Hollywood South doesnt believe in telling New Orleans stories, using New Orleans talent, or in passing their training down. If youre a local crew member, when the incentives go away, youre going to have to join the mass exodus and move to wherever the next production capital is. If you want to stay in New Orleans, youre wise to invest in indigenous independent film, because without it there will be nothing left when the caravan leaves town. Indie film is the wetlands against Hurricane Economic Collapse: a natural barrier. If we dont build a close-knit, educated, productive indie community here, we will forever be at the mercy of Hollywoods economic tradewinds. Thats why Im submitting a proposal to LFEA, the New Orleans Film Commission, and the LA Office of Entertainment Industry Development requesting an additional condition to outsider productions— each film must have one above-the-liner (director, producer, writer, exec prod, etc) donate one hour to speaking and answering questions before a gathering of local filmmakers in the city theyre shooting in. 2014, with 50 features shot here, couldve given us a free lecture from a major Hollywood player on a weekly basis. Weve got industry pros passing through and leaving nothing behind but extravagant tips in 5-star hotels; its time to get their know-how not just their money. Thoughts, anyone?
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 23:54:34 +0000