Viola Davis, a multiple award-winning actress, is set to begin filming the thriller Ally Clark in Baton Rouge starting April 1, according to the Film & Television Industry Alliance. The film centers around Davis’s character, Investigator Ally Clark, who uncovers a global conspiracy following a friend’s mysterious death.
Plot and Filming Locations Highlighted
The story spans various locations including Washington, D.C., the Louisiana bayous, and Alaska’s frozen peaks, tracing Ally Clark’s efforts to unveil the truth. This diverse setting aims to deliver a compelling narrative grounded in suspense and intrigue.
Louisiana’s Film Industry Faces Challenges Amid Strikes and Pandemic
Louisiana’s film production sector, once thriving and known as “Hollywood South,” has experienced a decline due to nationwide actors’ and writers’ strikes and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrick Mulhearn, president and owner of Mulhearn & Associates and CEO of Irrevocable Designee LLC, noted the rarity of large productions in Louisiana in recent years.
Productions of this size were common in Louisiana prior to 2015, but they have grown few and far between nationally in 2026,
Mulhearn said.
Local Industry Collaboration Promises Economic Benefits
Mulhearn praised local industry groups, highlighting their ongoing partnerships with Amazon, which is involved in the MGM-backed project. He emphasized the positive impact this collaboration will have on Baton Rouge’s economy and job market.
Film Baton Rouge, Celtic, LED and our local industry deserve credit for developing and maintaining relationships with our good friends at Amazon. The result is going to be a ton of added commerce and employment for the capital city,
Mulhearn stated.
Key Production Team and Previous Louisiana Connections
The film’s team includes director Phillip Noyce and writers Irwin Winkler and Jose Ruisanchez, with producers David Winkler, Charlies Winkler, Julius Tennon, and Melainie Clark also attached. Viola Davis is no stranger to Louisiana sets, having worked on films such as Troop Zero (2019) and Beautiful Creatures (2013) within the state.
Baton Rouge Film Commission Executive Director Katie Pryor was unavailable for comment due to travel commitments.
