Links to the above cited posts:
But then came rock
and roll. HIT or MISS along with the immensely popular national YOUR HIT
PARADE quickly declined in popularity. Names like Fats Domino, Little
Richard and Elvis Presley had taken over the pop scene. The HIT OR MISS cast
was then dissolved, but not our spirits. Some departed for either New
York or Hollywood; others (myself included) chose not to leave Baton Rouge.
When my departing
friends tried to persuade me to join them in this new quest, I simply said
"I'm going to bring it all to Louisiana." I had no idea how I
was going to achieve such an ambitious objective, but I knew that I wanted the
blood and guts of the film industry to expand into Louisiana. I was
intrigued with Hollywood's growing preoccupation with Louisiana's culture and history and felt that
this industry simply needed a little prodding.
Chapter one in my pursuit came with
a God-send. I was hired in 1957 by the Louisiana Division of Employment
Security (today's Louisiana Workforce Commission). In 1960 20th Century Fox's DESIRE IN THE DUST starring Raymond Burr, Joan Bennett and Martha Hyer was set to begin production
in the Felicianas. This production was my first "hands-on"
experience with Motion Picture production.
Chapter 2 comprised three more great opportunities for me to further my cinematographic education: 20th Century Fox's HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE , Columbia Pictures' ALVAREZ KELLY and Paramount Pictures' NEVADA SMITH .
Chapter 3 would begin my infrastructure development -- my meeting with Director Otto Preminger in 1966, then with Clint Eastwood's Malposa production entitled THE BEGUILED in 1971.
And chapter 4 would be none other than my true hero, John Wayne, who provided the icing on this cake while in production in south Louisiana on his epic Batjac production of THE UNDEFEATED The "Duke" provided the political muscle I needed to acquire the GSRI (GULF SOUTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE) funding that would allow me to embark on my Louisiana Film Development project.
Chapter 2 comprised three more great opportunities for me to further my cinematographic education: 20th Century Fox's HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE , Columbia Pictures' ALVAREZ KELLY and Paramount Pictures' NEVADA SMITH .
Chapter 3 would begin my infrastructure development -- my meeting with Director Otto Preminger in 1966, then with Clint Eastwood's Malposa production entitled THE BEGUILED in 1971.
And chapter 4 would be none other than my true hero, John Wayne, who provided the icing on this cake while in production in south Louisiana on his epic Batjac production of THE UNDEFEATED The "Duke" provided the political muscle I needed to acquire the GSRI (GULF SOUTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE) funding that would allow me to embark on my Louisiana Film Development project.
With my project now underway, I
marveled at how very receptive the movers and shakers of this industry were when
confronted with my inquiries. Never once did I have to beg for cooperation.
.In 1976 the Louisiana Film Commission was formed. I served on the commission from that date until 1984 when Gov Edwin Edwards won re-election to his 2nd term. He wasted no time in sending me a letter thanking me for my service, but de-commissioned me. He said he thought the commission needed “new” blood. I asked his daughter, Victoria, why he “fired” me from the commission to which she said: “Because you didn’t step down during Treen’s administration.” Humm! I learned a lesson in political scheming and maneuvering.
No longer a sitting commission member, I was asked by the commission members and its then chairman, Teddy Soloman (now deceased) to please attend meetings and serve as a non-voting consultant. Which I did.
No longer a sitting commission member, I was asked by the commission members and its then chairman, Teddy Soloman (now deceased) to please attend meetings and serve as a non-voting consultant. Which I did.
In spite of Edwards’ slight
against me in 1984 my contributions to
the state’s phenomenal growth in the film industry would be recognized at the second
annual Louisiana International Film Festival (LIFF) in May 2014 when I would proudly accept the
first ever ANNE PRICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Following are a few industry press
clip excerpts that will offer some insight into the project’s objectives:
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