The Lafayette Entertainment Initiative in partnership with the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has established the Entertainment Vendor Incentive Program with the intent of strengthening and preserving the viability of entertainment content production in Acadiana.
Entertainment Production entities eligible for the eVIP program will be supplied with an official eVIP membership card, affording them 25% off transactions of at least $125 at all participating vendors.
Becoming a preferred EVIP vendor will afford local businesses the opportunity to be an incremental part of one of the fastest growing industries in the state. With the eVIP Guide listing participating vendors, entertainment production entities will have access to the production resources they need in a manner that is timely and convenient.
By having local business participation in the program, Acadiana will be visible as an entertainment-friendly business community, fostering additional economic growth in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for an eVIP discount card?
Any entity that is pre-approved or approved for the state entertainment tax credits for film, digital media or music is eligible to receive an eVIP discount card. For more information on the Louisiana Entertainment Tax Credits, click here.
2. When can a vendor sign-up for the eVIP program?
Vendors can sign-up for the eVIP program from August 26 - September 26 on the Chamber's Web site. The same sign-up form can be used to sign-up for the production guide without eVIP participation.
3. What if I want to be included in an entertainment production guide without participating in the eVIP discount program?
Those who sign-up on the Chamber's Web site have the option of choosing not to participate in the eVIP discount program. Those vendors who opt out of eVIP will still be included in a general production guide which will be available online to entertainment production entities.
4. How will the eVIP vendor guide be made available?
The eVIP guide will be an exclusive listing of eVIP certified vendors available in print form and online after completion of the eVIP sign-up process. This exclusive guide will give entertainment production entities quick access to Acadiana's most production-friendly vendors.
5. Who will receive the eVIP vendor guide?
All entertainment production entities active in the Acadiana region as well as all participating vendors will receive print copies of the eVIP guide. Potential entertainment production entities may also receive the guide at the discretion of the Lafayette Entertainment Initiative. (Refer to question one for information about who may receive an eVIP discount card.)
6. What level of discount is offered to eVIP cardholders?
By becoming an eVIP vendor you agree to honor a 25% point-of-sale discount to all eVIP cardholders.
7. What amount does a cardholder need to spend in order to receive an eVIP discount?
An eVIP cardholder's transaction must meet or exceed $125 to receive the 25% discount at point-of-sale. Vendors may offer the discount on smaller transactions at their own discretion.
8. Does the 25% discount apply toward special services (i.e. 24 hour service availability; privacy sensitive services; or any other special services you may offer)?
Because of the nature of special services, the eVIP program does not stipulate that special services be offered at the standard discount rate of 25%, but may be discounted at vendors' discretion.
9. Define 24 hour service availability.
Twenty-four hour service availability constitutes a willingness on the part of a vendor to render services to an eVIP cardholder outside of their normal operating hours.
10. Define privacy sensitive services.
High profile individuals often require a level of privacy that may not be readily available to the general public. Offering privacy sensitive services requires a willingness to afford appropriate privacy to such high profile individuals when reasonable notice has been given to the vendor. This may require a vendor to make their place of business available exclusively to a high profile customer for a given period of time.
11. What will happen if I choose on the sign-up form to offer my business as a filming location?
If you choose to offer your business as a filming location, you will be contacted by the Lafayette Entertainment Initiative to schedule a time to view and photograph your location.
If you have additonal questions or comments regarding either the eVIP program or the entertainment production guide, please contact the Lafayette Entertainment Initiative at entertainment@lafayettela.gov.
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