Film Industry Future

"I made 2 movies here. But the people have been very nice to me." Actor Denzel Washington is in the middle of directing his latest motion picture "The Great Debaters"."Its been a pleasant experience, to be able to tell this story and to be able to tell it close to where it takes place... actually in Marshall, but as you well know we get a good tax break here in Louisiana... But I hear theyre changing the laws in Texas so watch out," said Washington. Texas legislators recently approved a bill that would allow tax breaks similar to those already in place in Louisiana. But industry experts like John Grindley, of the Robinson Film Center dont think Texas tax breaks will have a big impact on Louisiana. "The future looks bright for Louisiana. I dont think Texas is that much of a threat to us. They have a cap, so Louisiana is wide open," said Grindley. Since Louisiana began offering film tax incentives, in 2002, the state has seen nearly 2.5 billion dollars production. And the momentum continues to build... In 2006, 24 film-related projects were shot in Louisiana. So far 20 have been shot this year... and more are expected to come. "Last summer it was completely dead at this time. Right now we have one film gearing up.. And so theres not been any films shooting in the dead of summer. This year there are... so if that continues. It will grow to a 12 month cycle," said Grindley. And Lousiana is well on its way. Right now two projects are in production... "Mad Money" and Denzels movie, "The Great Debaters". And despite the idea of getting tax breaks in Texas, when it comes to shooting future projects Denzel isnt counting Louisiana out. "I dont have any immediate plans... But I would love too. sure why not!"