Scalise Applauds “Benjamin Button” for 13 Oscar Nominations

Author of Louisiana’s Film Incentive Highlights “Button’s” boost to states’ economy and post Katrina philanthropic work by Oscar nominated Brad Pitt

Friday, January 23, 2009

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today congratulated “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” for its 13 Academy Award nominations. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was filmed in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, and is the largest movie production in the history of the state. The majority of the filming for this production took place in and around the First Congressional District.

“The film industry has been a wonderful boost to southeast Louisiana’s economy, especially since Hurricane Katrina,” Scalise said. “This award winning caliber film is a validation that Louisiana is a superior place to film and produce. The film tax incentives have helped bring numerous films to Louisiana, but it’s our top-notch workforce that gives our state a competitive edge over others who try to copy our film industry’s incentive program.”

Scalise also congratulated Brad Pitt for his Best Actor nomination, and thanked him for his philanthropic work in the Greater New Orleans Region.

Scalise said, “I applaud the entire cast and crew of ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ for their outstanding work. I want to specifically congratulate Brad Pitt for his Best Actor nomination and also for the humanitarian work he’s done in southeast Louisiana. Brad Pitt’s ‘Make It Right’ foundation has helped build homes and communities for many families since Katrina. In the eyes of many of us here in southeast Louisiana, he’s already earned an Oscar for his generous work and commitment to the rebuilding of New Orleans.”

Although the original setting of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was Baltimore, MD, Paramount Pictures chose New Orleans largely because of financial incentives.

While a State Representative in the Louisiana Legislature in 2002, Congressman Scalise authored the legislation that created tax incentives for the film industry, called the Louisiana Motion Picture Incentives Act. Last year alone the industry provided more than 3,000 jobs in Louisiana and brought more than $500 million in economic impact to the state.

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Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309