Composer hopes to soon break ground on movie studios, entertainment complex at Bayou Phoenix

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A chance for economic growth is rising in New Orleans East as a long-time composer with local roots plans to break ground on new film studios at the old Six Flags site, now Bayou Phoenix.

Demolition of parts of the park has been ongoing recently, with Elvin Ross planning to break ground on what will become “e.ross studios JAZZLAND” early next year.

The studios, he said, will contain 227 acres, six sounds stages, set storage, support space and a backlot of infrastructure.

Along with film production, Ross’ vision of “e.ross studios” also includes an entertainment complex open to the public, consisting of an amphitheater and a repurposed “Main Street” which will house restaurants, cafes, various storefronts and incubator spaces.

“We’re so fortunate that Bayou Phoenix has given us this opportunity,” Ross said. “We don’t want to just rip out everything. We want to keep some of the remains so that folks can still remember this place as it was.”

A variety of old park fixtures will remain or become refashioned, Ross said.

“I want this place to be a place for entertainment. Open to the public,” he said of the entertainment space, noting the film studio portion of the project will be used to attract Hollywood film production.

“What we’re doing is saying, hey, the property at large gives you so many different opportunities to shoot your big, blockbuster films. We’re saying, come to New Orleans, we have many different facilities to assist you.”

In order to foster the local talent pool, Ross said he will be offering the first round of classes on writing, photography, acting and similar aspects of film work from November 11-22 for students and adults at Dillard University.

“Think of all the talent that leaves here to go somewhere else to be noticed,” Ross said. “What if they can be noticed right in their hometown?”

Ross said, as the first tenants in Bayou Phoenix, he is excited for his company to create positive economic momentum in New Orleans East.

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