Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage is a melting pot of food, music, and diverse history — and, for the more cynical, corruption.But in recent years, the state government has been trying to develop another aspect of Louisianan culture — the movie industry.Yes, the movie industry. Surprised?Although the state might not exactly be legendary as a haven for the stars yet, the legislative efforts to entice more and better movie production have been surprisingly effective.In 2002, the Louisiana legislature passed the Louisiana Motion Picture Incentive Act, which offers large tax breaks to filmmaking companies that shoot in state. The legislature intended for the incentives to lure large-production movie projects, which would bring increased revenue and stimulate the economy.The most recent high-profile example is the Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The film has achieved a respectable box-office showing. The movie, which borrows its core principle of a reverse-aging man from an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, is largely set and partially filmed in New Orleans. The film was released at the end of a record-setting year for the state’s film industry. According to the Louisiana Office of Entertainment Industry Development — the division of the Department of Economic Development responsible for overseeing the industry’s growth — more than 80 major films were produced in the state, leading to $32 million in tax credits. All told, the state has awarded approximately $443 million since the bill was passed.On the surface of things, it may seem frivolous for the state government to be passing up that kind of money, but apparently the strategy the legislators had envisioned is working. LOEID estimates the production companies have spent more than $2 billion in the state since 2002, $200 million of which went directly into payroll. The money pouring into the state has led to a blossoming of film-related jobs, especially in the more blue-collar areas such as set and equipment transportation and technical personnel. Filmmakers are still sending the unfinished products back to Hollywood for editing, sound and other post-production.But some moviemakers are looking to start post-production facilities in Louisiana as well; NuMedia/Millennium Pictures has committed to building a $10 million studio outside of Shreveport.It seems strange the film industry would flock to Louisiana — surely they aren’t motivated entirely by a desire to save money.Ok, maybe they are, but that doesn’t mean Louisiana doesn’t have a lot to offer.First, there’s the natural beauty of the Louisiana landscape. Moss-crusted swamps and thick forests provide a perfect setting for either inspiration and romance or suspense and mystery. The unique architecture that results from a diverse cultural heritage makes great sets, especially in New Orleans. And although the legislature could not possibly have foreseen it when they wrote the bill that led to the growth, Hurricane Katrina has provided an unmatched source of pathos and has provided any work set in Louisiana with an inherent air of tragedy and emotional power.Although Louisiana is definitely not going to usurp Hollywood as the Mecca of movies, the state is certainly benefitting from the funds and exposure resulting from the influx of filmmaking resources. Maybe one day, as more and more stars find work in the state, we’ll get our own Deep South version of Beverly Hills — maybe one right outside of Baton Rouge.Probably not. But we can dream, can’t we?– Contact Matthew Albright at [email protected]