Caddo Parish committee backs recommendation to fund film office, MLK choir event

The Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee on a recommendation vote moved forward two tourism-related funding requests from Visit Shreveport-Bossier, advancing a $25,000 request to support the Shreveport-Bossier Film Commission and a $15,000 request for an MLK celebration choir competition.

Stacy, a Visit Shreveport-Bossier representative, told the committee the film office has been reactivated this year and is building a locations, crew and vendor database to attract productions. “We brought Wade Marshall on board with us,” she said, and the office is preparing to add the ReelScout platform to give producers direct access to local locations and workers. Stacy said the office is also pursuing accreditation and outreach: “Wade has been building the database to make sure that we are having a good strong database of people who work in the film industry,” she said.

Visit Shreveport-Bossier provided a Simpleview-derived figure it characterized as direct business spending from local productions this year: “The business impact is $2,359,768,” Stacy said, and staff reported roughly 2,000 room nights traced to film production. Wade, who leads production outreach, told commissioners Louisiana still offers a substantial film tax credit program and that the commission is working to court both independent and larger studio projects.

Commissioners pressed staff for economic-impact analysis. Commissioner John Atkins moved approval of the $25,000 request contingent on an economic-impact study; after procedural discussion the committee instead framed its recommendation as introducing an ordinance to amend the 2026 budget in January. The clerk restated the committee’s final recommendation and recorded that the motion carried (committee announcement: “motion carries with 6 in support, 2 absent”). The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the full governing body for final action.

On the MLK choir competition, Stacy asked for $15,000 to fund prize money and incentives for a preliminary round on Jan. 16 at First Methodist Church and a finale on Jan. 17 at The Strand, inviting choirs from roughly a 200–300 mile radius. Commissioners asked about selection criteria and whether an economic-impact study supported that request; Stacy said applications cost $50, the organizers plan to invite church, college and high‑school choirs, and Visit Shreveport-Bossier would provide required documentation if funded.

Commissioner Atkins moved to include an ordinance in January 2026 to address the $15,000 request; debate followed about whether to amend the budget at a Dec. 2 special meeting or introduce an ordinance in January. Staff clarified that the committee can recommend funds and the full body may amend during budget adoption or the committee can reintroduce the request in January if a December amendment fails. A roll call on the committee’s recommendation was recorded as carrying with five in support and one in opposition (Commissioner Atkins voted no on that specific roll call). The committee asked that Visit Shreveport-Bossier provide quarterly updates; Stacy agreed to submit quarterly reports and supporting documentation to administration for distribution to commissioners.

Next steps: both recommendations will go to the full governing body for disposition as budget amendments or ordinances in the 2026 budget process. Visit Shreveport-Bossier will supply additional economic and logistical documentation to commissioners as requested.