Louisiana’s Production Incentive Program, World’s Most Utilized
Louisiana hosted 18 feature films in 2013, making the state’s incentive the world’s most utilized, according to FilmLA’s 2013 Feature Film Production Report.
Variety Magazine reports Louisiana’s program is also responsible for creating more production jobs than any other U.S. jurisdiction; internationally it ranks second to Canada.
According to EP Financial Solutions, a production incentive consulting and financial services company, the success rests on its 30%-35% tax credit program, a low required minimum spend of $300,000, and the credit’s refundability: It can be sold back to the state for 85% of face value, or to other buyers for 85¢ or more to the dollar.
Among Louisiana’s production lures are a 30% incentive that applies to qualified local spending, 5% for additional resident payroll, a $300,000 minimum spend and no annual or project caps. There is a $1 million per person compensation cap for resident bonus.
