Chris Stelly
Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment
About Speaker
A native Louisianan, Chris joined Louisiana Economic Development’s entertainment office in 2004. Under Stelly’s tenure and direction, Louisiana quickly became one of the top film production destination. Due to the trailblazing incentive program, Louisiana experienced exponential growth and the state became a powerhouse in the film industry. As Executive Director of Louisiana Entertainment, a division of Louisiana Economic Development, Stelly currently leads a team of 7 business development and entertainment industry professionals promoting Louisiana as a holistic place to do business. Overseeing four unique statutory programs – motion picture, sound recording, live performance and digital interactive media & software development, Stelly is committed to educating community leaders and citizens about entertainment development opportunities. He also is committed to working closely with industry allies and economic development partners throughout the state to attract and nurture entertainment businesses. “I am very proud of the work our office has done. We have poured the foundation for these industries to become major economic forces in Louisiana. Over the past few years, Louisiana has seen increased growth in all of these sectors and now boasts an industry which impacts the economy at over $1 billion a year. The excitement of the ever-evolving nature of this business drives me to work even harder to ensure the success and longevity of the entertainment industry in Louisiana,” says Chris, adding, “To compete in today’s ever-changing world, you have to be innovative and on the cutting edge. Through my work here in the entertainment sector, I feel like I’m doing my small part to ensure that Louisiana becomes a major leader in the industry, not only within the United States, but around the world. Louisiana is poised to become an entertainment industry engine for years to come.” Stelly is a resident of Baton Rouge and shares his home with his wife Lindsey, & three children, Alexander, Isabella and Sophia.