St. Bernard Film Incentive Review Board Approves $150K Rebate for CBS’ “Your Honor”
ST. BERNARD PARISH, LA – The St. Bernard Parish Film Incentive Review Board (FIRB) recently approved the first-ever full rebate of $150,000 to the production “Your Honor” by Danni Productions, LLC, following an extensive review of the production’s application, audit of St. Bernard expenses, and expenditure ledger. The rebate of $150,000 is based upon 3.5% of local qualifying expenses of $4,681,114.
“The Film St. Bernard Incentive Program increases our tax revenues, supports local businesses, and showcases our community,” said Katie Tommaseo, St. Bernard Parish Executive Director of Tourism & Film.
Designed by the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) and St. Bernard Parish Government, the Film St. Bernard incentive serves to complement the Louisiana Motion Picture Investor Tax Credit, which is managed by Louisiana Economic Development at the state level. 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. Film St. Bernard is the most competitive local incentive in Louisiana, with a 3.5% rebate on expenses within St. Bernard Parish that contribute to the local economy.
“The Film St. Bernard incentive has quickly proven to be a gamechanger for those in the film and television production industry,” said Meaghan McCormack, CEO of SBEDF. “Since its inception, over 20 productions have chosen St. Bernard and driven millions of dollars into our local economy.”
In order for a project to be eligible, it must meet several requirements outlined in the incentive guidelines, including having a 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 continues to be a key driver of the St. Bernard economy, adding jobs and supporting local businesses.
Councilmember Wanda Alcon noted, “the film industry offers opportunities to our local citizens and businesses, and St. Bernard Parish reaps economic benefits whenever film productions come to our community.” According to the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association (LFEA), the average salary for a film worker is $65k per year plus benefits, including health, pension, and annuity.
The incentive is managed by the Film Incentive Review Board (FIRB), populated by the St. Bernard Executive Director of Tourism & Film, Katie Tommaseo, the Chief Executive Officer of St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, Meaghan McCormack, the appointee of the Chair of the St. Bernard Parish Council, Wanda Alcon, and two volunteer Certified Public Accountants, Bryan Polk and David Huff.
Bryan Polk, Chief Financial Officer for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Department, said, “the incentive program produces a positive return on investment and has a huge impact on our local economy.”
In fact, the LFEA notes that the film industry has spent an average of $1B annually in Louisiana since 2019 and that 80% of every film crew are Louisiana residents. The LFEA study also reported that the film industry supports 10,000 jobs in the state, delivering $350 million in earnings to Louisiana residents in 2020 alone.
CPA David Huff agreed, stating, “the film productions that have come to St. Bernard Parish have a 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.”
Individuals interested in receiving more information about the program are encouraged to contact the St. Bernard Parish Office of Tourism & Film by email (ktommaseo@sbpg.net) or phone (504) 278-4242.
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About St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is the official economic development organization and public-private partnership of St. Bernard Parish formed to create and retain jobs, build prosperity, and improve quality of life. To learn more about SBEDF and how the organization works to foster business attraction, retention and expansion, neighborhood revitalization, small business assistance, and talent and workforce development in St. Bernard Parish, visit sbedf.org.
About St. Bernard Parish Government’s Office of Tourism & Film
St. Bernard Parish Government formed the Office of Tourism & Film in an effort to promote the parish as a wonderful place to live, work, play, and film a production. With over 100 events each year, the office works with community members, volunteers, and Parish Government to honor and celebrate the culture and history of St. Bernard Parish. For more information, go to visitstbernard.com.
