The Shreveport Bossier Tourist and Convention Bureau aka Visit Shreveport-Bossier just announced the appointment of Wade Marshall as the head of the newly created Shreveport-Bossier Film & Entertainment Commission.

The goal of the commission  is to transform "the region into a thriving hub for the film and entertainment industry." The presser touted that Marshal "will play a pivotal role in advancing the area’s reputation as a premier destination for career development and tourism in film and entertainment."

Seemingly, the powers to be at the tourist bureau--Executive Director Stacy Brown, et. al.--are jumping the gun and ignoring some realities. Of course, Brown has very little restraints in running the tourist bureaus and not real public accountability. Her forecasts of the economic impact of events happening are generally very inflated and unsubstantiated. 

Let's look at two real issues that will greatly impact any success of the new commission:

The first is the upcoming special session of the Legislature that will address tax reform. All reports indicated that the state's film tax credit will be greatly reduced if not eliminated completely. By the end of next month, the tax decisions will be made, and realistic economic development plans can then be Millennium Studio.

Secondly, G Unit Production Studios is not available for film production without the consent of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

To date, Jackson's grandiose announcements about film production, job training, and economic development have been just that--lots a words with little to no action. Either Jackson has overstated his goals and maybe his pocketbook or he is waiting to see if the Legislature passes laws adverse to his film production goals.

If the Humor & Harmony Festival is the sudden motivation for a film and entertainment commission then it’s time to stop the train for several reasons:

1. The City of Shreveport and other government agencies provided substantial economic support to the festival and the dollar amounts quoted are subject to serious questions.
2. Any profit or loss on the festival has not been released by Jackson.
3. The expected sales tax bump from the festival was not realized.
4. Entertainment venues such as the convention center, Brookshires Arena and Municipal Auditorium are subsidized by public dollars.

Now, Shreveport Bossier will have a  firm and entertainment economic development commission to join the ranks of what is becoming a major industry in and of itself. Marshall will be a new member of the club with the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce,
BRF, Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, NLEP and Shreveport's new Economic Development Director. (Did I leave any entity/agency out?)