Chalmette, Louisiana, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Louisiana’s film and television industry is experiencing a significant slowdown, with production rates dropping dramatically. Currently, there are no active film projects, and only one major production, ‘Motion,’ is scheduled. This is a stark contrast to previous years, with nearly 50% fewer projects produced in 2024. Industry leaders are advocating for legislative changes and new initiatives to revitalize the local film industry and attract more significant projects. As competition increases, the need for Louisiana to enhance its appeal as a filming destination becomes crucial.
Chalmette, Louisiana – Louisiana’s film and television industry is facing a significant slowdown, with production rates dropping dramatically in recent months. As of January 11, 2024, there are no active film projects shooting in the state, with only one major upcoming production: “Motion,” a crime thriller starring Tiffany Haddish, Bella Thorne, and Master P. This sharp decline reflects an overall downturn, with approximately 50% fewer film projects produced in Louisiana in 2024 compared to previous years.
Jason Waggenspack, President of Film Louisiana and CEO of The Ranch Studios, emphasized the challenges faced by the local industry as global market pressures continue to impact production. The state has seen only a few independent projects begin in north Louisiana, particularly around the Shreveport-Bossier area. The situation leaves many skilled tradespeople in the local workforce, which comprises roughly 10,000 individuals, seeking employment due to the significant reduction in filming.
In response to this crisis, Film Louisiana is actively pursuing various initiatives to revitalize production in the state. This includes promoting Louisiana’s unique advantages as a filming location. Recently, industry leaders traveled to Los Angeles to engage with studio executives and launch a new digital “Louisiana Lookbook,” which highlights the diverse locations available for filming throughout the state.
The state legislature’s passage of Act 44 in June 2023, which modernized and extended Louisiana’s film tax credit program, aims to attract more significant studio projects. The new legislation removes caps on project and individual credits while offering increased flexibility for Louisiana Economic Development to adjust incentives. Despite these positive changes, industry experts express concerns about adapting to the evolving demands of filmmakers as competition grows globally.
Even as Louisiana’s infrastructure for production remains well-established, challenges from other states and international locations continue to impact the industry. Waggenspack notes that studios have shifted production to places like Canada and Europe due to more favorable economic conditions. Nationwide, though film and television production is slowly recovering post-COVID-19 and labor strikes, overall spending remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Advocates within the state are discussing potential initiatives at the federal level to enhance competitiveness. Waggenspack, alongside others, is advocating for the creation of a Federal Film Office to help bolster local production against cheaper locations worldwide. Waggenspack also forecasts that studios could begin returning to the U.S. by 2026, when Louisiana aims to leverage this opportunity to regain its former production volume.
With facilities like The Ranch Film Studios having previously expanded in expectation of ongoing demand, the current challenges underline the need for Louisiana to enhance its incentive program further. The state was once a leader in film production incentives since 2002, but an increase in competition and significant changes in industry demand now necessitate a reevaluation of its strategies to maintain appeal for filmmakers.
In conclusion, the current landscape of Louisiana’s film industry is challenging, yet initiatives to revitalize production are underway. The upcoming years may present a pivotal opportunity for the state to reclaim its spot as a desirable filming destination amid evolving industry dynamics.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of film production in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s film and television industry has dramatically slowed, with no productions actively shooting in the state as of January 11, 2024.
Is there any major project planned in Louisiana’s film industry?
The state currently has only one upcoming major project listed: “Motion,” a crime thriller featuring Tiffany Haddish, Bella Thorne, and Master P.
What percentage of projects were produced in Louisiana in 2024 compared to previous years?
Approximately 50% fewer film projects were produced in Louisiana in 2024 compared to previous years.
What initiatives is Film Louisiana pursuing to revitalize the industry?
Film Louisiana is actively pursuing initiatives to revive film production volume, including promoting its unique advantages and launching a new digital “Louisiana Lookbook” that highlights diverse filming locations.
What legislative changes have been made in Louisiana’s film tax credit program?
Act 44, passed in June, is a key legislative change that modernized and extended Louisiana’s film tax credit program, aiming to attract larger studio projects by removing caps on project and individual credits.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Production Status | No active productions in Louisiana, with only one major upcoming project: “Motion.” |
| Production Decline | 50% fewer film projects produced in Louisiana in 2024 compared to previous years. |
| Initiatives to Revitalize | Film Louisiana is promoting advantages and has developed a “Louisiana Lookbook.” |
| Tax Credit Changes | Act 44 modernized the film tax credit program for larger studio projects. |
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: Louisiana Film Industry Struggles Amid Production Slump
- NOLA: Jason Waggenspack on The Ranch Film Studio and Industry State
- Axios: People You Meet on Vacation Book Movie Filming
- Fox 8: New Orleans Film Industry Expected to Exceed $1 Billion in 2022
- WDSU: St. Bernard Parish Movie Features Simulated Gunfire
- Wikipedia: Louisiana Film Industry
- Google Search: Louisiana Film Industry
- Google Scholar: Louisiana Film Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana Film Industry
- Google News: Louisiana Film Industry
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
