BATON ROUGE — Louisiana State University’s (LSU) film and television program is undergoing significant expansion to better align with the growing demands of the entertainment industry workforce in Louisiana.

In a notable development, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has allocated a generous $200,000 grant to LSU’s program. This funding will facilitate the hiring of a full-time faculty member, allowing the university to accommodate a larger number of students and provide them with comprehensive training in traditional film techniques.

According to Jason Jamerson, a Digital Art Professor at LSU, the addition of a new teacher will enable the introduction of more specialized courses. “We’re planning to offer new classes, including advanced cinematography and film sound techniques,” Jamerson explained. “By becoming more specific in our course offerings, students will receive high-end, targeted training that prepares them for immediate employment after graduation.”

This recent grant marks the second financial boost from LED to LSU’s film program. Back in 2021, the university was awarded a substantial five-year grant of $1.25 million to establish a cutting-edge virtual production program. This initiative has already made significant strides in enhancing the skill set of students entering the film industry.

Professor Jamerson emphasized that the expansion aims to equip more students with the skills needed to thrive in Louisiana’s film industry. “Our vision is to guide students from high school through rigorous training programs, enabling them to work creatively and build successful careers within the local film industry,” he stated.

The infusion of new technology and resources has generated palpable excitement among students in LSU’s production program. Shelby Scianneaus, a current student, expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “This funding opens up a whole new horizon of opportunities and skills that we can add to our repertoire.”

With these strategic advancements and robust support from LED, LSU’s film and television program is poised to become a pivotal force in shaping the future of Louisiana’s entertainment sector.