While Louisiana may offer a relatively good deal in its -30% transferable incentive for full and state expenditures related to the production of a film, there exist a few significant downsides to filming there as compared to other states.

While tax incentives generate economic advantages to that specific state, secondary economic advantages also take place. One example is film induced tourism or FIT. However, Louisiana hosts numerous films, all of which have not increased or even experienced film induced tourism.

A number of other states in close proximity have both tax incentives and have been witnessing movie induced tourism for the past decade like Georgia and North Carolina. Although relatively ideal for a production with a rural or suburban setting, Louisiana is very well-known and does not have that “Anywhere, USA” adaptability that other cities say Atlanta or Wilmington have. Unlike Louisiana, North Carolina has beach locations that are comparable to that of California, minus the high Hollywood production cost. Moreover, travel in and out of Louisiana, specifically New Orleans, is not very easy, especially since Hurricane Katrina’s devastation and the resulting infrastructural failures. Once more, Atlanta gives a really practical substitute for Louisiana, as Atlanta hosts the busiest airport in the country and also offers very flexible travel arrangements that any production officer could require. Plus, EUE/ Screen Gems, a well-known film 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 functional location for shooting when selecting production studios to work with. As mentioned earlier, although Louisiana may offer cost-effective alternatives through extensive tax incentives, it does not offer a convenient urban location for filming. While New Orleans is definitely an enjoyable area rich in culture, it’s distinctive and identifiable, and truly cannot be used when searching for a “generic city” type feel. Consequently, if a film or television show needs urban scenes, chances are that they’ll have to go to a close convenient city, raising production costs with transportation fees for stars, staff, and 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.