Film Reel
The Louisiana Filmmakers Grant Fund Program is designed to support Louisiana's independent filmmakers, who are vital to the state's entertainment industry and the state's long-term goals for an indigenous entertainment industry.

An applicant may apply for the Louisiana Filmmakers Grant Fund Program by submitting the official application during the appropriate application period which falls between June 1 and July 1 or December 1 to January 1. 

More information, including the official rules and FAQs, can be found on the Filmmakers Grant Program webpage.

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The state this week launched a new grant program aimed at Louisiana filmmakers.
Whether you're for them or against them, this much is undebatable: Louisiana's filmmaking tax incentives have done wonders to grow the state's film industry, attracting studio after studio and drawing a parade of big stars to the state for high-profile movie projects.


But with productions required to spend a minimum of $300,000 to qualify, the little guys -- the independent, homegrown filmmakers who don't keep L.A. offices or drive cars that cost six figures -- have been mostly priced out of the game.

Or they were. Until now.

This morning (April 13), Louisiana Entertainment -- the branch of the state's Office of Economic Development tasked with nurturing the entertainment industry -- lifted the curtain on the fledgling Louisiana Filmmakers Grant Fund Program. Withan announcement posted on the Louisiana Entertainment website -- accompanied by anonline application and a thorough rundown of the program rules and requirements -- the agency began soliciting applications for the program's first round of grants, to be awarded this summer.


"The key to this program is that it's for Louisiana filmmakers," Louisiana Entertainment film honcho Chris Stelly said today. "I can't stress that enough. It's kind of a natural evolution in keeping with our goals of building an indigenous industry."

In keeping with that mission, qualifying filmmakers must be a resident of Louisiana for the past three years, and their project must be 100 percent shot in-state, and include a 100 percent local crew and 70 percent local cast.

With $90,000 on hand this first go-round, grants of as much as $25,000 will be handed in this initial disbursement.

"It's a way to discover that hidden gem," Stelly said. "Who knows? Maybe someone does an experimental short for us and it hits big and maybe Steven Speilberg or Tom Hanks are looking at our website. ... It's really about showing the rest of the world the talent we already know we have here in Louisiana."

The grant program was created last year by the state Legislature to foster Louisiana filmmaking talent. It is financed by fees imposed on the transfer of movie-industry tax credits.

For details, including submission requirements, and for an application, visit Louisiana Entertainment online at www.louisianaentertainment.gov.

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