Hurricane Katrina Could Derail Millions in Potential Filming in Louisiana

Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, tearing through homes and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. But in a less reported fallout, the hurricane took a heavy toll on millions of dollars in potential filming.

The state has been one of the most persistent in luring production to the state. It reported film and television spending of more than $125 million last year, up from $3.9 million in 2002, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Last year, 27 feature films and TV movies were made in Louisiana.

Half a dozen film and TV projects slated for the region faced uncertain futures.

Warner Bros. said crews for the Joel Silver production The Reaping were evacuated by plane from Baton Rouge to Austin, Texas. Other productions to be shot in the state this year are Bug, starring Ashley Judd and Big Momma's House 2, featuring Martin Lawrence.

The hurricane could make the state, which gave out $67 million in tax credits and TV productions in 2004, a less attractive sell, especially in the short term, industry experts say.

"This is probably going to put them out of competition for a while," said Jack Kyser, chief economist with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.

A Warner Brothers spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter that filmmakers also faced challenges when it came to flights, electricity, manpower and car rental.

Kyser said the more expensive price for building supplies will also drag down profits from films.

Others predict the setback will be a short one.

"I don't think it would scare me off personally, and I don't think it will scare anyone from Hollywood," said Ned Shapiro, who spent six months in Louisiana last year as the a location manager for the current release The Dukes of Hazard.

For union members affected by Hurricane Katrina (living in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and parts of Florida), disaster relief is available.

Information on how you can help is available on
the Union Plus site at: www.unionplus.org/hurricane.cfm