Shreveport’s Silver Screen Comeback: Film Industry Poised for Massive Growth

The Cameras Will Be Rolling Again: Shreveport's Film Revival 

At one time in Shreveport, it wasn’t unbelievable to see Kevin Costner having dinner at Outback, or Diane Keaton shopping in Barns & Noble. (Both of which actually happened)   And now, with the passage of new legislation, those days of Shreveport’s “Hollywood South” fame might be right around the corner again. 

The local acting and film community is abuzz with the promise of a cinematic renaissance, thanks to the recent passage of Senate Bill 232.     This pivotal legislation is poised to rekindle the vibrant film industry that once thrived in our city, echoing the successes of the 2010s when numerous productions chose Shreveport as their backdrop.

I remember hearing an interview with a director who said, “If you film in New Orleans, you’re filming New Orleans, but I can make Shreveport look like downtown New York City, or Des Moines, Iowa.” 

A New Era for Louisiana Film Making

The updated film incentive program has removed previous hurdles, such as the $20 million cap on production costs and the $3 million per-person payroll limit. This is a game-changer for attracting larger projects to our state, and specifically to Shreveport. Film Louisiana President Jason Waggenspack enthusiastically stated, "It allows for studios to come and talk with LED, and make a bigger deal. If you’re going to come in and you’re gonna bring multiple projects over the course of multiple years and you’re gonna spend hundreds of millions of dollars maybe on an annual basis, why not come and talk with LED?"  

The prospect of a 40% tax credit on in-state spending, plus a 15% bonus for local hires, makes Shreveport an incredibly attractive destination once more. 

Economic Boom and Local Talent 

The return of major productions promises a substantial boost to the local economy and significant job creation for Shreveport residents. The film industry already generates an estimated $1 billion annually statewide, with a large portion directly benefiting Louisiana citizens.

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Waggenspack highlighted, "That’s 10,000 jobs that the industry provides here locally on an annual basis. And $350 million of that billion dollars is going directly to Louisiana residents." These are high-paying jobs that will inject life back into our community. 

The Shreveport Advantage 

An LED study confirms the immense value of this industry, showing that "for every dollar spent, 6.12 is returned into the local economy." For Shreveport, this means a tangible return on investment and a renewed sense of opportunity. "It’s a no-brainer. People are seeing the return on investment, they’re seeing the opportunity in jobs, and are getting a high-paying job to come and work in the film industry,"  Waggenspack affirmed.

We're ready to roll out the red carpet for productions big and small, bringing back the excitement and prosperity that marked Shreveport's successful film years in the 2010s.