Louisiana opts for local film incentives

State puts energy into fortifying structure

Among the films to shoot in New Orleans over the last few years was 'The Dukes of Hazzard.'

The state of Louisiana has streamlined its film incentives.

As of Jan. 1, the state has put its legislative energies into fortifying the local infrastructure and will provide incentives solely for in-state production expenditures.

That said, the Investor Tax Credit is a flat 25% based upon investments $300,000 and up. Productions can take a 10% credit of their aggregate Louisiana payroll, in addition to an Infrastructure Tax Credit of 15% of the investment for the construction of new production facilities or studios.

Despite Hurricane Katrina's disruption of productions skedded for lensing in the state, Louisiana posted 2005 film revenues of $550 million.

For New Orleans, deja vu has true meaning. Originally scheduled to begin in October, production on the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced, Tony Scott-directed feature "Deja Vu" was blown off schedule by Katrina.

More than 20 films had been scheduled to lense in the area prior to the hurricane. "Deja Vu" is the first to return, largely because the filmmakers were set on the unique look of New Orleans.

According to Stephanie DuPuy, director of the New Orleans Film Commission, Scott adapted the script to a post-Katrina environment that will highlight the damage and make for a more exciting setting.

DuPuy said that filmmakers, sensitive to the damaged areas, are working with citizen's groups, city officials and the commission office to keep the damage in front of the cameras but not exploit it.

"We're like a tale of two cities now because many neighborhoods are totally intact," added DuPuy. "A successful shoot with 'Deja Vu' will send the message that we're back in business."

Cast and crew, including stars Denzel Washington, Jim Caviezel and Val Kilmer, believed in the project enough to wait for the rescheduled shoot, which resumed Feb. 6.

"New Orleans has a versatile architecture," said DuPuy. "It's not just the French Quarter. 'Lolita' was filmed here in addition to Bruckheimer's 'Glory Road' and his TV series 'Amazing Race.' "

Prior to Katrina, New Orleans had cheated other locations such as New York for "Ray" and Chicago for "Miller's Crossing."

Not all the dislodged productions are returning to the city, however.

Feature "The Guardian" relocated its production home to Shreveport, La.

"The film didn't just fall into our laps," said Betty Jo LeBrun-Mooring, head of the Shreveport-Bossier Film Office, who added that she met the producers at the airport two days after Katrina struck. "We had to prove we could handle a big production," she said.

"Although impossible to film in New Orleans," said director Andrew Davis, "the studio never seriously considered moving to another state. Our decision to endure these logistical snags and stay in the state was heartfelt."

Production on the Coast Guard-themed drama/actioner starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher requires a water tank. Katrina washed away the original New Orleans tank; Shreveport became the next logical location with its two military bases. Another wave tank to duplicate the Bering Sea was subsequently constructed in Shreveport's Slack Industrial Park.

"I can't think of a better place to shoot a movie about Coast Guard rescue swimmers than post-Katrina Louisiana," said producer Tripp Vinson. "It's an honor to be here."

Shreveport and surrounding areas will boast the lion's share of filming for "The Guardian," with additional lensing set for Kodiak, Alaska.

Productions valued at some $100 million in production are currently shooting in the Shreveport area, said LeBrun-Mooring, including "Factory Girl," which just wrapped; Sandra Bullock's "Premonition"; "Roadhouse 2"; and the five-part TV series "Thief."

On the production drawing board, the state may be in line for the construction of Louisiana Cinema City Studios, the brainchild of Louisiana Entertainment Associates principals Alfredo Leone and Robert E. Dimilia.

Complex, set on 150-plus acres, will boast eight Hollywood-style soundstages and four broadcast stages; a post-production facility, including a film laboratory; production offices; as well as a hotel, restaurants, shops and multiplex theater.

Stages will range in size from 18,000 square feet to more than 38,000 square feet, with the ability to combine multiple stages.