Universal Pictures inks movie deal with Elmwood studio

The owners of Elmwood-based Louisiana Film Studios said they have signed a deal with Universal Pictures to film a movie, "Cirque du Freak," at the 25-acre facility.

Filming has begun and is scheduled to be finished in mid-summer, studio owners John Georges and George Ackel said.

The owners

"The movie industry is now starting to come back to south Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina due to the availability of large studio space and parking facilities, in addition to the available tax credits. We need more large sound stages in New Orleans to bring the big budget films," Georges said.

Paul Weitz, whose credits include "American Pie" and "About a Boy," is the director. The film stars Salma Hayek and John C. Reilly.

It is the second major motion picture to film at Louisiana Film Studios, 600 Edwards Ave. Last year, New Regency Pictures and 20th Century Fox filmed "Meet the Spartans" at the facility.

The site includes 500,000 square feet of studio, office and warehouse space.

Georges and Ackel last month attended a trade mission to Vancouver, Canada - also known as Hollywood North - to learn what improvements to the facility are needed to continue to bring major films to New Orleans.

"What we need are more large spaces for sound stages and a larger permanent labor force," Georges said. "Converting empty warehouses to studios is a trend we are following from the Vancouver model. With the weak U.S. dollar, we hope to pass Vancouver up soon as more people learn about our facilities.

"Although we have not yet gone the tax credit route, receiving the available incentives is critical for us to be able to add the proper amenities to our facility. We are in discussion with several out-of-state studios to create a joint venture for the development of our site."

Credit: CityBusiness Staff