NEW ORLEANS – Today, Film New Orleans, a department of the City of New Orleans managing film productions, announced that the city is experiencing a boom in film and television production. As of March 2026, Film New Orleans reported $200 million spent by productions in the local economy. The total spending for all filming in 2024 was $342 million and $250 million in 2025.
“We must do all we can to capture as many economic opportunities as possible for New Orleans. That means film and TV production must continue to be a major factor,” Mayor Helena Moreno said. “The city has a local crew workforce, unique locations, five film studios and equipment companies serving the industry which sets us apart from other cities competing for film production. New Orleans welcomes film’s critical role in diversifying economic activity and elevating our local creativity and culture to the world. We have a talented Director of Film New Orleans in Carroll Morton who knows the balance of reducing barriers to filming in New Orleans while also mitigating impacts on our neighborhoods and residents.”
“The city’s success in continuing to attract major projects and independent films is impressive considering the increased competition by other cities,” said Carroll Morton, the Director of Film Orleans. “The recent Oscar-winning film, ‘Sinners’, produced and directed by Ryan Coogler, spent $90 million filming in the New Orleans region. The production chose to film here because of the city’s film, as well as the State of Louisiana’s Film Incentive Program, which remains one of the most competitive in the country.”
“After several challenging years for the industry, we’re seeing real momentum again across New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana,” said Jason Waggenspack, president of Film Louisiana and co-founder and CEO of The Ranch Studios. “Crews are getting back to work, stages are filling up and productions are choosing Louisiana because we have the infrastructure, talent and incentives that make it easy to create here. When production comes to Louisiana, it means jobs for local crews, business for vendors and economic activity throughout our communities. Simply put, film is back in New Orleans.”
“The film industry continues to do double-duty for New Orleans: driving jobs in the local creative economy, while promoting the New Orleans brand around the world. And special congratulations to Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, and the cast of Louisiana-shot ‘Sinners’ for their recent Oscar accolades,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans.
The New Orleans Film Office is a Department of the Office of Economic Development that works to attract production to the city, issues film permits, works with the City Council to ensure that our residents and businesses have great experiences when impacted by filming, and supports film workforce training programs and local film festivals. For more information about filming in the city visit www.filmneworleans.org.