Notification
Since we may be able to assist you and your production, all projects shooting in the state of Louisiana are strongly encouraged to notify the Office of Entertainment Industry Development. Our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have about Louisiana.
We can be reached Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 225.342.5403 or via e-mail at led-entertainment@la.gov
Fees & Permits
There are NO state fees or permits required for filming in Louisiana. Location fees for use of state property are assessed on a case by case basis and are often waived.
Shooting in New Orleans
Like the rest of Louisiana, the city of New Orleans does not require a blanket shooting permit but does operate on a permission basis. There may be charges/permits for city services which are used. Issues or situations that require special permission and/or fees in New Orleans include, but are not limited to:
- Filming in cemeteries
- Explosions/Pyrotechnics
- Filming in the Historic French Quarter
- Parking/Street Closures
- Police Details and Film Guidelines
- Regional Transit Authority Use
- Sanitation
- Removal of Streetlights and/or fixtures
For details and fees, please contact the New Orleans Office of Film and Video at (504)658-4341 or (504)658-0923. OR, for expedited service you may email the office at jjday@cityofno.com. Please visit our website at www.filmneworleans.org for additional information
Closing Roads
Decisions on road closures are made by the local jurisdictions. For road closures, contact the our office at 225.342.5403 and we'll direct you to the appropriate contact and attempt to facilitate your request as much as possible.
Non-Resident Income Tax
According to Louisiana Revised Statute 47:290, a tax is levied on all nonresident individuals who have income earned within or derived from sources in Louisiana. Click here for the 2004 Form IT-540B.
Insurance
With the exception of Worker's Compensation, Louisiana has no insurance requirements for motion pictures, but any producers filming in the state are strongly encouraged to acquire a comprehensive liability policy prior to the onset of principal photography.
Louisiana Property Owners are encouraged to make proof of adequate insurance a requirement to use their location.
Right to Work
Louisiana Act 1976 , No. 97 includes the provision that "no person shall be required, as a condition of employment, to become or remain a member of any labor organization, or to pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other charges of any kind to a labor organization."
Child Labor
All persons under 16 years old must have authorization from the Louisiana Department of Labor to work in the state of Louisiana. Authorization information may be obtained by calling (225) 342-7824 or you may access the forms in our DOCUMENT CENTER.
Vehicle Registration & Permit Waiver
Interstate highway size and weight regulations apply to roadways in Louisiana. Vehicles are required to either display "apportioned" license plates and cab cards indicating they are licensed with Louisiana or permits must be purchased every 48 hours that a vehicle is in Louisiana unless a waiver form is completed and returned to the Weights and Standards Division of the Department of Transportation.
The Office of Film & Television Development will file the waiver for you. For a copy of the form, contact the office locally 225.342.5403, or via fax 225.342.5554. For vehicle registration forms, please CLICK HERE or you can access the form in the Document Center.
Animals
All productions using animals should contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries at (225) 765-2800 to discuss particular policies regarding the species being used.
In addition, such productions are encouraged to work closely with the film and television unit of the American Humane Association. Please contact them at (888) 301-3541, or visit their website at www.ahafilm.org.
Special Effects & Pyrotechnics
The State Police, State Fire Marshall, and local fire departments must be consulted before any explosions, other pyrotechnics or fireworks may take place. The need for standby fire equipment and personnel is determined on a case by case basis. Call our office for help in determining the jurisdiction of your location.
