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.