07/27/2011
Gov. Jindal Breaks Ground on Louisiana Digital Media Center at LSU - Home to Electronic Arts' North American Test Center

BATON ROUGE, La. - Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal joined Electronic Arts Inc. Head of Worldwide Quality Assurance Mike Robinson, LSU Chancellor Michael V. Martin and Mayor-President Kip Holden to break ground on the 94,000-square-foot Louisiana Digital Media Center that eventually will be home to 600 video game development workers and LSU's Center for Computation & Technology.

Gov. Jindal said, "We are proud to make Louisiana the permanent home of EA's North American Test Center as part of LSU's Digital Media Center. We are quickly becoming a major player in the digital media industry, which is creating more high-paying and high-tech jobs for our people so they don't have to leave the state to pursue the career of their dreams. We continue to make major investments in higher education - at LSU and across our state - so we become the best place in the world for businesses to grow and succeed."

The $29.3 million project will result in a three-story structure on LSU's main campus. LSU's Center for Computation & Technology, marking its 10th anniversary this month, had long sought a contemporary, permanent home for its programs that drive academic and business research with high-performance computing. The state also sought a permanent home for the EA North American Test Center, which has been located on LSU's South Campus since 2008 with nearly 400 workers, half of which are full-time employees. Both of these goals will be realized at the Louisiana Digital Media Center when it opens in 2012 on LSU's main campus. The Jindal administration has contributed $26.3 million to complete the new center.

"This is a remarkable event for LSU and the State of Louisiana. EA is happy to be a part of the new Louisiana Digital Media Center at LSU," said Craig Hagen, senior director of government affairs at Electronic Arts Inc. "This groundbreaking is another example of how Louisiana continues its march towards establishing itself as an emerging tech hub in this exciting and growing industry."

The Louisiana Digital Media Center is funded by state capital outlay dollars and Louisiana Economic Development funds. The U.S. Economic Development Administration also contributed a $3 million grant for development of the center. EA will be the major private-sector tenant with 30,000 square feet, and LSU's Center for Computation & Technology will be the major university tenant, with 50,000 square feet. The Louisiana Digital Media Center also will include instructional space with cutting-edge audio/visual capabilities that will support LSU's academic research efforts related to digital media and software development. The building will be located between the John M. Parker Coliseum and the Louisiana Emerging Technology Center on the southeast corner of LSU's campus.

"EA and LSU have opened a new avenue as we continue to forge ahead in the world of digital media," Holden said. "Teamwork put Baton Rouge in the center of a global partnership. It shows people pulling together can make a difference in the quality of life for all."

"Digital media and software development will be one of Louisiana's top growth industries for the next two decades and possibly beyond," said LED Secretary Stephen Moret. "The future growth of this industry in Louisiana will depend to a great extent on the ability of our higher education institutions to produce the specialized talent that this industry requires. The Louisiana Digital Media Center will help accomplish that goal, as will other partnerships between higher education and LED that we are beginning to cultivate this year."

In addition to housing EA and LSU's Center for Computation & Technology, the facility will be home to the new AVATAR initiative at LSU. AVATAR - Arts, Visualization, Advanced Technologies and Research - unites faculty from many disciplines and enables students to conduct research and to complete projects in virtual environments, digital art, electro-acoustic music, animation, video game design, scientific visualization and more.

"This shows that LSU can be a key player in the state's economic development future," said Martin. "We are breaking ground on a new facility and on a strong partnership that supports our academic mission. This public-private partnership allows students to couple their studies with experience from the world's leader and will allow our faculty to interact with leaders from the private sector."

Gov. Jindal has worked closely with EA since taking office, originally announcing the NATC with local partners in August 2008. EA's presence in Louisiana represents one of Louisiana's most significant digital media industry wins to date, and has enabled LED to gain access to leading digital media and software companies around the world. EA committed to assist Louisiana FastStart™ and LSU in their curriculum development efforts, as well as to assist LED in the cultivation of a vibrant video-game development industry in Louisiana.

EA is among dozens of applicants that have taken advantage of Louisiana's Digital Interactive Media & Software Tax Credit.

"The Louisiana Digital Media Center takes EA and Baton Rouge's digital media sector to a whole new level," said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. "The cross-pollination of ideas between academic research experts and the world's leading game development company has the potential to fuel digital media innovation in exciting and unanticipated ways. This facility and the resources utilized for its creation will be a national model in public-private partnerships in higher education."

The Louisiana Internet Software & Technology Association (LISTA) was created in 2008 with one important goal in mind: help transform Louisiana into the Digital Interactive Media capitol. In order to accomplish that, LISTA seeks to promote a more friendly business environment in Louisiana and encourages digital software companies to do business in Louisiana. LISTA is a trade association primarily made up of companies engaged in the development of software, web plaforms, web applications and mobile applications as well as video games. They are dedicated to creating a more business friendly environment for companies engaged in the design and development of digital interactive media projects.

LISTA's point of contact for LDGI is Erich Rapp.  Erich Rapp is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of the Kean Miller Law Firm.  He joined the firm in 1987 and practices in the areas of state and local taxation, public policy and government affairs, state and local business incentives and commercial litigation with an emphasis on internet, software and technology issues, asbestos litigation and toxic tort litigation.

Erich is a founder of the Louisiana Internet Software and Technology Association ("LISTA"), a trade association providing public policy and government affairs assistance and also assistance with state and local business incentives to member companies. The official LISTA blog, also published by Erich, can be found here:  www.listainc.org

Louisiana Digital Gaming Initiative (LDGI) is sending a team to spread the word of Louisiana's incentives, benefits and operations. We still have availabilities to meet, however our time slots are being taken up fast! Please schedule a meeting with us by contacting our team leader at jeff@ldgi.biz or 225.202.4485.

US Director of Colleges for the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), Dr. Chris Erhardt, was on Digital Gumbo June 2nd, 2011. AIE is informing everyone about their new programs in Lafayette, Louisiana, and working with the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. AIE is enrolling for the fall semester please contact Dr. Erhardt,and we thank Dr. Erhardt and also AIE their supporting LDGI since we first started the organization.

Project Speed aka BitRaider was a project that took three years to happen! We are proud to announce with the partnership of our members Louisiana Technology Park and Baton Rouge Area Chambers that we landed our first project! Please read the article below:

Digital media company delivers Netflix-style streaming for video games

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal, East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and BitRaider MMO LLC CEO Royal O'Brien announced BitRaider will relocate from Jacksonville, Fla., to the Louisiana Technology Park in Baton Rouge. BitRaider will create 22 direct jobs at the tech park, with average annual wages of $51,000, plus benefits. LED estimates BitRaider will generate another 35 indirect jobs in the regional economy, for a total of 57 new jobs. Also, the company will invest approximately $450,000 to equip its space in the technology park. Gov. Jindal also gave an update on Electronic Arts Inc., or EA, which plans to expand employment in Louisiana.

Gov. Jindal said, "This is yet another example of emerging companies in digital media who see the attractiveness of Louisiana's support for this sector and use local assets such as the Louisiana Technology Park to expand digital software development. The high-paying jobs that accompany these innovative digital ventures also mean more opportunities for our children to find high-paying careers right here in Louisiana."

To support its work, BitRaider is expected to make use of Louisiana's digital media tax credit program. Prior to 2009, BitRaider would not have been eligible for the digital media tax credits, but changes in state law that year clarified that software companies, as well as video game development firms, may qualify for the incentive. BitRaider also will work with LED's Louisiana FastStart™ program to obtain hiring and training assistance, so that it may begin operating in the technology park this summer. Company officials plan to apply for Louisiana's Research and Development Tax Credit as well.

BitRaider's patented technology allows customers to begin playing online video games within minutes with multiple players while other parts of the game download in the background. The expedited download can save game players hours and helps game developers attract and retain more users. The company describes its technology as Netflix-style streaming for video games.

Holden said, "The relocation of BitRaider to East Baton Rouge is a huge win for our region. We believe the status BitRaider holds in the digital media industry will be a catalyst for Baton Rouge. I have been very committed to the expansion of digital interactive media in our area and this addition further proves that our dedication to expanding the digital media industry can bring great things to Baton Rouge."

O'Brien said, "It was a combination of the tax incentives and strong economic development programs, as well as the people and community we discovered here that persuaded us to relocate our fast-growth startup to Baton Rouge."

Besides Florida and other states, BitRaider considered a move to Canada, where digital media tax credits are available, but the company found a more complete package in Baton Rouge.

Adam Knapp, BRAC president and CEO said, "BitRaider's decision validates the fact that the Baton Rouge area is a leading location nationally for the digital media sector. The unique offerings of companies like BitRaider and Firebrand Games, to go along with EA, Nerjyzed and Yatec Games, provide legitimacy to our region's position in the interactive media world."

At the press conference, Gov. Jindal also gave an update on EA. EA plans to significantly expand employment at its North American Test Center, or NATC, following a relocation of the NATC from its existing site on LSU's South Campus to the new Digital Media Facility on LSU's main campus. EA is close to maximum employment capacity at its current LSU South Campus location. Once EA shifts operations to the new Digital Media Facility sometime in 2012, employment is expected to quickly increase from approximately 400 jobs to more than 600 positions, including on-site contractors. Originally in 2008 the NATC was anticipated to create 20 full-time jobs and 200 part-time jobs. Already the direct employment at the facility has increased to about 200 full-time positions, including direct EA positions and full-time contractor positions and 200 part-time positions.

About BitRaider
BitRaider is a technology licensing company founded in 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. BitRaider's digital distribution delivery system allows the end-consumer to begin playing a game with only a fraction of the game delivered and to continue playing the game while the download continues. In the coming months, BitRaider's proprietary technology will be licensed to two different MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) publishers. For more information, visit www.bitraider.com.

Gameloft now hiring in New Orleans
To see the original article, please visit this link:
http://www.mary-margaret.com/playing-for-a-living/build-your-career-or-your-business-in-new-orleans/

If you are looking for the next best step in your career, go to www.JobsinNOLA.com, fill out a brief questionnaire and upload your resume and portfolio to let them know you are interested. Student applications are welcome. Regardless of your level of experience the opportunity will come with training from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

Gameloft is the primary company currently hiring for positions in New Orleans, but there will be many more companies to come in the near future.

Through Gameloft, qualified candidates will link up with imaginative design teams to create hot new game titles, covering a wide range of genres from hardcore action to casual simulation. Previous hit games developed for the iPhone include Oregon Trail, Hero of Sparta, NOVA, Avatar, Dungeon Hunter, NFL 2010, Real Soccer 2010, New York Nights, Assassin’s Creed, Terminator Salvation,Asphalt 5, Let’s Golf, Gangstar 1 & 2-- just a few of the 250 games that Gameloft has created since its inception. They are looking for candidates who are on top of their game, love video games inside & out and are motivated and passionate about their field.

We know that you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, so pass it along and make sure to beat the deadline! Go to http://www.jobsinnola.com/ 

Dax Allen joins the LDGI family as Louisiana Digital Gaming Initiative's new Director of Business Development.

Dax S. Allen is the creator, CEO/President of 4-Show.biz. 4-Show.biz is a cutting edge web services application tool and resource specifically designed to assist, generate awareness, create opportunities and improve communication between all fields related to the Entertainment Industry. Dax has 12 years of management, operations and business development experience in multiple industries including, Financial, Construction, International Trade, Web Development, Graphic Design, Insurance, Importing, Publishing, Casting, Film Production, Digital Media and Economic Development.

Dax is the creator of a feature animated film trilogy, LOST LITTLE ONE. The first of the LOST LITTLE ONE series is Adventures In Ice-Land which is being considered by several major animation studios. He has also served as a liason between Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX and Louisiana for the Gaming and Animation Industries.

Dax is currently the Director of Film & Digital Media for the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. He serves as the Finance Director for the Acadiana Film Festival, a leader in the community for the Lafayette Entertainment Initiative and now Director of Business Development for Louisiana’s Digital Gaming Initiative.