Special Message From Executive Director Chris Stelly

Over these past few months, we have seen a remarkable increase in entertainment activity throughout our state. Live music has returned to our local venues, concert tours are back on the road, and film production activities are at an all-time high. In fact, 2021 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for Louisiana.

Currently, there are 12 film and television productions working in our state and many more lined up to begin production later this year. Due to the shift in viewing habits during the pandemic, the demand for new content is at an all-time high. More productions and their crews are spending increased time in our local communities, which equates to a greater economic impact on our state, firmly entrenching Louisiana as one of the best production destinations in the world.

Our local theaters and venues are starting to resume concerts and stage productions. While we are all excited to have music and live entertainment back on the stage, it’s important to remain vigilant when it comes to your safety and the safety of others, especially as Louisiana experiences a fourth surge of this pandemic.

While we are all working hard to move forward safely, it’s important to remember our musicians and venue owners suffered significantly over the last year with the financial loss of their livelihood from the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA is still working on processing applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program and grant funding is being disbursed. So far, 142 grants totaling $116,231,306 have been awarded in our state. Louisiana Entertainment encourages all venue owners to apply as soon as possible.

Read the 2021 Q2 Entertainment Vitals here.