There's an encouraging article in today's USA Today about the economic impact the film industry has had on Louisiana since the state began offering tax incentives to film crews. In New Orleans alone, the article reports that "this year's productions have amounted to an estimated $100 million in direct economic impact on the city."

In a post-Katrina recovering economy, the film industry is one of the few bright rays of hope for Louisiana residents. With Michigan now offering greater film tax incentives than any state in the country, including Louisiana, I wonder what that kind of hope could mean for us - and for our state.