Spring just started, but in Slidell, it looks more like a Winter Wonderland.
“It’s Christmas in March,” said Mayor Randy Fandal.
Film crews can be seen across Olde Towne Slidell filming a Netflix movie called “A Christmas Kind of Love.”
It will feature JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sweet Magnolias), Mark Wystrach (The Runarounds), and Madison Wolfe (The Hunting Wives).
The film follows a widowed baker and her daughter. The baker was once a rising country singer. The daughter’s plan is to have her mom reclaim her voice to save the town’s Christmas show.
“They came in and saw what Slidell has to offer, and they decided they had to shoot the movie right here,” said Fandal.
Angela Roques owns the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop on Cousin Street. Her ice-cream parlor has been transformed into a bakery.
“It’s really neat, I can’t wait for everyone to see the movie,” said Roques.
This is a welcome sign that the film business may be back.
From 2006 to 2016, the Metro New Orleans area was deemed Hollywood South.
Hundreds of movies, television shows, and other film productions chased state tax credits and would shoot in the area.
Stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Denzel Washington all have filmed movies here.
After state lawmakers tinkered with the tax credit, capping payouts each year, the film business slowed down.
But Slidell wants it back.
“Look what we got to offer,” said Fandal.
There is no word on when the new holiday rom-com will debut or complete production.
READ MORE:Christmas in March: Slidell transforms into Winter Wonderland for upcoming movie
