Opportunity knocks for B.R.

You first read about problems in Louisiana’s film industry and that the FBI was investigating the state’s film tax credit program in April’s 225.

Louisiana Institute of Film and Technology of New Orleans was the target of criticism within the industry, and it remains at the center of the probe, the FBI having raided their offices to gather documents. LIFT has since laid off many workers as the investigation progresses.

LIFT had been the leading firm in Louisiana’s growing film industry, and if they are guilty of bribes of a former state employee, or falsifying records—which appear to be questions federal investigators are asking—then they will certainly pay, which will be yet another dent in the state’s reputation.

In the meantime, Louisiana Economic Development has tasked Sherri McConnell with putting things back on track in the film industry here. Her job was challenging when she accepted it, balancing the immediate demands of Hollywood seeking straight answers about their languishing tax credit applications, with helping to nurture home-grown film businesses, like LIFT. Now her job is downright daunting.

McConnell appears focused and optimistic. In a letter to the editor to the Times-Picayune, McConnell pointed out that Louisiana has plenty of film production still going on, and that one company’s problems will not end our movie industry.

“We can expect 2007 to be a banner year for the industry. Since Jan. 1, the state has received more than 35 applications for motion picture production, representing approximately $158 million to be spent directly in cities and towns across Louisiana,” McConnell says.

Those aren’t the only problems.

Our own Baton Rouge Film Commission, under Mayor Kip Holden, often competes with the Louisiana Capital Region Film Commission, rather than cooperating and helping its neighbor.

The film industry in Louisiana is one of those rare sources of growth that is clean, creates plenty of jobs, and offers the added caché of showering Louisiana with positive national media attention, the current FBI probe being a glaring exception to this rule.

As we urged a few months ago in this space, lawmakers have introduced bills to correct problems at the state level, where the rules governing tax credits need to be clear, the process for applying for those credits streamlined and predictable.

Right now there is an opportunity for Baton Rouge. We have a top-notch film production facility in Celtic Studios opening soon, and several other firms have facilities in the works. They represent major investments in our future.

But no fewer than 37 other states now offer film tax credits.

To maintain our momentum, the state must get its act together, and the Baton Rouge Film Commission must cooperate with the Louisiana Capital Region Film Commission to seize this moment together.