New Orleans Actors have it going on

Shanda Quintal NOARC


"According to the state’s Office of Entertainment Industry Development, more than 100 productions in the state wrapped in 2010 (click to see list) with more than 50 percent of all productions made by companies based in Louisiana. Based on applications filed with the state, the combined total budgets of all the Louisiana projects exceeded $1.4 billion, the statement said.


I'm blown away, I'm in awe, and I'm proud to be here at this time.


When I moved back in 2007, there were more than 40 projects shot here in Louisiana. The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons had just wrapped that spring and I was duly impressed with my home state. I had been gone 10 years and I couldn't believe that a film of that size and caliber had been shot here.


And now that's a regular thing, here. Which means that opportunities for actors are here, too. And the types of roles are also opening up for actors. Two to three years ago, around 90% of the roles were 1-4 line day players. Now supporting and lead roles are also being cast in Louisiana. A high-profile MOW (movie of the week) project that is in pre-production now is looking for leads here in Louisiana.


We're doing it, guys. We have really and truly earned the moniker, HOLLYWOOD SOUTH. And it's a amazing time to be here.


THE EXPO


The Expo was incredible. I had a good time and I hope you had a good time, too. You can see pix on the New Orleans Resource Center's Facebook page.


CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS


Lori Wyman - Lori is the Casting Director for both "Burn Notice" and "The Glades" and she brings in actors from all over the Southeast region. Her ONE DAY SEMINAR/WORKSHOP on AUDITIONING FOR FILM AND TELEVISION takes place THIS SATURDAY, January 29. Check out her YouTube auditioning for film and television videos. Call the office to register 305 354-3901.


Ryan Glorioso - Louisiana Casting Director for "The Expendables," "Vampires Suck," "Butter," "So Undercover." The class will cover improv work, on-camera scene work/auditioning techniques, and video audition dos and don’ts. Actors attending will be sent a scene to prepare for the workshop on February 13th. Ryan's workshop is currently full, but if you'd like to get on the waiting list, please click here.




ACTING COACHES AND UPCOMING CLASSES (my, my the list has grown...)


Casey Groves - 917-969-8698, caseydgroves@gmail.com - Casey just started his Auditioning for Film classes at del Corral this week and it's possible to still join. Monday or Wednesday evenings.


Daniel Dupont - 504-722-2229, daniel@danieldupontacting.com - Offers on going weekly classes. Two classes in New Orleans (Saturday and Tuesday) and Baton Rouge (Sundays).


Douglas Griffin - act@douglasmgriffin.com - Check to see when his next week program begins.


Dean West - mtbactor@gmail.com - Offers a Basic Technique Class. Will also be holding an on-camera auditioning technique and scene breakdown workshop at the end of March.


Garrett Prejean - 504-218-0055, info@ElmTheatre.org - Offers Beginner, Acting 1 and Acting 2 classes and workshops. Website lists class schedule.


Jaqueline Fleming - 504-849-9020, jaqsactingstudio@yahoo.com - Ongoing scene study for kids and adults. Also offers auditioning technique, improv and on-camera workshops.


Jennifer Schemke - 310-467-0996, jenniferschemke@gmail.com - Adult Beginning Improv, Teen Improv, and a Scene Study Basics and Beyond class. All three beginning in early February.


Jerry Katz - 225-614-6601, please use contact form on his website to email - Ongoing scene study. Classes in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Jackson, MS.


Lance E. Nichols - lnichol619@earthlink.net - 4 weekend "Acting for the Camera" workshop beginning April 3rd at The People Program in New Orleans. Detailed information will be released in February.


Veleka Gray - actorsalliance@earthlink.net - Offers classes in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Covington. Classes include showcase with agents and casting directors.




Break a leg, folks."


http://neworleansactors.org/

Baton Rouge Film Commission Receives Economic Impact Report $196M Spent in Baton Rouge

Motion picture productions filming in the Baton Rouge area spent an estimated $196 million here in 2010 and accounted for 33,500 hotel and motel room nights, according to an economic impact report released to the Baton Rouge Film Commission Tuesday.

In all, 26 films and television projects were made in Baton Rouge last year, resulting in an estimated Louisiana payroll of $116 million.

"Our Baton Rouge Film Commission has done a tremendous job selling our city as a great place for production," said Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden, "and they have set even higher goals for the future."

Holden said Baton Rouge Film Commission Executive Director Amy Mitchell-Smith works closely with his office to aggressively pursue projects and overcome any obstacles which could send film productions to another city.

"With our success, Baton Rouge is building an experienced workforce that makes filming here even more attractive to the television and movie industry," Holden said. "Although the state tax credits help, we still have to be creative enough to show that Baton Rouge can provide diverse locations, top notch infrastructure, and the ability to manage the logistical challenges that arise with projects of all budgetary ranges. This year, Third Street was transformed into a street in Hong Kong and the city-parish provided a location appropriate for a NASA laboratory, which showcases our wide range of capabilities; but we still compete every day to be successful with this industry."

Nearly two-thirds of the local spend for 2010 came from two blockbuster projects – the vampire-themed fantasy romance, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn,” and “Battleship,” a science-fiction thriller based on the popular Milton Bradley board game.

According to the state Office of Entertainment Industry Development records, “Battleship” spent an estimated $67.6 million in Baton Rouge in 2010, and had a Louisiana payroll of $37.7 million.

The state records show that Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn had an estimated local spend of $65.5 million in the Baton Rouge area in 2010, and is estimated to spend another $32.7 million in 2011 as it continues filming here.

"What sets Baton Rouge apart is our continued passion and commitment to the motion picture industry," said Mitchell-Smith. "As a result our film commission office is extremely responsive in catering to the vast needs specific to each and every production."

Filming Louisiana production info for January 2011

These are the films that in pre-production in the State of Louisiana.

Ghostbreakers, Shreveport, New Orleans, production@slowchildrenonline.net
So Undercover, New Orleans
The Fishies, New Orleans
Treme, NewOrleans, blowndeadlineprod@gmail.com
Mean Cusine, Shreveport
Medallin, New Orleans, medallionresumes@gmail.com
21 Jump Street, New Orleans
Memphis Beat, New Orleans,
Bad Girls Club Season 7, New Orleans
Cogan's Trade, New Orleans, coganstrade@gmail.com
Looper, New Orleans, looperllc@gmail.com
Contraband, New Orleans, contrabandresumes@gmail.com
Hound Dogs, New Orleans
7 Below Zero, New Orleans, sevenbelowzero@gmail.com
D&D 3, Baton Rouge, dnd3movie@gmail.com
Piranha 2, New Orleans
So Undercover, New Orleans, soundercovermovie@gmail.com
The Haunting in Georgia, Baton Rouge higproductions@yahoo.com
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, New Orleans, alvh2011@gmail.com
Kane and Lynch, Aka Playing the Field, Shreveport, ecallais@millenniumstudios.net
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, New Orleans
Downers Grave, Louisiana
Thicker, Louisiana
Tarantula, New Orleans
72 Hours, New Orleans
Meeting Evil, New Orleans
Silver Cord, New Orleans
Rook, Shreveport
Asleep at the Wheel, New Orleans
Room and Board, New Orleans
The Summoning, Baton Rouge
The Town that Dreaded Sundown 3D, Baton Rouge
Unraveled, Baton Rouge
Office Paranormal, Louisiana
Playing with the Enemy, Shreveport
The Boys Club, Folsom
Substance, New Orleans
Verdigris, New Orleans
Six Little Indians, Baton Rouge
Carmilla: The Homecoming, Baton Rouge
Moments of Life, New Orleans
The Body Escort, Louisiana

Local film crews look forward to busy year in growing industry

NEW ORLEANS- A New Orleans neighborhood has been transformed this week, complete with a mini-mart where the old St. Roch market once stood.

It's gotten neighbors talking.

"When I first rolled up and I saw them doing that, I was like, 'Oh, they're getting ready to open the market back up!' I didn't know what was going on," said William York, a resident of the St. Roch neighborhood.

Turns out, it's all for Mark Wahlberg's new movie, "Contraband." Set in Panama, the movie's being shot in the Crescent City.

"I'm loving every minute of it. It's revitalizing the neighborhood, the city. The economy's going to get better. As you know, all we do is hospitality, but this is something else that we can do," said York.

It's just one of the movies being shot in New Orleans this year. A few of the movies on slate for 2011 include "Cogan's Trade," starring Brad Pitt. 21 Jump Street will be shot in New Orleans in April. And Miley Cyrus is in town this week shooting "So Undercover."

According to New Orleans film commissioner Katie Gunnell, more movies are being made now in Louisiana than California. Thirty-five feature films were shot last year in New Orleans alone, bringing in nearly $300 million. Compare that to just three movies in 2002, the year Lousiana's tax incentive program began.

It's been a big boost for local actors like Clay Chamberlin.

"I came down here because of the tax incentive, so thank you politicians," said Chamberlin.

While the tax incentive is a big draw, many say New Orleans' unique culture is also big plus.

"We love New Orleans," said Contraband's publicist, Wendi Laski. "The people are so nice and so accommodating. It's been incredible."

"And then add in the fact that we have world class hotels and restaurants and shopping, and it’s an easy place to spend a couple months," said Gunnell.

Stars like Jeremy Piven have been spotted at Hornets games and it's become almost commonplace to see production trucks around the city. And that means jobs for local crews.

"I was planning on just going to California and working," said local film grip Jimi Ryan. "But it was so busy here, I was able to stay and just keep working here, and not leave the state."

"It's been unbelievable," said Chamberlin. "I didn't have to move to California. Dreams have come true every single day for years now."

Still, crews say the local industry has some unmet needs. Right now, they say there's no local wardrobe or prop house.

"It's better than six years ago," said Ryan. "There's more infrastructure, but there are still things that need to be done."




by Monica Hernandez / Eyewitness News

New Year for Filming Louisiana

Sid Yost(right) and trainers with Wolf from Amazing Animals.





This year should be as stellar as last if not better. Many productions carried over through the holidays into the new year. The most talked about film of course would be the Twilight Series filming in Baton Rouge through this winter into the spring. Battleship is another film that is getting a lot of attention in Baton Rouge. New Orleans has Looper staring Bruce Willis filming and 21 Jump Street. Shreveport has Kane and Lynch and Playing the Field. Many past productions are now in theaters including Season of the Witch, The Mechanic, and soon coming out is Battle Los Angeles.

With all the productions filming in Louisiana many new companies will be calling Louisiana home including Blade Studios which will cater to the film and recording industry and will be the premiere recording facility in the state. Millennium Studios in Shreveport will be opening soon and will be a full service movie production studio. Moonbot Studios that opened in the Fall 2010 will concentrate on animation. Amazing Animal productions which is a full service film animal supplier and trainer who handle anything from wolves to lions, tigers and bears. If you need a film animal for commercial or movie Sid Yost and Amazing Animals are the ones to call and now they call Louisiana home.


Over 140 movie applications have been filed for 2011 so there could be plenty of movie action for Louisiana this year. Every year for the past 5 years have been better than the last which says a lot for filming in Louisiana and film crews in Louisiana lending their talents to make this state the best state to film in.
Having all this action in the state makes it one of the most interesting state for film with no end in site.

This will be the year in which Louisiana makes a name as the state for film production and make people outside of Hollywood realize that not only can you come to Louisiana to film but the crew you need is already here ready to work and already working.

Come to Louisiana and make this home to your next production!

Downtown Baton Rouge Gets Its Close-up in "Battleship"

07 December 2010
By Rebekah Allen, The Advocate

Sichin Li-McCall shivers in an alley under a heavy coat Monday morning in 45-degree weather. Her face and clothes are lightly spotted with dirt.

A voice booms to clear the set, and she sheds her coat.

“Ready, action,” the voice says.

A giant dust cloud erupts behind Li-McCall, filling all the corners of the alley. Li-McCall runs frantically ahead of the dust cloud along with dozens of other people.

The dust clears, and Li-McCall walks casually back to her spot in the alley and replaces her coat, before she does it all again.

Baton Rouge resident Li-McCall spent Monday morning working as an extra for the movie “Battleship,” a Universal Pictures production, with an estimated budget of $70 million, according to documents filed with Louisiana Entertainment, the arm of the state’s economic development division responsible for awarding tax credits to the films produced in Louisiana.

The scene is intended to reflect an alley of downtown Hong Kong, but locals may recognize it as the Third Street entrance to the Shaw Center for the Arts disguised with some Chinese flair.

“Battleship,” to be released in May 2012, is the largest budget movie to film in Baton Rouge, said Katie Harvey, project manager with the Baton Rouge Film Commission.

The movie is directed by Peter Berg, director of “The Kingdom” and “Hancock,” and features pop music star Rihanna, Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson, from “Schindler’s List,” “Batman Begins,” “Taken” and “The A-Team,” Taylor Kitsch, from “Friday Night Lights,” and Alexander Skarsgard, from HBO’s “True Blood.”

None of the stars were involved in the downtown shoot on Monday.

The movie is based on the classic Milton Bradley warship guessing game, except in this version naval forces are uniting to fight an alien attack.

In the movie, an alien space craft enters Earth’s atmosphere and breaks into pieces making impacts across the globe, said R.J. Mino, production manager for the second unit, which mostly handles special effects.

The scene shot Monday, which took hours to set up, multiple takes and could cost up to $100,000, will last only a couple of seconds in the finished product, Mino said. The scene depicts people in downtown Hong Kong running away from a dust cloud kicked up from the space craft’s impact. A green screen will be used to superimpose images of buildings crashing down behind the people running away.

Li-McCall, who is an elementary school French tutor, said her 10-year-old daughter takes acting classes at the Celtic Media Centre, which is also housing “Battleship” and “Breaking Dawn” film productions.

She said she was picking her daughter up from the class one day when she was asked if she would be interested in participating as an extra in the film.

She said later this month she’ll film another scene as a NASA worker.

“I don’t usually like sci-fi movies, but I will definitely watch this one,” she said.

“Battleship” began filming in Baton Rouge on Oct. 21, said Ernie Malik, a spokesman for the movie. He added that staff have been in the area since before June setting up and building scenes.

About half of the filming took place in Hawaii, and the remainder was filmed in Baton Rouge. Mino said most local scenes were filmed in the Celtic studio, but there were also recent shots on the U.S.S. Kidd, which was subbed in for the U.S.S. Missouri, and in a Port Allen field, which will double as Scotland highlands, Malik said.

About eight downtown businesses were rented Monday to film the scenes and close the street, including the downtown lobby of the Shaw Center, where the camera crew worked.

David Briggs, executive director of the Shaw Center, said downtown business owners have been supportive of being able to lend their shops to the movie, and were fairly compensated for doing so.

“Everyone’s pretty much on board,” he said. “It’s bringing a lot of attention to Baton Rouge and Louisiana and it’s bringing in a lot of money for the economy.”

Mino said there are about 300 people working in Baton Rouge for the movie, which wraps Dec. 17.

The Shaw Center location was chosen because it has a modern look that could represent downtown Hong Kong, Malik said.

Louisiana, he said, offers one of the best tax incentives in the movie industry. Malik added that with New Orleans, Shreveport and Baton Rouge, Louisiana has a wealth of diversity to offer film makers.

Alex Schexnayder, 22, said he fortuitously got a job on set as a camera production assistant, despite having no film experience.

The LSU creative writing graduate and Donaldsonville native, said he was considering moving out of state for a job before the opportunity arose.

“A few years ago, I would have never expected for me to be working on a movie set,” he said. “But now there are a lot of things happening here in Baton Rouge.”

Season of the Witch Trailer

This scene was filmed in the Hirsh Memorial in Shreveport Louisiana.