Gov. Edwards, CBS Studios Executive Jerry Brandt to Highlight Louisiana Entertainment Summit

BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. John Bel Edwards and CBS Studios executive Jerry Brandt will be the featured speakers at the inaugural Louisiana Entertainment Summit later this month. Gov. Edwards will deliver the lunchtime keynote address at the March 27 summit. Brandt, senior vice president of finance for CBS Studios, will provide a film industry overview and offer insights into the studio decision-making process in a featured morning session.

In 2017, Gov. Edwards signed into law a series of enhancements to the state’s entertainment incentive program that have helped reinvigorate motion picture and scripted television production activity in Louisiana. Brandt is a member of CBS Studios’ senior management team and is responsible for the financial reporting and business administration functions of more than 80 productions worldwide.

Louisiana Economic Development is hosting the summit to engage in-state stakeholders and industry professionals about the many opportunities provided by LED’s entertainment programs. The event will take place March 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at L’Auberge Casino Hotel in Baton Rouge. Interested parties may register here, and visit the summit event site for details.

A panel discussion on Louisiana opportunities is scheduled with company representatives who are active in the state’s multifaceted entertainment industry. Panel participants will include:

  • Kerry Ganofsky, founder and CEO of the independent game development software company, High Voltage Software.
  • Scott Neimeyer, chief operating officer for Gold Circle Entertainment, a leading independent film production company, and developer of Deep South Studios.
  • Sam Voisin, regional general manager for SMG, the world’s largest entertainment and meetings public facility management company.
  • Reid Wick, senior membership and project manager for the Recording Academy.

Other featured speakers will include LED Secretary Don Pierson and Louisiana Entertainment Executive Director Chris Stelly, who oversees film, digital, music and live performance programs for LED.

The summit also will include breakout sessions with Louisiana Entertainment managers presenting film, digital, music and live performance opportunities in the state. The sessions will demonstrate the importance of the entertainment sector to Louisiana’s overall economy, with the Louisiana Film & Entertainment Association serving as the summit’s presenting sponsor.

About Louisiana Entertainment
Louisiana is one of the top destinations in the world for motion picture production; digital interactive and software development projects; live performance; and sound recording. With state-of-the-art facilities, a wealth of talent, production-friendly communities and a competitive incentive program, Louisiana is the perfect location for the entertainment industries. For more information on Louisiana’s film, digital interactive, live performance and sound recording programs, visit Louisiana Entertainment, a division of Louisiana Economic Development, at LouisianaEntertainment.gov.

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