Want the film industry to stay in Louisiana? --Then DO SOMETHING!!!

Tweet WANT TO SAVE THE FILM INDUSTRY IN LOUISIANA-------DO SOMETHING!!!!!
So much as been written on this topic that it is starting to become redundant.  But yet is anyone doing anything other than yelling in the press?! 

Below the 2 articles on the subject is a link from the LA Film and Entertainment Association that you can follow to make your voice heard. 

We all understand what the Governor is trying to do, and the "hair cut" approach he is taking.  But we all know how devastating a bad hair cut can be.  And in this case, it won't grow back out. 

http://www.filmproductioncapital.com/rankings.html  This link is to the rankings of the top state incentive programs and how they are viewed and rated.  Yes, we are #1 today, but look at the others and the reasons they have fallen.  The common theme:  reduction of the incentives. 

According to the gov, the cuts are small and will have a "negligible effect" If the"hair cut" is so small, then why even bother cutting it.  The benefit is much greater.  I am not a fan of "Hollywood fat cats" taking advantage of the system.  However, in this case, if we keep putting the milk out for the fat cats, at some point they will not be able to leave.  That is the true path to sustainability and the reason these incentives need to stay in place.   Gov. Jindal, don't touch the milk!

Jindal’s tax proposal could devastate film industry http://www.lsureveille.com/news/article_3150ef94-9274-11e2-9d8d-001a4bcf6878.html#.UVRw0jgp3PE.twitter via @lsureveille

Film industry leaders say Jindal tax plan would cripple production; administration disagrees
http://www.nola.com/movies/index.ssf/2013/03/louisiana_film_leaders_says_ji.html


FROM LOUISIANA FILM & ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATION:
http://www.lfea.org
Governor Jindal unveiled his plan to eliminate Personal Income, Corporate Income and Franchise Taxes in the upcoming legislative session. The administration has not yet filed an official bill, but instead have offered a draft bill that outlines the Tax Swap Program. As a part of his larger package to eliminate income, corporate and franchise taxes, the Governor has also suggested changes to the film program.
How do these changes impact the film industry?
• Impose a salary cap of $1 million for above-the-line talent.
• Exclude financing fees from the cost basis
• Increasing the current state sales tax rate from 4% to 5.88% and include services.
If passed by the legislature, these changes will have a dramatic impact on the entertainment industry in Louisiana.

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Click https://www.votervoice.net/LIFE/Campaigns/31372/Respond , Read and Follow Directions to urge Governor, State Senator, State Representative not to change.
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Jindal-now is not the time to f' with the film credits

Tweet Why?   Why now?  Why do we seem to take something that works and just kill it.   That's is exactly what will happen to our film industry in Louisiana if Jindal "touches" the film credits at this time. 

Even though the administration says this will have "a negligible impact" on most productions, it doesn't matter, the momentum will start to slow.  Any hint or suggestion that money will be taken away or not made available will do major damage, no matter how small the cut is.  A small cut can start an infection that could kill you, that is what this plan will do.   And why now?

Here are some points to consider.

1. Competition. We are not the only state that offers film incentives.  Many do, and many production companies take them up on those tax incentives and film there consistently.  So if we reduce our tax incentives, we automatically concede that future business to those states.

2.  The spin off.  An incentive is designed to do just that, incentivize, to help a business make a choice on location.  And in return for that business, we get more spin off business.  THAT IS WHAT IT IS DESIGNED TO DO.  So why kill it now.   We have major production facilities and new start-ups that are a true "state-wide" economic boon.  There are facilities in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, and who knows how many more on on the drawing board that may never materialize if the credits are altered in any way.  The list is very long of new businesses who have located to New Orleans for the "incentives".  Again, why are we killing this now?

3.  Recognition. Does anyone realize the impact of the Oscars on New Orleans this year.  I personally don't care about who wins what, but this year was different.  The Beast of the Southern Wild is a prime example of why tax credits work.  When you hear the back story of the actors in that movie and how they were chosen, and how the City of New Orleans has such incredible raw talent that you can pluck someone from behind the counter of doughnut shop and make him a star, you can clearly see how the recognition factor works.  Now every producer in Hollywood will be down here(if they are not already), looking for the next rising star.  And it was not just that one movie, there are hundreds of examples.  Reality TV has set up shop in Louisiana.   Now I know some are not fans of how our swamp relatives are being portrayed, but I have news for you, its called reality TV for a reason.  And it is doing quite well in Louisiana.

4.  Do the math.  This is all ways the argument from the "cutter" of taxes.  Its the parent saying we can't afford it, we are just giving the Hollywood fat cats more money.  I ask that Jindal makes one simple comparison on giving away money to out of towners:  compare it to road construction projects. Please do the math on how much money leaves the state on road construction.  You may think that those guys on the side of the road causing traffic congestion are locals, but they are not.  No one is analysing this outflow of money.  Billions have been given to our state on so many levels and for so many projects, yet no one has looked at the statistics on how much of that money has remained in the state. 

Yet it is very easy to reach out and touch the numerous "physical" production studios in the state, the many jobs created by the film industry. 

And here is another stat to consider:  the number of L.A. transplants who now call the State of Louisiana home.   Go look at the empty office buildings in Los Angles and surrounding areas, all losing tenants as part of a migration out of L.A. to greener pastures, like another LA, Louisiana.

So why now?  Why when people are committing their lives by moving to our state, do we say, oh, no, that's costing us too much money.  Why can't we at least wait until a sustainable infrastructure is in place that would keep the industry moving forward with less credit incentives.  Why now?  I  understand that it is an expense and a cost to the state, although the Lottery proceeds to the state seem to be doing quite well.  If the YLC can step up and afford to keep the CCC bridge lights on, I think the state can step up and "at a minimum" wait before sacrificing the golden goose that is doing so much for us now.

But, while we are at it, lets go ahead and reduce mardi gras next year.  All that overtime police pay is really hurting our bottom line.  Who really wants all those tourist here, what a pain.  I really hate the way they spend all that money, and use our hotels, and fly into our airport.  And who cares if the Superbowl comes back.  What an unnecessary expense.  

Believing what you hear can be damaging

Tweet A properly crafted message, slogan or jingle can make or break a brand.  And you know the ones that I am talking about.   Call to mind the sound of the duck quacking about supplemental insurance, "How will you pay your bills?  Af.......", Complete this one;  "Red Robbin......".  Or "5 Dollar, 5 Dollar ______  _______"

And of course, our local fav, Rosenberg's, Rosenberg's, _ _ _ _ Tu-lane.  This one shows your heritage and age.

These jingles, slogans and messages are designed to hook us and stick in our minds.

So, if our brains unconsciously absorb these sounds and can create an uncontrolled recall, then think about the thousands of sounds and sayings and wives tales that we have heard throughout our lives.   Like, "that will put your eye out" or "dry your hair or you'll catch a cold" or "if its sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't"  or "don't invest in the stock market" or  "if you keep doing that you'll go blind", oops, too much.  

These tales, myths, beliefs and sayings exist in every culture and are often so pervasive that we sadly and blindly take them as the truth.

But what we don't realize is the affect these sayings have on the development of our personalities and the way we see life and ourselves.  We could be unconsciously creating negative thoughts that are holding us back and not even realize it.  We may not have taken the risk to buy an investment property because Uncle Lou  said real estate is a bad investment.  Or the family adviser who said "you can't start a business unless you have a lot of capital".  While that may be good advice, it may have stopped you completely from moving forward with your multi-million dollar idea. 

And my all-time personal favorite:  "Einstein said, 'the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result".  I love this one because, as it turns out, Einstein never said this....Einstein.  If you google it, you will find the real quote, from an unexpected author, Rita Mae Brown, on an unexpected topic from her book Sudden Death in 1983.
Think about it.  Einstein would have done an experiment over and over again, and would have expected a different result.  That would be the definition of experimenting!  Thomas Edison is well known for doing something over and over again until he got it right.   Most great inventions and successes came from repeated attempts expecting a different result.

The power of these beliefs is amazing.  This one, incorrect "Einstein" statement, that has been passed down and spread like a malicious virus, actually made me question myself.  Was I actually insane?  Am I trying to build a business by going to work everyday and expecting a different result like more sales, or am I delusional?   Do people think I am crazy?   They are telling me that I am.  I mean by "definition" I am doing the same thing over and over again, every day trying to make it work.  They must be right.

The revelation about this saying came from me actually googling it.(how sad).  Once I realized that this saying had no basis, the chain of fear that I might need therapy was suddenly gone. I laughed out loud, I mean LOL.  I could not believe that I fell for that ridiculous statement. 

Then pity set in for those who had been telling me this and I could see their chains that were holding them back from their true potential.  And yes, a few who ironically might actually be insane, according to Webster's real definition.

We hear these sayings like we hear the commercial jingles.  If we are not careful of how we process this information, it can sneak in to our consciousness and become reality.  Think about all of those sayings and opinions that we carry with us through out life.  If only we could learn the true definition of these debilitating tales earlier, how much anguish could we have saved ourselves.

So simply remember, "believing what you hear can be damaging".  Lets hope this statement gets spread around and becomes a reality.

Well, you know what they say;  Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.  Wait, is this one true?

©Mark Subervielle 2013

A MUST SEE FILM EXHIBIT

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You may be living in or near a famous landmark from a movie shot in New Orleans or in Louisiana.  It’s very possible given the fact that Louisiana’s film history dates back over 100 years.  So many movies have used our scenery, buildings, landmarks and unique culture that you may not even realize how close you are to being in the scene itself.

And you may not realize that this current filming boom is not the first.  Production of movies and film existed in the city and state long before any of us were born.(unless you were born in the 1800’s)

Most of this information would be lost if it were not for two enterprising people named Ed and Susan Poole who, by themselves, have taken on the colossal task of compiling decades of movie information.  They have written two books on the subject, have a movie poster website dedicated to Louisiana movie posters, and give numerous speeches and classes on our rich film history.  There part of a small but global group of researchers who research films for production companies and studios.  And yes, they are right here in the city of New Orleans.

They have teamed up with Nicholls State University to put on an first ever, extraordinary exhibit of our Louisiana Film History.  The list of recent well-known and popular movies is long and make for an exciting read, however, the list of movies that you would recognize, but didn’t know  were filmed here, is very long as well.  The exhibit is currently open at Nicholls State University and will run through June 21st.  There will also be an official opening March 4th.

Recently I sat down with Ed and Susan and discussed this new exhibit.

Is the interest in our film history gaining momentum and interest?

Simple answer – Yes. Fast Enough – NO. Every time we give a lecture on Louisiana Film History, we get a tremendous amount of thanks and new contacts. Of course, we wish it was moving a LOT faster. At times, we feel like we’re shouting in the wilderness. But, we know that it HAS to come for the Louisiana film industry to become more stabilized. A tremendous amount of jobs in California are in the history and archival information areas which is a base for other industries to build on. So, we continue to shout to try to get more attention.

Will the exhibit come to New Orleans?

I hope so, but it is not scheduled to go anywhere else at the moment. This exhibit at Nichols State is the first and only exhibit scheduled, but I hope to find a permanent location for the exhibit and I believe that it should be in New Orleans.

What is the connection to Nichols?

We have a one hour lecture on Louisiana Film History with movie trailers and posters that we present to academic groups and historical societies. We gave a lecture to the LaFourche Parish Historical Society and the archivist for Nichols was a member and present. He really liked our presentation so after the lecture, he came over and talked with us about an exhibit. He took us to the college and showed us their facility. In other words, it was actually THEIR idea.

Louisiana has a long history in film, what was the attraction before the film credits?

The first proposed tax credits weren’t until 1993 and they didn’t work. The first film production crew came to New Orleans almost 100 years before (1896). The first attraction was Mardi Gras. At that time, only the rich who could afford to travel were the only non-locals that were able to see Mardi Gras, so it was an automatic draw. But after they came for Mardi Gras, they saw a lot more. In 1929, when Evangeline was filmed, Edwin Carewe, the director, stated that the film HAD to be shot on location because the Louisiana setting couldn’t be reproduced in the studio. So, you could say, our climate, our diversity of people, our life style, our plantations, our voodoo, and much more. Where else will you find Cajun living, mardi gras, the French quarter, jazz, our famous cooking and above ground cemeteries - all in one place?

Why do you think we don't have paparazzi here with so many film shoots?

Paparazzi are part of a hype and promotion industry and the hype and agency groups, along with the supporting foundation aren’t here yet. And we are more laid back here than California, which I believe the celebrities enjoy.

What do want to see happen in New Orleans in regards to our film history?

We need markers for our major film productions for tourist and locals to be able to see what Louisiana has produced. This will immediately help build the tourist industry. We need preservation facilities to not only preserve Louisiana films but to reach beyond the state. We need facilities to create presentations and permanent and traveling exhibits for the public, schools, libraries and academic and historical organizations. We need a facility that not only the ‘learned and curious’ but also the general public can come to learn all areas of information on the Louisiana film industry.

We are working as fast as we can to create THAT facility.. AND HOPEFULLY it will be in New Orleans.

 

In addition,  we are now 3^rd in new film production, only behind California and New York…and that’s great! But, all the attention is on new film production because it creates new – immediate money. But we CAN NOT AFFORD to ONLY look at new production if we are going to continue to grow.

The MPAA puts out a report each year on film production state by state. They haven’t released the 2012 figures yet, but if you look at the 2011 figures, it shows Louisiana with “8,655 direct jobs and $377.9 million in wages in Louisiana, including both production and distribution-related jobs. Over 3,400 of the jobs are production-related”

The 2012 figures are supposed to be a lot better. If you remember, Senator Landrieu praised the film commission for their great job last month. We supposedly had more new production in 2012 than Los Angeles. So why isn’t California upset at losing the new production?

Well, maybe the 2011 figures for California will give you a hint. Now remember, we are getting close to matching their new production figures. THEIR overall figures show California has “191,146 direct jobs and $17.0 billion in wages in California, including both production and distribution-related jobs. Over 129,000 of the jobs are production-related”.

So what’s the difference? The FOUNDATION that supports it. Let me give you a quick example. There has been recent discussion (problems?) about the production companies having to clean up after their production is over. In other words, what to do with all the props and sets? In California, there are salvage yards that snatch up ANYTHING after a production and sell them to new low budget production companies to save them money. WE DON’T HAVE THAT YET! We’re barely getting our first movie tours and even THOSE aren’t even marked for tourist to see.

We’re doing well with new production support. Companies like Hollywood Trucks is one of the fastest growing in the nation, but NOW we also have to focus on the support foundation to start getting the more stable, more reliable, foundation money.

If you would like to hear a radio interview with Ed and Susan discussing their new book, please click the link below.

http://flipthiscity.blogspot.com/2012/08/louisiana-film-history-dates-back-to.html

For classes, group or special tours, please contact library archivist Clifton Theriot at (985) 448-4621 or email clifton.theriot@nicholls.edu

 

Louisiana's Film History on display in new exhibit

Tweet A new exhibit at Nicholls State University highlights 100+ year old film history.  This exhibit is not just for the film buff, it is for everyone.  We need to know our history so that we can shape our future.  This exhibit connects Louisiana's rich film history and demonstrates why today's film industry is booming in Louisiana.  Watch this short video for times, dates and more details.

More Than Just Cool Space

Tweet What were you doing the Friday before Mardi Gras weekend?  Well, if you were me, you were touring office space.  Don't ask, but yes, that what I was doing.....as workers were running from office buildings with drinks in hand.  Hey, I serve my clients and friends well. I'm dedicated.  yeah, let's go with that.

However, I was fortunate to catch an architectural throw of sorts.  While it didn't come from a float, this little treat was actually inside of another, larger architectural package.  The Maritime Building, located at Carondelet and Common is part of the growing trend of transformations from office buildings to residential uses.  This trend was started a while back, however, it continues to be strong and growing, a sign of predictions made long ago.

As part of the spin off from this resurgence is ancillary uses such as restaurants, coffee shops, retail, parking garages, etc.  However, the office need has not totally disappeared.  People still work, that's how they pay for those new residential units.  But the average office has certainly changed, it has evolved, and what it now looks like is beta.

Beta New Orleans is a collaborative work space environment for the professional, start-up or part-time space user.  While it has the basics; fax, copy, mail, it also has the high tech, wireless, google TV, broadband.  And of course the amenities, pool, gym, Merchant Coffee, are a great escape and a must see. 

The online capabilities are something you don't find in similar spaces.  The iPhone interface, which allows you to reserve the conference room, make request, and most importantly: pay rent,  really defines the essence of this space. 

We operate differently in an office environment today.  We need those intangibles that make life easier and help us operate smoothly.  And the binding element for all of these components comes down to "design". 

Design is always overlooked, its just considered a finishing touch, something that makes a space "pop".  That may be true for a make over show, but when you are in a space everyday, working, creating, moving and shaking, you are affected by design. It is that intangible that can inspire and motivate you, creates a feeling inside of you that pushes you to think harder, dream bigger.  And that is what beta did for me. 

When you walk in, the bright colors and natural light wake the senses.  The high end cappuccino doesn't hurt either.  The lounge area rivals any boutique hotel or slick modern lobby.  The modern translucent corrugated office wall panels allow the muted light to softly cover the interior of the office spaces, while the work stations have views through the curved original windows of this historic and iconic New Orleans building. 

This space represents the old and the new.  It's truly like looking through a window into the past.  As we were there, looking down through those windows, a marching club of men in suits led by a brass band, pass by headed to the quarter, as they have done for decades.  Some things never change.

NOLA Indie Film Makers making the film fest rounds

Tweet Everyone by now is aware of the film industry in New Orleans.  We see the sets, road closures and of course, we see the actual product...on screen and on our TV sets.  It's a great thing.

But what we don't see is the small independent film makers toiling away at a script or story line, and then producing a film or web series, usually on a micro-budget.  Well not usually, absolutely on a micro-thin budget.  Not a shoe-string budget, a dental-floss-thin budget. 

Against all odds, these small independent "film-prenuers" create some amazing work.  And a group of local film makers are doing just that.  The film is Trailer Park Jesus, produced by Backyard Shed Films, LLC, and it has been making the rounds on the national film fest scene.  TPJ has taken home quite a few awards in the process, from festivals ranging from Chicago, Nevada, Philly, Ohio, New York and many more.  Too many to list here, so check them out on their site. 

This spin off affect of the film industry needs more attention. Yes, we have film festivals here and across the region, but the interaction with a broader audience is what is lacking. Fortunately there are cinemas and screenings of these films, in fact today at 4:30 is the last day to see TPJ at the Chalmette Movies.  Show your support and go see a local indie film.

Ok, so we have some great local film-preneurs,(love that term), so what's the next step? Well as in any business or product launch, you keep plugging and get your product in front of as many people as possible.  We may be lacking in a major film distribution network here in the city, but one thing we are not lacking is talent.  Indie film making is as entrepreneurial as any other endeavor, and when you hit a wall and need to break through, you regroup, retool and relaunch.  That is my hope for all local film makers.

So do your part and check out TPJ. 

Vacant Land in Metairie? It's a needle in a haystack scenario

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Anyone looking for vacant land in Metairie to build a commercial building knows that it is a needle in a haystack challenge.

A quick drive down any major thoroughfare in the area will NOT result in a list of vacant sites that you can easily select from.  And of the available sites, many permitting and zoning challenges exist that create even more road blocks to development. 

Vacant land is also hidden or disguised, usually with older obsolete buildings that need to come down in order to uncover the vacant land.  Given the fact that most owners of these properties know the value of their "land", and that it currently provides income to them, it makes it all the more difficult to reach a price that is acceptable to both parties.

So what is a developer to do?

First, in any development project, there needs to be a driver.  Fortunately, many retailers and companies see the New Orleans and south shore market as a very attractive place to locate.  The population, traffic and demographic numbers create the perfect mix of business elements to make money.

In retail specifically, this means a visible, well traveled, major thoroughfare location that will provide convenience and accessibility to the customer they are trying to reach.  Finding that perfect site is the needle in the haystack scenario.  Although in the case of the south shore, its a very small haystack.  There are only a handful of major thoroughfares that meet the retailers criteria. 

Consider that in East Jefferson there is only one interstate(I-10), only one major east/west State Highway(Hwy 61-Airline Drive) and only one major east/west retail or commercially zoned corridor(Veterans Mem. Blvd.).  And north/south roadways are even more limited with only one major thoroughfare connecting I-10 to the westbank(Clearview Parkway).

So finding a 28,420 sf site, located across from a major grocery store, at a traffic light, with 90k cars per day is a rare find. But it does exist.  You can find it here.   http://www.lacdb.com/listing/28293324

The Truth About Office Leasing

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Office Leasing:  Now there's a sexy topic.  However, if you are in business, it is the essence of your daily environment. 

The truth about office leasing first depends upon your company’s individual need. The truth is most companies, large or small; do not know HOW to assess their needs.


The first step is to know what business you are in. Are attorneys in the "legal" business or are they in the problem solving business? If so, what type of problems are they solving, and what type of people have those problems, and where are they located?

Are your customers downtown, uptown, suburbs, east bank, west bank?

Another assessment is the need for visibility and accessibility. Are your clients better served navigating a parking garage, then an elevator bank, just to see the incredible view from your office? Or is the view just for you.

Do you need visibility or image space?

One consideration that many companies never consider is the type of lease they are entering into. If an owner provides money for tenant improvements, they are in essence lending you money to improve your space. And with a loan comes repayment terms and provisions that WILL end up in legal proceedings to collect a debt in event there is a default. 

Which type of lease is right for your operations?  A gross lease may be the route to go.  It may be more expensive, but it is the least cumbersome on your operations since you pay one rent payment which covers all utilities, maintenance, janitorial, etc.  Having a maintenance staff is better than wasting your time trying to get stains out of a carpet. 

And size does matter.  The days of wasted office space are over.  The average 5,000sf office can be reduced down to 1,500 sf.  There is no longer the need for mail rooms, copy rooms, larger server rooms, etc.  Collaboration functionality and efficiency is built in to most office furniture and systems reducing the need for multiple conference rooms.  And of course technology has reduced the need for many office functions, such as filing systems and has increased the remote capabilities of most businesses.  All of these advances continue to reduce the square footage needed to operate most businesses.

So the truth is.....with an honest analysis of your operations coupled with the insight of a commercial real estate professional, you can significantly improve your effectiveness and reduce hard cost  in one move, putting your business on firm ground for the future.  If you would like that insight and analysis, please contact us today to discuss your situation. 

If you need space in east jefferson, go to http://www.lacdb.com/listing/28291866

View from the helipad at Exchange Centre

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What an opportunity I had last night to view the city from atop the Exchange Centre building. It was a great view coupled with great weather.  But the feeling of looking over the city and knowing that economic activity and change is taking place every where you look, was very comforting. The visual gave you a sense that things are getting better and we are growing, and its just not hype.  Seeing cranes in the air from the VA project was one of the most inspiring sights. To see development and progress from that vantage point can alter your perception of the city.

You have to recognize that this view(right) of Rampart Street will be changed forever once South Market District opens. It has already changed with Rouses and others. I remember vividly the proposals after the storm for this area. Every city council meeting had a new developer with great looking building proposed for various sites, and they all were going to transform the skyline. Well, in all fairness, it does take a while to transform a skyline. So the fact that we are just now seeing these changes, within 7 years of the storm, is actually a remarkable achievement. In order to drastically change a skyline, I would expect at least a decade or more.  But looking down O'Keefe from Poydras, you can see evidence of those changes. The Exchange Centre building signage is visible and the pedestrian activity at Poydras and O'Keefe is robust.





So when the news is...well...the news, do yourself a favor and get on top of a building and look at the city from a different perspective.