Article by Andrew Stratton
New Orleans locals have enjoyed a few surprise treats recently, including rubbing shoulders with the likes of Channing Tatum and Nicholas Cage while hanging out it various restaurants and dives around the city. But they are not the only ones who have reaped the benefits of the influx of film industry activity in Louisiana.
In 2002, the city introduced new tax incentives aimed at filmmakers to encourage them to relocate much of their production to Louisiana. Since then, hundreds of films have been shot in the state. The incentives proved fruitful for the state’s economy, making it it one of the few states in the nation to maintain a steady — at times growing — economy despite the downward spiral being faced by the rest of the country.
Attracting the film industry has proven beneficial in obvious ways, such as keeping film students in state rather than having them jet to Los Angeles right after graduation. But such a profitable trade has helped out the local economy in more ways than that. Everyone from homeowners to port-o-potty distributors to caterers in New Orleans have seen an influx of dollar signs since the new era of film making began in the state.
Filmmakers send location scouts around an area in search of the perfect filming locations. The producers then propose a reasonable offer to the owner of the home, business or facility they would like to use. Notable sites would include uptown’s Half Moon bar in 2005’s “The Skeleton Key,” a former Metairie Bennigan’s in 2005’s “Waiting” and Lafreniere Park in the recent 2012 film, “21 Jump Street.” Homeowners from the Garden District to the westbank have been propositioned and paid to rent out their homes to be used for filming.
Of course, a film crew needs more than just a location. For cast and crew who work long hours with few real breaks, catering is provided to keep them satisfied scene after scene. Caterers in New Orleans get a great deal of business from locally camped movie sets that need to feed an entire work staff every day of filming. Some local caterers in New Orleans who have participated include Andrea’s Restaurant, NOLA Foods and Ralph Brennan Catering.
Another local service needed for film production sets is security to protect the stars, expensive equipment and valuable time from snooping fans and disgruntled locals. The transportation needed includes limousines to move celebrities, secure buses to haul equipment, helicopters used for filming from otherwise impossibly high angles and more. Waste management, furniture rentals, camera rentals and film development are just a few of the many other local sectors than gain business from the film industry’s presence.
Perhaps the greatest long-term achievement of Louisiana’s film endeavors will be the many production people, actors and actresses, and others involved in the creative process who continue to move to New Orleans after falling in love with its Southern charm on their visits.
Caterers in New Orleans can show up to your next special event with steaming bowls of soup, gourmet entrees and a selection of delightful wines! Start cooking at http://www.auduboninstitute.org.
Richard Davis from the Berklee College of Music presents at the New Mexico Filmmakers Conference in March 28, 2008. Sponsored by the New Mexico Music Commission. Composer for ROBIN HOOD, PRINCE OF THIEVES, THE LAST BOY SCOUT, and ABC’s THE FALL GUY, Richard Davis will speak on the nuts and bolts of composing music for film and television. Discussion will include the basic process and timelines, midi mock-ups, temp tracks, and the need for the composer to be not just a musician, but a filmmaker as well. For producers, directors, and composers.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Question by : What is the admission process for CSB School of Design and Arts?
I want to take an arts-related course like Music Production or Digital Filmmaking, I’m really passionate about the arts but I don’t have any experience yet. Am I required to have any, and do I have to take a talent test to get into my course of choice? Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by Angry Bird
Careful with this.
Companies are not hiring very much in this field.
Please do research so you don’t waste 4 years in college
What do you think? Answer below!
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I’m often asked about my process for developing film ideas, from initial concept through to actually writing the screenplay. So, I decided to do a video blog that outlines the process I use. Hope you find it of interest. Don’t forget to check out my website www.dannylaceyfilm.co.uk