs to flying productions to lure them into filming but I did not realize the success it was having. Not only do film companies save money, but more local actors and technicians can be hired on the production. It stated in the article that actors can are making a living being extras since there is so much work being done there. I wonder if it is true for the technical positions or if they are having those positions filled with people from Hollywood.
Another thing I find really interesting is that a lot of these films and tv shows are being done in the south to give more of a realistic vibe. I think people want real life and not edited to look like something. So instead of just building sets for these shows like NCIS they are actually filming on site which I think makes all the difference!
With the cost of filming a large budget movie, it's no wonder why new states are becoming hubs for creative endeavors. Although this does take away from Hollywood's traditional glamour and monopoly, it gives new opportunities four states and viewers. Not only are the states receiving increased income due to these films but also now audience members are able to start seeing a more diverse range of settings. No longer does the wild west film need to be filmed in front of a painted drop on a Hollywood set. Now, you can actually go film in the "Wild West" and film at a fraction of the cost of filming in Hollywood. In addition to the financial benefits the state is receiving, it also gives way for new opportunities for local actors in the area. If you are not fortunate enough to live in large art hubs like New York City or LA, these traveling films give unprecedented opportunities for locals. Although traveling and producing in a foreign territory create new challenges for the artistic staff and cast, I believe the benefits from exploring new locations are extremely significant.
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