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Digital Domain Gains Instant Karma By Helping Louisiana-Based Studio

With lucrative state tax incentives in play, Digital Domains long-in-the-works project INSTANT KARMA is aptly named. The Louisiana Capital Area Economic Development Allies (LaCAEDA) announced that Emerald Bayou Studios has played a critical role in obtaining state certification for the feature film. This partnership was announced during a press conference at AFM.

"Louisiana plays a major role in INSTANT KARMA," said Scott Ross, founder/ceo of Digital Domain. "We originally intended for this film to be shot in the state of Louisiana, and we are very excited about working with Emerald Bayou Studios." Owned by veteran industry professionals Linda Thurman (United Artists) and Marquetta Cheeks (Warner Bros.), Emerald Bayou Studios is developing a 40,000 square foot soundstage in Pointe Coupee Parish with input from Digital Domain.

This opportunity will not only help to rebuild our state, but show that when given a chance to help strengthen our economy, we will rise to the occasion, said Karen St. Germain, Louisiana State Representative.

Written by SKY HIGH director Paul Hernandez, the story begins with a petty thief meeting an unfortunate fate and is reincarnated as an insect. He must climb the karmic ladder by performing a series of good deeds no easy feat when youre a fly, then a cockroach, crawfish, frog, raccoon and dog. The writing team of Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot (SHREK, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN trilogy, ALADDIN) are co-producing with Ross.

It is no secret that the states generous tax incentives have jump-started the film industry; however, Louisiana is in need of facilities, training programs and production. The Louisiana Capital Area is focused on resolving these things. The initial stages of training programs to build a production crew base should be in place by the end of the year, said Larry Thomas, chairman of the Louisiana Capital Area film commission.

An 11-acre site has been selected for the construction of the Louisiana Film Center backlot in East Feliciana Parish that will represent the French Quarter, small town America and other popular filming locales required by many productions including INSTANT KARMA. Various sites within the capital area parishes have been targeted for additional production services.

Louisiana Capital Area, a regional economic development group, is comprised of the nine capital area parishes including: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana. As part of the economic development mission Louisiana Capital Area is committed to expanding film production through its nine parishes. For more information, visit www.lacapfilm.com.

Digital Domain (www.digitaldomain.com) is one of the largest full-service digital production studios in the motion picture and advertising industries and has established a world-class reputation for technological innovation and artistry.

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Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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