A petite brunette sat in the quad one sunny day, listening to music as passers-by and cameras focused on her. But this was no ordinary LSU student — it was Anna Kendrick, an actress from the 2012 film “Pitch Perfect.” The spotlight has been shining on LSU recently, but campus has graced the silver screen for decades.
The latest Hollywood clamor toward LSU comes from tax incentives and the campus’ ability to “play Anywhere, U.S.A,” according to Ashley Territo, LSU’s liaison to the film industry. Like any University recruiter, she has a long list of why directors should choose LSU. The University boasts broad oaks, multiple performance venues and classic Italian stucco architecture. The scene is easy to transform, and in a state with a burgeoning film industry, LSU satisfies filmmakers’ wish lists.
“It’s good because students get experience, graduates are hired and it adds to the economic development of the city,” Territo says.
LSU’s film debut began with 1998’s “Everybody’s All-American,” starring Dennis Quaid. His character, football player Gavin Grey, played during breaks in a live LSU football game. Iconic films, such as “Easy Rider” and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” utilized Louisiana’s distinct plantations and swampland for key parts of the film. Newer films tend to use the more commercial and temperate climate of North Louisiana.
But the recent influx of films seeking the tax incentive flooded the local industry after 2002. For every dollar spent in the state, a production receives a 30 percent rebate. Filmmakers can cut costs further with a five percent rebate if they hire locals for production. Baton Rouge boasts established film production companies such as Raleigh Studios at the Celtic Media Centre among others, making LSU even more attractive to out-of-state productions.
LSU students and faculty can also benefit from film opportunities. LSU’s Film and Media Arts program expanded from a minor to a major in 2011. Since then, students in this field of study have education and opportunity on their own campus. LSU students from all majors can benefit as extras in films, adding to the novelty of having films shot on campus.
Since 2005, LSU facilities have been spotlighted in five feature films. “The Dukes of Hazard,” “Glory Road,” “The Reaping,” “Pride” and “Pitch Perfect” have all been shot on campus.
Films transform everyday locations on campus to satisfy the story line. Students may recognize locations such as the Pentagon, Swine Palace, the Quad and the Greek Theater in “Pitch Perfect.” Previous films used locations such as the Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex, LSU Natatorium and Middleton Library. Some locations did not serve their usual purposes, such as the façade of the LSU Law Building as an entrance to a swim competition in “Pride,” Territo said. Even LSU landmarks that are less apparent, such as the Huey P. Long fieldhouse and pool, were an additional bonus to the “Pitch Perfect” crew.
“You wouldn’t think it’d be a film location, but it was where very memorable and important parts of the film took place,” Territo said.
LSU continues to make film history with more productions frequenting the campus. In the fall of 2012, cameras rolled on campus for a Christian film titled “God’s Not Dead,” due in theaters in spring 2014. “Dallas Buyers Club” utilized LSU’s annual rodeo for a scene, and actor Channing Tatum was spotted on campus last fall filming a sequel to “21 Jump Street.” Fans took note, as many photos of Tatum with giddy students surfaced on social media.
LSU has steadily transformed from an ordinary college campus to one worthy of some screen time. Huey P. Long funded many of the academic buildings we see today, and his contribution has helped not only LSU students but also film crews looking for transformable sets. LSU is celebrated for its attractive campus.
“[It] showcases that LSU is doing a great job down here,” Territo said.