Versatile Louisiana becomes 'L.A. South' for movie shoots
Business & Economy, Louisiana/GulfCoast
August 3rd, 2010
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
Hollywood is eternally searching for the filmmaking Shangri-La.
In the 1990s, filmmakers often traveled to Canada. But that eventually became less fashionable, and these days the industry is migrating in a different direction — to Louisiana. “L.A. South” has become the go-to spot for shooting movies.
Even before the economic recession hit Hollywood, the state of Louisiana had been quietly gaining stature as the place to make quality movies and stretch dollars.
“We have the largest number of productions outside of Los Angeles and New York City,” says Chris Stelly, director of film for Louisiana Entertainment, a division of the state office of economic development.
“Like Vancouver used to be ‘Hollywood North,’ Louisiana’s the hot spot now,” says Patrick Lussier, director of Drive Angry 3D, a supernatural road movie starring Nicolas Cage and Amber Heard, opening in February.
The state subbed for Texas, Colorado and New Mexico in Drive Angry, Lussier says.
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