Local film industry eyeing potential tax changes
By: Josh Marcisz
Updated: March 20, 2013
The local film industry is keeping a close eye on Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal's, proposed tax plan that will make its way to the Louisiana legislature in April.
Under the proposed plan incentives that help lure film production to Louisiana will be eliminated or altered. Jindal's main proposal is to put a $1-million dollar cap on salary tax credits for film producers, cast and directors.
Pam Glorioso, Bossier City Film commissioner says the film industry incentives in place are the reason big budget and small budget films decide to film in Shreveport/Bossier.
"The incentive, the carrot the state dangles of the tax credit program has been the sole source of bringing the industry here," she says.
The writer, producer, director team of Tom and Sandi Anton will be debuting their Shreveport filmed, 'The Pardon' to local big screens on Friday, March 22nd. Tom lived in the Shreveport area for almost 20 years but now resides in North Carolina.
"Shreveport, the people have embraced us, it was just wonderful to work with everyone from the film commissioner, to the city, to the mayor," says Tom Anton. Many of the film scenes were shot at Shreveport landmarks such as the Logan Mansion.
'The Pardon' is the true story of Toni Jo Henry, the last woman to be executed in Louisiana. Working on a $5-million dollar budget the Anton's needed to stretch the dollar and keep their filming schedule tight. "It's just wonderful what these tax credits have done in creating a real good infrastructure of people that live and work in the industry here," says Tom Anton.
The Anton's are considering filming their next production in Louisiana but potential changes to the tax structure would force them to consider Tennessee or Georgia.
'The Pardon' can be seen in Shreveport at the Robinson Film Center and Cinemark Tinseltown. The Friday night showing at Robinson Film Center will also include a question and answer session with the Anton's.
For more information you can visit thepardonmovie.com
