Producer to receive inaugural Big Chief Award at this year’s festival, which runs Oct 3-6.

Louisiana Film Prize executive director Gregory Kallenberg has announced that Avi Lerner is to receive its inaugural Big Chief Award.

The award honours an industry professional who has supported filmmaking in Louisiana. Lerner is co-owner of Shreveport’s Millennium Studios with many of Lerner’s films, such as The Iceman, The Expendables and Olympus Has Fallen, shooting in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

“Through his creativity, acumen and tenacity, Mr. Lerner has helped transform Louisiana into Hollywood South,” commented Kallenberg.

“He has turned on a beacon in our state and the film industry has followed that beacon. We want to thank him for his efforts and his energy and are really excited about making him our honorary Big Chief 2013. Viva La Film Prize!”

The name of the award derives from the leader of the Mardi Gras Indians, who is the man responsible for choosing the parade route and for guiding his followers through the celebration.

This year’s Louisiana Film Prize runs Oct 3-6 in Shreveport, Louisiana. For further information, visit the festival’s website.

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