Louisiana's entertainment industry is thriving. In 2008, the
state shattered all its previous records for film and television
production, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The state has
seen an increased interest in its digital media industry, and
initiatives are being undertaken to further bolster Louisiana's
music scene and live performance arena. The state offers aggressive
tax credit programs for entertainment industry ventures in digital
media, motion picture, sound recording and live performance. These
programs offer companies an unparalleled opportunity to succeed
financially and creatively. For additional entertainment resources,
visit LouisianaEntertainment.gov.
Digital Media
Louisiana is focusing a great deal of attention and effort on
the cultivation of its video game development industry. In 2005,
the state instituted an aggressive tax incentive program for video
game production and encouraged workforce development programs at
several universities throughout the state. Since then, the state
has developed the strongest digital media incentive in the U.S. for
game development, web applications and the next generation of
interactive content.
To learn more about Louisiana's Digital Media Industry,
click here.
Digital Media Incentive
Receive up to a 25% tax credit for qualified digital interactive
media production expenditures, as well as a 35% tax credit for
Louisiana resident labor expenditures. For more information, click here.
Film & Television
Since 2002, Louisiana has appeared in the credits of more and
more motion pictures, thanks to the state's unique tax incentive
package directed at attracting film and television work. Currently,
Louisiana ranks third in film and television production nationwide,
behind only California and New York.
Louisiana's skilled crew base has grown by over 400 percent
since the start of the tax incentive program, and infrastructure
continues to develop to answer the demand from film and television
producers. Louisiana now boasts world-class, state-of-the-art
facilities throughout the state including stages and
post-production houses.
Since 2006, Louisiana has produced more than 300 motion pictures
in a variety of genres - major and independent feature films,
television series, commercials and documentaries to name a few.
Total program applications increased from 88 in 2008 to 105 in
2009. And local companies produced 65 percent of the films shot in
Louisiana in 2009, up from 35 percent in 2008. And the film
industry surge is showing no signs of stopping.
For evidence that Louisiana has become a serious player in the
film industry, look no further than 2009's Oscar contender "The
Curious Case of Benjamin Button," starring Brad Pitt and Cate
Blanchett, which earned the highest number of nominations,
including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best
Supporting Actor at the 2009 Academy Awards. In addition,
Louisiana-made feature films, "I Love You Phillip Morris" and
"Killing Room," premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival; and
"Drool" premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, winning Best
Original Screenplay.
The tax credits, talented workforce and well-developed
infrastructure help create great filmmaking experiences. But
directors and producers keep coming back to Louisiana for the
less-tangible assets, such as the variety of locations, unique
joie de vivre and the overwhelming
support of Louisiana's citizens.
Motion Picture Industry Development Tax
Credit
A transferable credit of 30% for qualified motion picture
expenditures and an additional 5% on Louisiana labor. For more
information, click
here.
Music/Sound Recording
Jazz. Cajun. Zydeco. Brass. R&B. Funk. Swamp pop. Perhaps no
other Louisiana export enjoys as much worldwide popularity and
historical significance as our music. While the Louisiana music
industry is as vibrant as ever, Louisiana Economic Development is
working to expand the cultural economy and create new opportunities
for artists and musicians.
A lot of the effort in this direction has been spearheaded by
the Louisiana Music Commission, under the direction of LED's
entertainment division, to establish state recording tax
incentives, support Louisiana musicians and promote the state's
music industry.
In addition to the Louisiana Music Commission's efforts, a
number of other organizations are available to assist Louisiana
musicians and promote the state's music industry. Louisiana Music
Export Office is a nonprofit sales and marketing bureau established
after hurricanes Katrina and Rita that offers consulting and
coordinating services to talent scouts, event planners and media
outlets. ArtistsHouseMusic.org provides valuable information for
musicians of all levels, managers, producers, recording artists,
resident business operators and others dealing with all aspects of
the industry.
Tipitina's Music Office Co-ops, located in that famous New
Orleans music club, provide a fully equipped work space for
musicians, as well as business skills development. Musicians can
use computers and receive basic skills training in Web design and
press kit creation, along with technical support, production
assistance, access to a network of music business professionals,
specialized information resources and much more.
Sound Recording Investor Tax
Credit
A refundable tax credit of 25% for qualified sound recording
production expenditures. For more information, click here.
Live Performance
As the hallmark of Louisiana's entertainment scene, the state's
live performance industry is rapidly gaining momentum. Louisiana
offers tax incentives, industry expertise and opportunities for
collaboration with the state's top education institutions to the
owners, developers and producers of live performance infrastructure
and production projects.
Recently, the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans reopened
with great fanfare following $22 million in renovations. The
theater's reopening, located in the city's Louis Armstrong Park,
means the New Orleans Opera, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra,
Broadway Access America and New Orleans Ballet Association can now
return home.
The Office of Live Performance Development is working with
representatives of the Saenger Theatre (set to reopen in 2011), the
Orpheum Theater and the Carver Theater in New Orleans on renovation
plans. The development of such venues throughout the state will
generate significant business activity, household earnings and job
creation in Louisiana.
By offering tax incentives to performances that originate in
Louisiana, the Office of Live Performance Development will further
its mission of creating an indigenous entertainment industry by
providing consistent and sustainable employment opportunities to
residents statewide.
Live Performance Tax Credit
Provides a tax credit of up to 25% of production and infrastructure
expenditures. For more information, click here.
