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Louisiana’s Film Industry Faces Challenges, but Finds Strength in Resilience

Writer's picture: Staff @ LT&CStaff @ LT&C

Since opening its doors in 2014, The Ranch Film Studios in Chalmette, Louisiana, has become a pivotal player in the state’s film production scene. Founded by Jason Waggenspack, the studio has hosted over 40 projects, including major feature films like Deepwater Horizon and the acclaimed Showtime series Your Honor. Yet, as the calendar turns to 2025, Louisiana’s film industry faces significant headwinds, from international competition to economic shifts that have reshaped production dynamics.

Boom and Bust Cycles

Louisiana’s film industry, once heralded as a beacon of innovation due to its pioneering tax incentives, has seen dramatic swings in activity over the past few years. Waggenspack notes that 2021 marked a peak year, driven by a post-pandemic surge in demand for streaming content. However, this boom proved unsustainable, as production slowed dramatically in 2022 and 2023 amid Hollywood’s labor disputes and a global realignment of production costs.

“Since 2021, we’ve seen production levels drop by 60% to 70% year over year,” Waggenspack explains. “The strength of the U.S. dollar has made international locations like Canada, Spain, and Ireland more attractive to studios. Labor and production resources are simply cheaper there, even with state-side incentives.”

Competition Heats Up

Louisiana’s film incentives, which date back to the early 1990s, were trailblazing at the time. By the early 2000s, the state had positioned itself as a premier alternative to California and New York. However, as more than 40 states adopted similar programs, competition intensified. Georgia emerged as a formidable rival with its uncapped tax incentive program, while Texas has recently entered the fray with significant financial backing.

“Texas will be a major competitor,” Waggenspack acknowledges. “But Louisiana has something special. Hollywood loves our unique locations, experienced crews, and lower cost of living. Plus, let’s not forget the food.”

The Push for Federal Incentives

Amid growing international competition, industry leaders in Louisiana are advocating for federal incentives to level the playing field. Baton Rouge film commissioner Katie Pryor has spearheaded efforts to promote a national tax credit program, an idea that Waggenspack supports enthusiastically.

“A federal incentive could keep more production in the U.S. and strengthen the industry across the board,” he says. “I’ll be in Washington next week to discuss this with policymakers.”

Staying the Course

Despite the challenges, The Ranch Film Studios continues to thrive, thanks in part to its adaptability and strong financial management. The studio’s origins reflect this resourcefulness: Waggenspack transformed an abandoned Lowe’s store in Chalmette into a fully operational soundstage, later expanding to a 28-acre campus with over 300,000 square feet of production space.

“Our first project, Deepwater Horizon, was a juggernaut,” Waggenspack recalls. “They built a full-scale oil rig in our parking lot and created a massive explosion. Since then, we’ve hosted a variety of productions, from AMC series to Bill & Ted Face the Music.”

Financial prudence has also been key. “When you’re at your highs, you tuck money away to survive the lows,” Waggenspack explains. “It’s the nature of the beast.”

Looking Ahead

While challenges remain, Waggenspack is cautiously optimistic about the future. Recent conversations with industry stakeholders hint at a potential rebound in production. The resilience of Louisiana’s film industry, combined with its unique cultural appeal and seasoned workforce, provides a foundation for long-term success.

“Hollywood has always loved Louisiana,” Waggenspack says. “Our state has been a leader in this industry for over two decades, and I believe we’re well-positioned to remain a key player in the years to come.”

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