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New home starts is one of the major components of the rebuilding in Lakeview. Everyone is aware of the home building activity that has taken place over the past several years in Lakeview. Hear the behind the scenes story of builders and agents and how they are doing their part to Flip This City.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Creating a Movie, about Creating a Company
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Southern States Renewable Energy is building the first wind farm in Louisiana in St. Mary Parish. This company is taking on a herculean task by creating a new source of energy and in addition, taking on the giants of the energy industry.
The political and regulatory hurdles seem insurmountable. What are our team of "wind catters" to do? Sounds like a line out of a movie trailer, right?
Well, actually it is. A team of producers are following the path that these trailblazers are cutting, and documenting the struggles and trials of a paradigm shifting start-up.
Hear the story here. Brought to you by eComm Realty- Design Your Life 504-208-9393
The political and regulatory hurdles seem insurmountable. What are our team of "wind catters" to do? Sounds like a line out of a movie trailer, right?
Well, actually it is. A team of producers are following the path that these trailblazers are cutting, and documenting the struggles and trials of a paradigm shifting start-up.
Hear the story here. Brought to you by eComm Realty- Design Your Life 504-208-9393
Wind Technology, not just blowing hot air
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A new company is staging to become the first wind farm in the southeastern United States. Bill Gallardo, along with partners John Treen, Sr, and Larry Favalora have started Southern State Renewable Energy and are developing the first wind farm in Louisiana, located in St. Mary Parish.
Hear the story here. Brought to you by eComm Realty Build your Home, Design Your Life @CommRealty 504-208-9393
Hear the story here. Brought to you by eComm Realty Build your Home, Design Your Life @CommRealty 504-208-9393
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Louisiana's First Wind Farm-A Start-Up Story
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We are very familiar with our winds in Louisiana, they create the tides that affect our seafood industry and recreational activities. Now we can put those winds to good use.
Bill Gallardo, along with partners John Treen, Sr, and Larry Favalora have started Southern State Renewable Energy and are developing the first wind farm in Louisiana, located in St. Mary Parish.
And this is no small undertaking. Regulatory, permitting, construction cost are just a small sample of the hurdles that they have overcome and are still facing.
In addition to this seemingly insurmountable challenge, two local film makers are documenting the drama and stress of creating an industry changing business (see post "Film makers document wind farm start-up")
Hear the 1st segment here; brought to you by eComm Realty Build your Home, Design Your Life @CommRealty 504-208-9393
We are very familiar with our winds in Louisiana, they create the tides that affect our seafood industry and recreational activities. Now we can put those winds to good use.
Bill Gallardo, along with partners John Treen, Sr, and Larry Favalora have started Southern State Renewable Energy and are developing the first wind farm in Louisiana, located in St. Mary Parish.
And this is no small undertaking. Regulatory, permitting, construction cost are just a small sample of the hurdles that they have overcome and are still facing.
In addition to this seemingly insurmountable challenge, two local film makers are documenting the drama and stress of creating an industry changing business (see post "Film makers document wind farm start-up")
Hear the 1st segment here; brought to you by eComm Realty Build your Home, Design Your Life @CommRealty 504-208-9393
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Louisiana Film TaxCredits Defined
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Flip This City is back on the air and we hit the ground running with a lively discuss with Mr. Lenny Alsfeld of FBT Investments. Tune in below to hear how OUR Louisiana tax credits are hard at work transforming our state into the sustainable entertainment mecca we always knew it could be.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Proof of real economic recovery-Individuals spending their own money
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Great story about the housing recovery. Economists believe that new home starts are the leading indicator of economic development and growth. This article proves that we have this happening in the City of New Orleans. That's a very good sign.
We have read every day since the storm about new developments taking place in the city and region. When you see individuals, just regular folk, putting their money on the table, that is the evidence of confidence and long term sustainable growth. We see that consumer confidence in every new home on the market. Very exciting and encouraging. Read on.
Homebuilders show confidence through spec builds
Homebuilders in the New Orleans area still report a
challenging climate for obtaining the money needed to buy and develop property,
in addition to covering their construction costs. But they are starting to
emerge with enough post-recession confidence to delve into some speculative
building.
Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures created a brief window for builders to buy property and, where permissible, put up new housing in areas with high interest among buyers. They included Lakeview, the West Bank and the North Shore. But before any notable projects could take shape, the mortgage fraud and foreclosure crisis of 2008 took the steam out of most speculative development.
Builders are finally starting to pay for projects out of their own pockets, with strong interest coming from certain areas.
As of early May, demand for new houses on the North Shore had created a construction backlog for Hunter Estess of Estess Contractors. He has recently completed more than 20 homes and has another 10 in the works. Nearly all of them are under contract, he said.
In Lakeview, seven of his spec homes sold before work was even close to finished.
“I can’t keep them on the market past the framing stage,” Estes said.
Favorable interest rates and market conditions tilted in favor of buyers is propelling new residential construction, and builders are cautiously moving past industry doldrums to test the waters.
Jon Luther, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, estimates about 90 percent of his membership has stayed on the spec build sidelines for most of the past five years. But as they have amassed more contracts to build and established a flow of income, their willingness to put their own money into projects has grown.
“But it’s still place-based,” Luther said. “They aren’t going into areas where they don’t already see demand.”
One of those sites is Lakeview, location of 11 of the 20 houses that were recently part of the HBA’s Parade of Homes. The Parks of Plaquemines, David Waltemathe’s development just outside Belle Chasse, is also drawing builders’ interest, Luther said.
Spec builds are also taking shape at The Arbors, the high-end development Joe Canizaro has established just across from English Turn subdivision. There are already a handful of residences within the 92-acre property where Mason Trendsetters, an Abilene, Texas-based contractor, is erecting a $1.4 million spec home at the entrance.
All homes with The Arbors must have a minimum of 2,800 square feet of living area and preserve at least 50 percent of the property’s wooded setback.
In addition to Mason, Estess is the only other contractor currently building on spec at The Arbors, and his firm is working on multiple projects there. Estess said he eventually hopes to erect eight spec homes a year in the subdivision and envisions reaching that goal no later than 2015.
As for the burgeoning high-end competition across the street, English Turn broker Glenn Mediamolle said he doesn’t expect it to affect interest in his neighborhood. He noted the marked difference between the “two different types of product,” the natural setting of The Arbors and the finished look of English Turn, explaining that they draw different types of buyers.
The same post-recession factors that have created the upswing in spec building are evident at English Turn, where Mediamolle noted “foot traffic is up 40 percent” without providing specific numbers.
Trends in the subdivision show buyers who are building on lots spending about $800,000 on average, and activity involving existing homes is heaviest in the price range above $500,000.
“There’s no question the market has turned,” Mediamolle said. “Things are definitely looking better.”
Luther concurs with that assessment for the new housing market, assigning it a “C-plus or B-minus” for activity in recent months. He said he expects more construction on the North Shore as buyers continue to consume inventory that stacked up during the recession.
But he doesn’t expect any large-scale speculative projects on either side of the lake, with most builders putting up a few houses at a time.
“They’re not going at it roughshod,” Luther said. “They’re building where they know the buyers will be.”
The main obstacle HBA members continue to report to him is strict credit requirements that have limited their access to resources for ADC: acquisition, development and construction. Some builders are also reporting discrepancies with appraisals, which Luther said is leading some to shy away from additional projects when they aren’t seeing the return on their initial investment.
The climate isn’t daunting to Estess, who said he is willing to stick with projects like The Arbors that require patience on the part of builders and investors.
“New developments take a little time to get rolling,” he said. “…But the market conditions are good, and it’s the perfect time to build — and buy.”
Editor Greg LaRose
We have read every day since the storm about new developments taking place in the city and region. When you see individuals, just regular folk, putting their money on the table, that is the evidence of confidence and long term sustainable growth. We see that consumer confidence in every new home on the market. Very exciting and encouraging. Read on.
Homebuilders show confidence through spec builds
2:55 pm Tue, June 11, 2013
POSTED: 02:55 PM Tuesday, June 11, 2013
BY: Greg LaRose, Editor New Orleans City Business
TAGS: Greg LaRose, Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, Hunter Estess, Joe Canizaro, Jon Luther, Lakeview, Mason Trendsetters, New Orleans, real estate, residential, spec building, spec building, speculative, speculative, The Arbors
BY: Greg LaRose, Editor New Orleans City Business
TAGS: Greg LaRose, Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, Hunter Estess, Joe Canizaro, Jon Luther, Lakeview, Mason Trendsetters, New Orleans, real estate, residential, spec building, spec building, speculative, speculative, The Arbors
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Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures created a brief window for builders to buy property and, where permissible, put up new housing in areas with high interest among buyers. They included Lakeview, the West Bank and the North Shore. But before any notable projects could take shape, the mortgage fraud and foreclosure crisis of 2008 took the steam out of most speculative development.
Builders are finally starting to pay for projects out of their own pockets, with strong interest coming from certain areas.
As of early May, demand for new houses on the North Shore had created a construction backlog for Hunter Estess of Estess Contractors. He has recently completed more than 20 homes and has another 10 in the works. Nearly all of them are under contract, he said.
In Lakeview, seven of his spec homes sold before work was even close to finished.
“I can’t keep them on the market past the framing stage,” Estes said.
Favorable interest rates and market conditions tilted in favor of buyers is propelling new residential construction, and builders are cautiously moving past industry doldrums to test the waters.
Jon Luther, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, estimates about 90 percent of his membership has stayed on the spec build sidelines for most of the past five years. But as they have amassed more contracts to build and established a flow of income, their willingness to put their own money into projects has grown.
“But it’s still place-based,” Luther said. “They aren’t going into areas where they don’t already see demand.”
One of those sites is Lakeview, location of 11 of the 20 houses that were recently part of the HBA’s Parade of Homes. The Parks of Plaquemines, David Waltemathe’s development just outside Belle Chasse, is also drawing builders’ interest, Luther said.
Spec builds are also taking shape at The Arbors, the high-end development Joe Canizaro has established just across from English Turn subdivision. There are already a handful of residences within the 92-acre property where Mason Trendsetters, an Abilene, Texas-based contractor, is erecting a $1.4 million spec home at the entrance.
All homes with The Arbors must have a minimum of 2,800 square feet of living area and preserve at least 50 percent of the property’s wooded setback.
In addition to Mason, Estess is the only other contractor currently building on spec at The Arbors, and his firm is working on multiple projects there. Estess said he eventually hopes to erect eight spec homes a year in the subdivision and envisions reaching that goal no later than 2015.
As for the burgeoning high-end competition across the street, English Turn broker Glenn Mediamolle said he doesn’t expect it to affect interest in his neighborhood. He noted the marked difference between the “two different types of product,” the natural setting of The Arbors and the finished look of English Turn, explaining that they draw different types of buyers.
The same post-recession factors that have created the upswing in spec building are evident at English Turn, where Mediamolle noted “foot traffic is up 40 percent” without providing specific numbers.
Trends in the subdivision show buyers who are building on lots spending about $800,000 on average, and activity involving existing homes is heaviest in the price range above $500,000.
“There’s no question the market has turned,” Mediamolle said. “Things are definitely looking better.”
Luther concurs with that assessment for the new housing market, assigning it a “C-plus or B-minus” for activity in recent months. He said he expects more construction on the North Shore as buyers continue to consume inventory that stacked up during the recession.
But he doesn’t expect any large-scale speculative projects on either side of the lake, with most builders putting up a few houses at a time.
“They’re not going at it roughshod,” Luther said. “They’re building where they know the buyers will be.”
The main obstacle HBA members continue to report to him is strict credit requirements that have limited their access to resources for ADC: acquisition, development and construction. Some builders are also reporting discrepancies with appraisals, which Luther said is leading some to shy away from additional projects when they aren’t seeing the return on their initial investment.
The climate isn’t daunting to Estess, who said he is willing to stick with projects like The Arbors that require patience on the part of builders and investors.
“New developments take a little time to get rolling,” he said. “…But the market conditions are good, and it’s the perfect time to build — and buy.”
Editor Greg LaRose
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Screwing up tax incentives is soooo us.
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Come on Louisiana, specifically our legislature, get it together. We have spent years promoting our tax incentives to create new jobs and economic development in Louisiana. And when we get a major project to finally invest millions of dollars to essentially create a new downtown neighborhood that would rival any SOHO or SOMA, we pull the rug out from under them and say too bad, so sad.
That is what is happening to the South Market District in the CDB of New Orleans. You know the type of project, it replaces parking lots with tax revenue generating businesses and housing for those types of people that, you know, work and pay taxes.
Before you draw an assumption about this post, yes, the bill that was rejected did ask for an extension or expansion of the requirements of the qualification for tax credits, but if it was reported correctly, its a $4.5 mil tax credit over a 5 yr period($900,000 annually) in exchange for $65 million in direct state revenue through sales taxes and $9.9 million in household income earnings. Read it here.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/04/new_orleans_south_market_distr.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
So to do the math, you give up $900,000 to get $65,000,000 and $9,900,000. That is a math problem that a 5th grader can solve.
Sure we have a budget short fall, regardless of the tax income that the state received in the years following the storm, but in the scope of things, the annual tax credit is minimal in relation to the deficit and to the income that the project will generate.
Now, is this project just a feel good vision of something that "could" redefine the New Orleans CBD? Is this a legislator looking to be a hero and lead the charge on new economic development?
Well, lets look at that specific piece of land. What??? is there an existing project that IS working? Yes, the Rouse's project is doing extremely well and has met a need in the local market, in the Warehouse District and the CBD in general. 930 Poydras apartment building is leased and very active. The Civic Theater is back. And the list goes on and on. So apparently redevelopment works there.
Need further proof? New Orleans was on the top of another list which identifies central business districts that have created more jobs near their downtown centers.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2013/04/new_orleans_is_among_the_top_c.html
So why does our Louisiana legislature push back on these positive, forward moving projects? In the past we would have been small minded enough to think that it was "other" parts of the state that were not benefiting from economic development and felt that New Orleans was the "favorite child" and was getting everything they asked for. No, certainly you jest, that wouldn't happen!
Well, it shouldn't matter. New Orleans is not the only city in the state to benefit. Look at the progress Baton Rouge's downtown has made. And how the movie industry has benefited other parts of the state. There are studios in Shreveport, new and creative technology ventures in Lafayette, and the largest movie production studio in the state, Celtic Media Centre, is located in Baton Rouge.
So what the *$#^#&!!!!! Hey state legislators, yea, you, the ones we elected to represent us. Quit #$%# around and get over it. If those parking lots just sit there, and do not become a transformative economic center, WE WILL REMIND THOSE WHO DID NOT VOTE FOR IT. The evidence will be so vivid.
Try this. Stare at those parking lots and envision a vibrant community where people live and work and spend money. If you do not feel that is not reason enough to approve a tax credit, then please go back to your cave and enjoy your life as it is now.
That is what is happening to the South Market District in the CDB of New Orleans. You know the type of project, it replaces parking lots with tax revenue generating businesses and housing for those types of people that, you know, work and pay taxes.
Before you draw an assumption about this post, yes, the bill that was rejected did ask for an extension or expansion of the requirements of the qualification for tax credits, but if it was reported correctly, its a $4.5 mil tax credit over a 5 yr period($900,000 annually) in exchange for $65 million in direct state revenue through sales taxes and $9.9 million in household income earnings. Read it here.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/04/new_orleans_south_market_distr.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
So to do the math, you give up $900,000 to get $65,000,000 and $9,900,000. That is a math problem that a 5th grader can solve.
Sure we have a budget short fall, regardless of the tax income that the state received in the years following the storm, but in the scope of things, the annual tax credit is minimal in relation to the deficit and to the income that the project will generate.
Now, is this project just a feel good vision of something that "could" redefine the New Orleans CBD? Is this a legislator looking to be a hero and lead the charge on new economic development?
Well, lets look at that specific piece of land. What??? is there an existing project that IS working? Yes, the Rouse's project is doing extremely well and has met a need in the local market, in the Warehouse District and the CBD in general. 930 Poydras apartment building is leased and very active. The Civic Theater is back. And the list goes on and on. So apparently redevelopment works there.
Need further proof? New Orleans was on the top of another list which identifies central business districts that have created more jobs near their downtown centers.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2013/04/new_orleans_is_among_the_top_c.html
So why does our Louisiana legislature push back on these positive, forward moving projects? In the past we would have been small minded enough to think that it was "other" parts of the state that were not benefiting from economic development and felt that New Orleans was the "favorite child" and was getting everything they asked for. No, certainly you jest, that wouldn't happen!
Well, it shouldn't matter. New Orleans is not the only city in the state to benefit. Look at the progress Baton Rouge's downtown has made. And how the movie industry has benefited other parts of the state. There are studios in Shreveport, new and creative technology ventures in Lafayette, and the largest movie production studio in the state, Celtic Media Centre, is located in Baton Rouge.
So what the *$#^#&!!!!! Hey state legislators, yea, you, the ones we elected to represent us. Quit #$%# around and get over it. If those parking lots just sit there, and do not become a transformative economic center, WE WILL REMIND THOSE WHO DID NOT VOTE FOR IT. The evidence will be so vivid.
Try this. Stare at those parking lots and envision a vibrant community where people live and work and spend money. If you do not feel that is not reason enough to approve a tax credit, then please go back to your cave and enjoy your life as it is now.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Want the film industry to stay in Louisiana? --Then DO SOMETHING!!!
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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.
***
Click https://www.votervoice.net/
Share thru its Share Mechanism to Facebook, Twitter, and Own Emails.
Also join or get others to join it free http://www.lfea.org/
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.
***
Click https://www.votervoice.net/
Share thru its Share Mechanism to Facebook, Twitter, and Own Emails.
Also join or get others to join it free http://www.lfea.org/
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Jindal-now is not the time to f' with the film credits
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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.
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.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Believing what you hear can be damaging
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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
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
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