In 2002 Louisiana adopted filmmaking tax credits that have steadily increased and produced a striving film industry that ranked Louisiana as a third-place finisher in most production rankings, behind New York and Los Angeles. 

A 2013 report released by the nonprofit Film L.A., the city of Los Angeles’ film office, showed that the Louisiana film industry was named the film-production capital of the world. Main attractions such as “22 Jumpstreet, “When the Game Stands Tall,” “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” “Now You See Me,” all the way up to the Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave” and “Dallas Buyers Club” has parts or the whole movie filmed in our state as well as Hammond because of these tax credits. 

Not only has this brought much needed positive attention to our state, but it has also boosted our economy.

According to the Film L.A. report, Louisiana finished second in production-industry jobs. Canada placed first with 14,170 and Louisiana held 13,690 jobs. 

One of the current issues legislators have brought up is these film credits are not beneficial in the long run when it comes to the tax collecting and the economical benefit of Louisiana. 

To this, I have to say, are you trying to make our state even worse than it already is? 

Yes, you could increase the amount of revenue that comes in from the film industry, but the film industry is going to do everything they can to get the biggest bang for their buck. They could easily go to a neighboring state such as Mississippi or Georgia and get the same shot there. As much as I love my home, we are not that special when it comes to location or environment. 

I have been extremely thankful for the film industry due to the fact that it is helping me pay for college. Grants and student loans may help pay for my classes, but I still have other bills to pay such as rent, electricity and the internet, not to mention the basic needs for survival such as food and clothing. 

Over the last decade, the infrastructure of the film industry has built up the possibility of giving jobs to those who otherwise would not have a job, and it would be a shame if politicians pushed them out of our beloved state.  

Along with all the other issues that are arising when it comes to our state’s legislation and the budget crisis that Gov. Bobby Jindal has addressed, the film industry’s future is on the table. I hope that politicians work with them on creating a mutual agreement that benefits both parties.