A Special Message from Executive Director Chris Stelly

Spring has arrived in Louisiana and we welcome the return of festivals and other events throughout our state. This is an exciting time for us all as we get out and support local small businesses, talented artists, incredible musicians and everything else we have grown to miss about being together in our state.

Speaking of musicians, Grammy season was a big one for Louisiana. Several artists from all over the state were nominated this year, and for the first time in history, we have an Album of the Year winner from Louisiana, New Orleans native Jon Batiste. We want to congratulate all of the exceptional musicians with Louisiana ties that were nominated this year and all of those that won the Grammy!

The list of motion picture productions currently filming or prepping to film here continues to grow. The number of productions has doubled from this time last year. 2022 is already starting to look like another record-breaking year for filming in our state. Of course, this means even more job opportunities for Louisiana residents.

Last and certainly not least, the students participating in the new Virtual Production and Emerging Media Filmmaking Program at LSU are honing their talents for future employment in our thriving film, digital media, and software development space. The technology currently being used in the classroom and lab gives students infinite possibilities in the creative realm. This is just one part of the specialized curriculum made possible by the Entertainment Development Fund. Many of the students already have employment prospects on the horizon. It’s one more way to position our next generation of creators at the forefront of the convergence of film and digital media, right here at home.

Read the 2022 Q2 Entertainment Vitals update here.