By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – The city of Slidell played host this past weekend to a bevy of experts in the movie and TV industry as the “Art of the Film” expo was hosted here to present the numerous opportunities available in that industry.
The Friday and Saturday event was presented by the Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition, headed by Kim Bergeron, who brought together an impressive lineup of speakers and performers. Daytime sessions were held at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, then a great night of music was held with the Friday outing at the Wine Garden that featured performers from the Ozone Songwriters Festival, followed by a Saturday performance of the Northshore Community Orchestra.
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser was the early keynote speaker and offered plenty of reasons for the industry to be promoted and supported.
“Nine out of 10 people coming to visit Louisiana were influenced by a TV or movie, so you can see how important this industry is for our tourism,” he said.
Not surprisingly, he also noted how many people come to Louisiana after seeing food displayed on TV or in movies.
Nungesser, who has been a leading advocate for the tourism industry in the state, talked about his efforts that led to New Orleans being given a spot in the Rose Bowl Parade this year, utilizing a Mardi Gras float.
“The response for so many people in California to see a connection to Mardi Gras brought us an 800 percent increase in visits to our tourism website,” he said. “People love Louisiana, and that float did a lot to tell the story to potential tourists.”
Bergeron put together the expo to provide information for anyone who has a connection, or interest, in the TV or film industry.
“Whether you’re a film industry professional, offer supporting services or you’re curious about the many opportunities available, we had something to pique your interest at the expo,” she said.
“Louisiana remains one of the top filming destinations in the United States and the economic impact provides tremendous benefits to communities statewide,” she added.
Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and Parish President Mike Cooper were also in attendance to offer their support for the day which was full of interesting information, as well as opportunities for those with businesses connected to the industry.
“We continue to promote Louisiana for this industry, not just for the big businesses, but also because it helps the mom and pop, local businesses, when a company comes here to film,” Nungesser said.
Greg Barnhill, a Slidell native who went off to Nashville to find his success as a singer/songwriter, was a key addition to the lineup as he has begun working through the Ozone Songwriters Foundation to build the industry on the North Shore. He performed during the two-day event, then also headed the Friday night event at the Wine Garden where he, along with Ocie Crowe and Claire Kellar, put on a fabulous night of music.
Barnhill said he is using the Ozone Songwriters Foundation and the annual Ozone Songwriters Festival as the vehicle to enhance opportunities for artists from this area.
“I had to move to Nashville to find my opportunities in the business, but we want to build those opportunities right here on the North Shore so others don’t have to leave like I did,” he said.
Barnhill noted the increased opportunities for musicians and artists these days with more avenues to perform or utilize their talents through the many Social Media outlets.
“There is so much opportunity on YouTube and other Social Media platforms,” he said. “The Ozone Foundation is working on opening those doors for locals.”
Donna O’Daniels, president and CEO for the St. Tammany Film Commission, said that in 2022 the parish hosted 32 productions, including 11 feature films, eight TV shows, four commercials, four documentary series, two reality TV series, one still shoot and two student films.
“More productions mean more visitors to the area, which helps us market and promote St. Tammany Parish as a highly desirable destination,” she said. “We are constantly committed to attracting more productions to the area.”