St. Bernard Parish Government, in partnership with the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF), is sweetening the pot for motion-picture film, digital, and television productions with the announcement of a new tax incentive program, “Film St. Bernard.” The program was created to encourage growth and investment in St. Bernard Parish by offering a rebate for lodging, payroll expenses, and other production expenditures made within the parish.
The Film St. Bernard incentive is designed to complement the Louisiana Motion Picture Investor Tax Credit and support building upon a successful history of motion-pictures shot in St. Bernard including Daddy’s Home, Terminator Genesis, and Deepwater Horizon.
“St. Bernard has witnessed first-hand the impact the film industry can have on the local economy,” said Andrew Jacques, Executive Director of SBEDF. “With the introduction of the Film St. Bernard incentive, we are positioning St. Bernard as the model parish to sustain and grow Hollywood South.”
Film St. Bernard is the most competitive local incentive in Louisiana with a 3.5% rebate on expenses within St. Bernard Parish that contributes to the local economy.
“The Film St. Bernard incentive program showcases the unique culture St. Bernard has to offer and enhances the local economy,” said Katie Tommaseo, St. Bernard Parish Film Commissioner.
In order for a project to be eligible, they must meet several requirements outlined in the incentive guidelines including production or soundstage location within St. Bernard Parish and a total of acceptable local expenditures of at least $150,000.
The program has the unanimous support of both the St. Bernard Parish Council and Parish President, who feel the film industry is vital the wealth, prosperity, and growth of St. Bernard.
“I am so happy to see these film companies coming to St. Bernard,” said Wanda Alcon, St. Bernard Parish Councilmember. “They are spending money in our hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and hardware stores. This is such a boost for our businesses while bringing tax dollars to our parish.”
“We understand the impact of the film industry has across the spectrum of our local economy,” said Parish President, Guy McInnis. “I am grateful for the support of the Council on this new initiative and look forward to further building around the film industry sector.”
The incentive will be managed by the newly created Film Incentive Review Panel (FIRP), populated by the St. Bernard Film Commissioner, the Executive director of SBEDF, the appointee of the Chair of the St. Bernard Parish Council, and two volunteer Certified Public Accountants.
“A 3.5% rebate definitely puts St. Bernard Parish in the forefront of locality for film production companies,” said Bryan Polk, Chief Financial Officer of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and volunteer FIRP member.
David Huff, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller of Nunez Community College said “The film productions that have come to St. Bernard Parish have great positive economic impact. These productions spend money at our restaurants, gas stations, and other retail businesses. The benefits are more widespread than most people would expect.” Huff also serves on the FIRP.
Individuals interested in receiving more information about the program are encouraged to contact SBEDF at contact@sbedf.org or (504) 277-4009, or the St. Bernard Parish Office of Film and Television at ktommaseo@sbpg.net or (504) 278-4242.
About St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to retain and create jobs, build prosperity, and improve the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. The Board of Directors consists of 28 voting members and 8 non-voting honorary members and public officials, all of which serve as volunteers to the organization. SBEDF’s work is made possible through the general support of St. Bernard Parish Government and its donors the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation and Port of New Orleans at the Lead Investors Level, St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District, Cox Communications, Chalmette Refining, Valero, and Gulf Coast Bank at the Impact Champion Level, the Law Offices of Sidney Torres, III, Associated Terminals, and Atmos Energy at the Pillars Level, and Palmisano Group, Boasso Global, and Park Investments at the Community Leaders Level.
About St. Bernard Parish Government
St. Bernard Parish was established along the banks of Bayou Terre-aux-Boeufs by Spain the settle colonists from the Canary Islands in 1780. The settlement was first named St. Bernard, in honor of Governor Bernardo de Galvez and his patron saint, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, in 1784. A civil authority was established with recordings of sales of property, mortgages, successions and some criminal proceedings in 1788. After the Louisiana Purchase and the introduction of American governmental structure in 1803, St. Bernard for a short time was absorbed into the County of Orleans which included Plaquemines and what would become Jefferson parishes. The territorial legislature abolished counties and restored the colonial system of posts or administrative districts in 1807, incorporating St. Bernard as an American governmental entity with eighteen other civil parishes. St. Bernard Parish has had a council/president form of government since 1992. The council consisted of five councilman districts and two at-large districts. The Council of St. Bernard Parish functions as the legislative branch of local government and the parish president functions as chief of the administrative branch of local government. St. Bernard Parish Government continues to be responsive to the needs of its constituents after more than two centuries, placing community first.
