Percussion show begins Black History Month P 9
SGA passes bills to raise student fees P 2
Chinese students ring in new year P 7
THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE
VOLUME 85 ISSUE 15
www.ulmhawkeyeonline.com
January 30, 2012
Tennis looks to start strong P 12 photomontage by Srdjan Marjanovic
Monroe region looks to capitalize on state’s thriving film industry by Cole Avery
YMCA reopens natatorium P 3
Monroe native Rodney Ray decided he wanted to make movies. From pre-production, filming and all the way down to final editing, Ray wanted to do it all. But for Ray, realizing his dreams of making movie magic didn’t mean he had to chase them to Southern California. “I’m committed to showcasing the talent and the beauty of our community through film,” Ray said. “I intend to always be based in Monroe.” Ray is not the only one who’s decided to make movies in Louisiana. His film company, R-Squared Productions,
is just one of many that have opened in Louisiana, which has been named by film insiders as the best place in the nation to make movies and has affectionately received the title “Hollywood South.” In 2002, Louisiana began offering tax incentives to moviemakers who come to make their films in the state. Ironically, Hurricane Katrina brought even more business to the Bayou State as Hollywood wanted to send money and support to devastated New Orleans. Louisiana offers many incentives that make filming in the state attractive to people in the
film industry. Louisiana is a right to work state, which means producers can pay less than the union standard. Producers also get a five percent tax credit for using locals. Practical aspects such as long periods of warm, sunny weather and picturesque landscapes also make the state an ideal location for movies. While most of the state’s film industry is focused New Orleans, many in North Louisiana are ready to get in on the action. “When you talk about Northeast Louisiana, we’re way behind the curve, but these other
See MOVIES, p 6