Chris Stelly, Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, announced that he has certified nearly $810 million in funds to support filmmaking in Louisiana.
Will French, president of the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, told the Associated Press, "Now we represent about 14,000 jobs, up from roughly zero 10 years ago, and that's a pretty important thing for us to do."
The big budget films that will be making their way to include to Louisiana over the Summer include “Fantastic Four,” “Terminator 5,” and “Jurassic World,” according to the News Sentinel.com. Film L.A. said that 18 films were shot last year including “G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Dallas Buyers Club," and "Grudge Match." Six major movie studios and five smaller studios decided to shoot in Louisiana in order to complete their films.
Business leaders are standing in support of the production program which allows for $251 million in tax credits. The program is also getting support from some of Hollywood’s A-listers. John Goodman, who moved to New Orleans, speaks favorably about the new endeavor. He thinks the incentives are an innovative way to make bring new filmmaking efforts from Los Angeles to Louisiana.