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North Louisiana is becoming a national center for digital media and digital technology. CERT, the Consortium for Education, Research, and Technology of North Louisiana, is leading this effort. CERT represents all of the 11 institutions of higher learning, plus its founding nonprofit, in promoting digital media. CERT’s Board of Directors is comprised of the Presidents/Chancellors of these institutions. CERT members include: - Bossier Parish Community College
- Centenary College of Louisiana
- Grambling State University
- Louisiana Delta Community College
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport
- Louisiana State University in Shreveport
- Louisiana Tech University Louisiana Technical College
- Northwestern State University
- Southern University at Shreveport
- The University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana (founder)
These institutions together rival any major university….and that can mean real advantages for your digital media or digital technology business. In addition, the region has worked hard to build a robust digital media infrastructure. Consider the following facts: - The State of Louisiana has allocated $15 million for construction of a Center for Creative Digital Media (CCDM), under the Foundation for Arts, Music, and Entertainment. CCDM will be a multipurpose facility designed to be the epicenter of the regional digital media industry. CCDM will house a digital media company incubator, promote cosponsored research by CERT institutions, and through the adjoining Southern American Music Museum, “live-test” new digital concepts.
- The U. S. Airforce Provisional Cyber Command, recently established here, will conduct research on the leading edge of digital technology and is expected to bring as many as 10,000 new knowledge workers into the region. USAF Cyber Command will be a major source of new innovations in digital technology, and the $100 million private nonprofit Cyber Innovation Center will be the catalyst for classification and commercialization of non-security discoveries.
- The region’s film industry, dubbed “Hollywood South,” has become one of the leading producers of movies in the United States, ranking third in production volume nationally by VARIETY magazine. From September 2005 to December 2006, North Louisiana hosted over $340 million in film production, and many insiders predict that 2008 will see over $500 million spent on film. The State of Louisiana has dedicated $2,000,000 to develop training in digital media and special effects, and Centenary College is home to renown animator Bill Joyce’s studio.
- Last but certainly not least, tremendous tax incentives geared exclusively for this industry are available. Transferable (salable) tax credits for up to 35% of capital investment are available. In addition, 35% transferable tax credits are available for production expenses. That’s right---if your production budget is $100,000, you will receive $35,000 in tax credits that can be sold for up to 85% of face value. That’s money in your pocket for being in one of the most active places for digital media and related technology in the nation.
For anyone involved in digital media, digital technology, or related industries, North Louisiana is worth considering. CERT has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help digital media companies take full advantage of all this region has to offer. From help with facility location, to facilitating incentive programs to maximize their value, to serving as a liaison and intermediary with universities and other support organizations, CERT can help. Call today at (318) 676-5777 or e-mail info@certla.org. Come see why the climate isn’t the hottest thing we have to offer…when it comes to digital media, North Louisiana is SMOKIN’!! |
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