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Film industry to see big boom in 2010
New Orleans - The film industry in New Orleans has continued to grow since tax credits were implemented 7 years ago. 2009 was an all time high for major projects being shot right here in the city. On the set of "Father of Invention" producer Johnathan Crane couldn't be happier about his choice to film in New Orleans. "This is my 47th movie and i have not enjoyed making a movie more than here in New Orleans." From the movie making to the post production, to red-carpet premieres, every aspect of the film industry can now be done locally. Film studios are now able to get a 30 percent tax credit. This year 23 major projects were filmed in the metro area. Jennifer Day with the Film Commission says the best part of 2009 was repeat business. "What that means is major studios like Warner Bros are coming back to the city to do business again and then we have groups like World Wrestling entertainment who are coming to the city to do multiple films back to back." Day points out it proves the level of professionalism is high and the ease of doing business is drawing big studios back to New Orleans. She says major film companies are already reserving spots for next year. "The office is scouting over a dozen projects right now for 2010 and we have probably 4 to 5 projects that we can't announce yet but they're very very close to being locked in for the first two quarters of 2010. With so much attention on Hollywood South, other states like Michigan and New Mexico are trying to get in on the movie business by offering tax credits to lure in major projects. Jennifer Day says while there were more films made in New Orleans this year than last, the economic impact was lower. She believes it was due to the economy. http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/story/Film-industry-to-see-big-boom-in-2010/BRs5K4kjG0u_4BkTaXzTiQ.cspx
