NEWS
April 15, 2026
A Letter from President jason Waggenspack
Louisiana-shot film sinners earns seven golden globe nominations
(Nov. 7, 2025) – The Louisiana film community is celebrating major awards-season recognition as Sinners, filmed in several parts of the state including Donaldsonville, received seven Golden Globe nominations – among them Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Director and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Since its April release, the film has become a box-office standout, surpassing $370 million worldwide.
guest column: the film industry is important to louisiana, and louisiana is important to it
As seen on NOLA.com/The Times Picayune
By: Jason Waggenspack
(Nov. 7, 2025) – Louisiana has long been a storyteller’s dream. From our historic architecture and moss-draped oak trees to the warmth of our people, this state offers something unique to every lens that captures it. For decades, the film and television industry has been an important part of that story, creating jobs, supporting small businesses and sharing Louisiana’s culture with the world.
film louisiana showcases modernized tax incentives and expanding film industry at hollywood reception
Event unveils new “Louisiana Locations Lookbook” spotlighting the state’s culture, character and cinematic versatility
BATON ROUGE, LA (Oct. 21, 2025) — Film Louisiana hosted Crawfish Etouffee & Cocktails reception on Oct. 15 in Los Angeles, bringing the taste of Louisiana hospitality to Hollywood while highlighting the state’s film industry and its recently modernized tax incentive program, Act 44.
The evening brought together film industry profesisonals, Louisiana representatives and Hollywood decisionmakers for an authentic Louisiana experience, complete with crawfish etouffee, music and meaningful conversations about why the state continues to be one of hte premier destinations for film and television production.
Governor Landry Signs Senate Bill 232!
Governor Landry signs Senate Bill 232 into law, cementing Louisiana’s status as a national leader in film production
BATON ROUGE, LA (June 9, 2025) — Film Louisiana proudly announces the signing of Senate Bill 232 (SB 232) by Governor Jeff Landry, marking a transformative moment for Louisiana’s film and entertainment industry. With this new law, Act 44, Louisiana now stands among the most competitive states in the nation for film production.
Act 44 modernizes the state’s film incentive program by granting Louisiana Economic Development (LED) the authority to manage the program through administrative rules instead of state law. This change provides the flexibility needed to respond quickly to industry shifts, better negotiate with studios and attract a wider range of film and television projects to the state.
hollywood meets the bayou: film louisiana to host "Louisiana comes to hollywood" to showcase state's film industry
Baton Rouge, LA (August 20,2024) – Film Louisiana, in collaboration with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, proudly announces “Louisiana Comes to Hollywood.” This landmark event, scheduled for Sept. 17 in Los Angeles, aims to highlight Louisiana’s unique and diverse filming locations, seasoned local crews and rich cultural heritage to industry leaders in Hollywood.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to promote Louisiana as a premier destination for film and television production, ‘Louisiana Comes to Hollywood’ will provide a platform for networking, collaboration and the exchange of ideas between Louisiana officials and industry leaders,” said Jason Waggenspack, President, Film Louisiana.
louisiana film prize announces record-breaking year with 2024 finalists
Shreveport, LA (August 12, 2024) – The Louisiana Film Prize, an initiative of the Prize Foundation, has announced its 2024 finalists in what has been a record-breaking year for the competition. With independent filmmakers from across the country vying for the prestigious award, this year’s event marks the highest participation of female filmmakers, a record number of entries from BIPOC filmmakers, and ties for the most first-time filmmakers since 2016.
The announcement, made before a standing-room-only crowd, sets the stage for Prize Fest 2024, a celebration of film, food, music, and comedy in downtown Shreveport from October 16-19. The festival will feature screenings of the 20 finalist films, which will compete for a grand prize of up to $50,000—the largest cash prize in the world for a narrative short film.
What’s the latest on the film industry in Louisiana?
NEW ORLEANS (August 8, 2024) (WGNO) — Film Louisiana, which used to be the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, is getting a revamp to actively advocate for the film industry in the state.
After the pandemic, along with writer’s strikes and union disputes caused major setbacks, they are now bolstering their efforts to help the industry hit its stride once again.
WGNO’s Kenny Lopez headed to The Ranch film studios to talk to the president of Film Louisiana and Head of Possibilities at The Ranch, Jason Waggenspack.
Film Louisiana Talks About Their Rebrand and the State of Hollywood South
Baton Rouge, LA (July 25, 2024) – Film Louisiana, formerly known as the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association, has rebranded to better represent its mission and impact. Jason Waggenspack, the head of Film Louisiana, discussed the rebranding, emphasizing the industry’s long-term economic contributions to the state. Louisiana has a rich history in film, being home to the first movie theater in America and having produced films for over a century. The rebranding aims to highlight this legacy and the industry’s ongoing economic impact.
The new branding includes a fresh logo and a more functional website designed to serve clients, productions, and filmmakers in Louisiana. It also showcases the state’s film history and economic contributions to legislators and the public. Waggenspack highlighted Louisiana’s pioneering role in film programs, noting that the state was the first to adopt a film program in the early 2000s, which has since been emulated by 38 other states.
Film Louisiana launches new brand, reinforces position in the film sector
Baton Rouge, LA (July 24, 2024) – Film Louisiana, the association advocating for film and television production in Louisiana, proudly announces a comprehensive rebranding initiative. This strategic move underscores Film Louisiana’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving film entertainment industry in the state.
Film Louisiana, formerly Louisiana Film & Entertainment Association, is at the forefront of promoting the diverse film industry in Louisiana. As the state’s official film commission, Film Louisiana provides a wide range of services to filmmakers, including location scouting, permitting assistance and connecting with local talent and resources. With a commitment to fostering growth and creativity, Film Louisiana has successfully attracted numerous high-profile productions, bolstering the state’s reputation as a premier destination for film and television projects, while adding tremendous value to the state’s tourism.
New Orleans couple working to revitalize Jeanerette with help of film industry
IBERIA PARISH, La. (July 8, 2024) (KLFY) — One New Orleans couple is making moves to bring more life to Jeanerette with the help of the film industry after their home was featured in the AMC TV series “Mayfair Witches.”
“Amazing things are happening in this tiny town that people have given up hope because somebody dropped money on us in New Orleans to film a tv show. We realized we needed to use as a change agent for good,” Liz Creel said.
Creel and her husband Terry Creel recently purchased the Albania Mansion outside of Jeanerette. Liz Creel said she found a love for the city of Jeanerette and knew she and her husband had an opportunity to bring new life to it. The couple purchased two abandoned buildings along main street to open up businesses like the newly opened “Main Street Mercantile.” Jeanerette Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. said the work to develop the community is a priority he has always wanted for residents coming in.