The Movie and TV production business is booming in Louisiana and Texas, we are now being called the Hollywood of the South. Over the years some great films have been made here, "Steel Magnolias", "The Big Easy" to name two. Recent tax incentives have increased the amount of interest directed toward making movies here. Texas and Georgia have followed suite with tax breaks for production companies,This new business has been a welcome boost to the economy of an area which has needed help for a long time.
The people of the region and local city and Parrish/County governments are doing much to attract and keep the cameras rolling. Film "clubs" have been formed and local colleges are starting or adding classes related to film-making and associated crafts.Local film makers are producing independent films and acting classes are being offered.
The oil leak has put a new burden on an already stressed financial picture.We need this economic help and are working to bring and keep the movie "people" here. They have recognized the large talent pool and some locals have been given real opportunities to succeed in what is a tough industry.Many production people from both coasts have moved to the area and many of us are getting involved both in-front and behind the camera.
Just after moving back to Northwest Louisiana I began a new "career" as a movie extra. My home town had become a center for productions when in 2005 a local man leased some land to a production company for a set to film the Jack Black film "Year One". While not (yet) a classic film in the truest artistic sense it gave a rebirth to filming in this area of Louisiana.
I awoke early one morning to a phone call from one of my Sons "Pop,look out your back window", there were dozens of trucks and vans, a hundred people milling about hard at work, Action all over, I quickly dressed and walked down the street to be nosy and was bitten.... by the acting "bug" While in High School and again in College I took Drama classes, and occasionally through the years participate in Community Theater and even made a couple of Local Cable Channel commercials, I was even on a History Channel "Reality Show", called "Pawn$tars" twice.(please note the dollar sign correctly replaces the S in stars and it is PAWN.).Having been bitten before this time the bug left it's stinger.
I found out as much information as I could as quickly as I could regarding how to get involved. I connected to a Shreveport based Casting Agency, submitted a "profile" along with photos. Just 3 days later I was offered my first chance, as the movie has not yet been released I am pledged not to discuss my role, lets just say I will not be appearing on Letterman to promote the film and as in any business, a person must always start at the bottom.
PART TWO TOMORROW. Stand by, stand by.
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