This event is in partnership with Iberia Parish Government, City of New Iberia, Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Iberia Industrial Development Foundation and the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce.For more information, visit LouisianaEntertainment.gov or call Vicky C. Branton at (337) 322-1664.

Potential for creative investments to boost a slow economy to be explored

A partial list of usable assets in film production attached. 

Ninety-six years have gone by since the first movie, “White Rose,” was shot on location at the Shadows-on-the-Teche, on Bayou Teche and in New Iberia, Franklin and St. Martinville.

It’s been 10 years since the last major motion picture came to town. “In the Electric Mist,” shown annually during the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival in April. the detective Dave Robicheaux crime drama mystery is set at post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans was filmed in Albania Plantation in Jeanerette, Catahoula, Charenton, New Iberia, New Orleans and St. Martinville.

Prior to that was in 2006 “All the King’s Men,” starring Sean Penn, Jude Law and Anthony Hopkins and set in 1950s Louisiana, was filmed at the Albania Plantation, Donaldsonville, the fairgrounds in Livingston, Morgan City, New Orleans and the State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

Thanks to a new link on the Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau website, IberiaTravel.com, trivia and more information lets filmmakers know, Iberia Parish is open for business — come and explore true Cajun country.

Why haven’t there been more movies made in the Teche Area?

According to Fran Thibodeaux, executive director at IPCVB, New Iberia Mayor Freddie DeCourt, Mike Tarantino at Iberia Industrial Development Foundation and Iberia Parish President Larry Richard, any recent interest that has not come to fruition is in part due to the lack of manpower or funds to hire staff that can do the legwork to bring these projects into the region.

Plus, on a search last summer through the resources by parish listed at LouisianaEntertainment.gov, the only potential location for shooting was Albania Plantation in Jeanerette. A lovely privately owned home, but not the only possible shooting site in the three-parish region called the Teche Area — immediate parishes adjacent to Iberia along Bayou Teche. Recent attention to local festivals, including the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce World Championship Cookoff, the aforementioned literary festival, TECHE Project and other noteworthy attractions, the assets of the area are getting promoted.

How is an industry grown?

Creative energy has been gaining momentum in recent years with the creation and copyrighting of the Iberia Performing Arts League’s slogan, “Broadway on the Bayou.” The community’s moviegoers are gathering to support “Bayou Teche Classic Movies” and the inaugural New Iberia Film Festival was a rewarding experience for filmmakers and audiences alike.

The collective motivation and continued philanthropic support of the arts by area businesses and residents also was the catalyst for an upcoming informative and exploration luncheon organized by Teche Life editor Vicky Branton in partnership with Iberia Parish Government, City of New Iberia, Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Iberia Industrial Development Foundation and the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce. The Jan. 17 luncheon is sponsored by these groups in an effort to attract stakeholders, creative entrepreneurs and solid business and economic trendsetters interested in diversifying the local economy.

“When I first moved to Nashville in 1979, I tried to tell my father in the oil business, ‘Dad, shooting a movie is just like drilling an oil well. First you have to find the right prospect, obtain the rights, arrange for distribution, get the right production personnel, financing together, hire experienced hard workers and pray for a gusher and not a dry hole,” said Branton. “For more than 20 years back in Louisiana I’ve watched the film industry grow in other parts of the state. Interviewing people in the Teche Area, coming to understand the passion and appreciation for the arts and history of the communities, the residents’ desire for healthy families and a joyous life, I know how rich and untapped this new potential industry can be. I’m motivated and very protective of our resources. Experience has taught me hard lessons that I don’t want others to suffer through, but I am confident of what we can do together.”

Branton first started talking with DeCourt and Richard about the industry before either ran for office. Having helped to establish two industry organizations and grow several entertainment businesses in Nashville as it was growing, has given Branton the confidence to stir the pot to see if the roux is ready to make a tasty gumbo for the benefit of all in this diverse region, not just for the few who might appear on stage or in front of the camera.

Who should attend the luncheon?

The free event is open to the public, but in particular is targeting decision makers, business owners, entrepreneurs, sponsors, investors, industry professionals and educators who can add to the strength of the effort to move forward. Creative types such as actors, musicians, writers, technical personnel and anyone interested in movie making are welcome, but without the infrastructure of a good business model, the hopes and dreams of young and old cannot materialize. 

Three earlier meetings last fall, including a visit with Iberia leadership and Kate Durio from Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux’s office for CreateLafayette.la, have resulted in the combined effort being presented from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 at The Sliman Theater. Seating is limited and reservations for the free lunch are recommended. See the invitation above.

Branton said she expects to have other meetings with focused groups of various industry skills and interests, but that this first meeting is a time to see who is interested in developing this exciting opportunity cooperatively with Iberia, St. Mary and St. Martin Parishes.

Anyone interested in listing their talent, property, business, skills or company for potential film work should visit LouisianaEntertainment.gov, click on the “Online Production Guide” and search for categories that are available for registering with the state. For information call Branton at 322-1664.