Written by new-contact on Jan 10, 2012. Posted in On Location

Louisiana location film production passes billion-dollar mark in 2011

Louisiana has reaffirmed its position as one of the central filming production hubs in the US – and indeed the world - by making some USD1.3 billion during 2011. The figures from film office Louisiana Entertainment are not quite official yet, but it’s clear the state had a hugely successful year.

Data from Louisiana Entertainment reported by Nola.com suggests that over 150 separate filming projects applied for Louisiana incentive support in 2011, with the bulk of these projects’ combined USD1.9 billion production budget being spent in Louisiana.

You're starting to see not only major studios but mini-majors as well - that have had such a great time and a great experience - come back.

Chris Stelly, Louisiana Entertainment

It’s not clear yet how much was paid out by the state, but in 2010 the total in-state spend came to just shy of USD900 million and the economy was making USD5.71 from every dollar spent.

Chris Stelly is Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment and spoke to the outlet: "It's good to be busy. You're starting to see not only major studios but mini-majors as well - that have had such a great time and a great experience - come back. I think that sort of repeat business says a lot."

Warner Brothers is one of the major studios to keep coming back, having shot The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Jonah Hex and The Green Lantern in recent years. Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained is currently scheduled for a February start and Tom Cruise’s next project – known at the moment as either Oblivion or Horizons – will arrive in the summer.