The burgeoning Louisiana production scene, thanks to those attractive tax credits, has made it possible for Louisiana natives to practice their craft in the place they love.
Jim Gleason is a Tulane University grad who stayed in the New Orleans market for 10 years after graduation. In 1997, he made the leap of faith to the other L.A. For the first three or four years he did what every new actor does — he survived. Telephone operator was not the career he had in mind when he went to that L.A., but it allowed him to pick up a few jobs in commercials and TV. Becoming an acting/audition coach got him away from the phone bank and allowed him to pursue more opportunities. Fairly steady work in episodic TV, the odd role in a feature and starring in a low-budget film kept him at it. Still, that L.A. wasn't home.
The Louisiana scene was up and running, and he began to envy those friends who were making a living at what they loved at the place that was still home to him.
A more important lure arose at Christmas 2010 in the form of a wonderful woman. A long-distance relationship wasn't nearly enough. The move from that L.A. to this LA took a leap of faith as large as the first one. Could south Louisiana maintain the activity?
Experienced in the ways of the business, Jim got a Louisiana agent, new headshots and relocated his acting/audition workshops southwards. The first six months brought work on Treme, a two-week shoot on The Butler and a role in the new Spike Lee film.
The greatest plus has been to be home, surrounded by family and friends and able to do the work he loves. It is possible to "live the dream" and live at home.
Photo: Jim Gleason
This item was originally featured in the Spring 2013 local newsletter.
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