© 2024 WYPR
WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore WYPF 88.1 FM Frederick WYPO 106.9 FM Ocean City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Hollywood in the Bayou State - 8/5/14

The television series Salem is set in New England, but it is filmed on the outskirts of Shreveport, Louisiana.  Salem is one of many shows and movies being filmed in Louisiana.  According to CNNMoney, a combination of temperate climate and generous tax incentives has positioned Louisiana to attract California-based operations.  Last year, Louisiana actually topped Los Angeles as the number 1 location for motion picture filming.  G.I. Joe, The Butler and Enders Game were all shot in the Bayou State.

From 2002 to 2012, Louisiana’s film industry has created more than 14,000 jobs, more than half of which were created during the final two years of that period according to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.  It estimated that small businesses represent more than 50 percent of the state’s $1 billion film industry.  Segments impacted by the expansion of filming in Louisiana include set design, costume shops and trucking.  For its part, Maryland has also experienced a growth in its film industry in recent years even in the face of fierce competition.

Anirban Basu, Chariman Chief Executive Officer of Sage Policy Group (SPG), is one of the Mid-Atlantic region's leading economic consultants. Prior to founding SPG he was Chairman and CEO of Optimal Solutions Group, a company he co-founded and which continues to operate. Anirban has also served as Director of Applied Economics and Senior Economist for RESI, where he used his extensive knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic region to support numerous clients in their strategic decision-making processes. Clients have included the Maryland Department of Transportation, St. Paul Companies, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Players Committee and the Martin O'Malley mayoral campaign.