NEW ORLEANS — Film New Orleans today announced that New Orleans has earned its place as one of the nation’s premier destinations for filmmakers, ranking No. 6 on MovieMaker Magazine’s 2025 list of Best Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.
MovieMaker Magazine is the world’s best-selling independent film publication dedicated to “The Art and Business of Making Movies.” Its annual “Best Places to Live and Work” list is a trusted guide for filmmakers seeking cities that offer the essential tools, resources, and community needed to thrive creatively and professionally. The list is compiled through surveys, production spending data, tax incentives, and additional research, with personal visits made whenever possible.
“Filming your project in New Orleans inevitably adds depth and character to your story: It’s one of America’s most compelling, captivating and historic cities, with a uniquely complex mix of cultures and boundless character,” writes MovieMaker. “Recent local projects include the Mayfair Witches and the upcoming sequels to Spinal Tap and Five Nights at Freddy’s. The rich film scene includes the New Orleans Film Festival, one of our 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, as well as the highly respected genre-focused Overlook Film Festival.”
Each year, the list features cities of all regions and sizes, and New Orleans has consistently ranked among the best. In 2023, MovieMaker adjusted its criteria, capping the Smaller Cities and Towns list at populations of 200,000 or less. As a result, New Orleans moved to the Big Cities category, securing the No. 3 spot for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), after topping the Smaller Cities and Towns list in 2021 and 2022. The city’s inclusion in the top 10 for 2025 underscores its prominence as a major film production hub, further bolstered by Louisiana’s Motion Picture Production Tax Credit Program, which offers up to 40 percent in transferable credits.
“We are thrilled to see New Orleans once again recognized as a top city for moviemakers,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “The film industry plays a key role in our City’s economic growth, supporting a local workforce of 12,000 jobs, thanks largely to workforce training and educational programs that provide a pathway to employment in the industry.”
New Orleans robust infrastructure and cultural appeal—from the distinctive architecture to the vibrant music and arts scene—continue to attract high-profile projects, generating $4 billion in economic impact over the last six years. Recent notable productions include Nickel Boys, based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which was filmed in New Orleans and other parts of South Louisiana. The critically acclaimed film closed out the 35th New Orleans Film Festival in October and recently earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Additionally, Carry-On, filmed in the old South Terminal at Louis Armstrong International Airport, became one of Netflix’s top three highest-performing English-language films, amassing 160.1 million views since its December premiere.
“In 2024, major film, television, and commercial projects contributed a total of $342 million in local spending. But New Orleans isn’t just a top filming location—it’s an unparalleled hub for creativity and innovation in the film industry,” said Brittany Chandler, Director of Film New Orleans. “We take pride in supporting a thriving community where all moviemakers—from skilled crew members to independent filmmakers—can work, collaborate, and bring their visions to life.”
The 2025 Best Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker list appears in the Winter 2025 issue of MovieMaker Magazine. The full list is available here.
About Film New Orleans
Film New Orleans is the official film office of the City of New Orleans, dedicated to supporting the city’s thriving film and television industry by attracting investment in film infrastructure, facilitating permit intake and processing, and promoting the city as a premier destination for productions. The Film Office works as a liaison for all production needs, from managing initial requests and location filming to city services and logistical support. For more information, visit filmneworleans.org.
###