The Story of Louise
In 1833, a girl named Louise was sold for $500 in St. James Parish. Twenty years later she won one of the most extraordinary legal battles in Louisiana history.
Support independent documentary
Help finish the films.
LS3 Studios is a one-person independent studio. Every contribution goes toward bringing three stories, held for too long in archives and family memory, to the screen.
- The Story of Louise
Leading to Glory
The Power of One
What you're supporting
Three films in production
Choose the story that speaks to you. Each contribution is directed to the film you select.
Leading to Glory
Five Louisiana men who volunteered with the Louisiana Native Guard to fight for the freedom they sought and cherished.
The Power of One
Yvonne Busch set aside a promising jazz career to teach, and shaped thousands of New Orleans music students over 32 years.
Where your support goes
From the archive to the screen
Independent documentaries are built step by step. Your contribution helps cover the work that turns primary sources into a finished film.
- 01
Archival research
Courthouse records, successions, military files and newspapers, found, copied and verified.
- 02
Image and footage rights
Licensing historical photographs, maps and archival footage so they can appear on screen.
- 03
Post-production
Editing, narration, music, sound mixing and color, finished to broadcast standards.
- 04
Festivals and screenings
Submission fees, captions and screening copies that bring the films to audiences.
Other ways to help
Not ready to give? You can still help.
Read the book
The Story of Louise: From $500 to Priceless, the companion to the film.
Get the book →Bring the course to your church
Help your congregation preserve its own sacred stories.
See the course →Host a talk or screening
Invite Leonard Smith III to your society, school or library.
Get in touch →Follow and share
Get production updates and pass the films along to someone who'd care.
Follow the films →Questions
Before you give
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
LS3 Studios LLC is an independent production company, not a nonprofit, so contributions made here are not tax-deductible charitable donations.
Can I choose which film I support?
Yes. Select a film in step 1 and your contribution is directed to it. Choose “Where it’s needed most” to let LS3 Studios direct it where it will help most.
Will I receive a receipt?
Yes. A receipt is sent to the email address you provide as soon as your contribution goes through.
Can my organization sponsor a film?
We welcome conversations with historical societies, churches, foundations and businesses. Contact us to talk about sponsorship.
Have a story of your own?
Let's preserve your legacy, too.
Families, churches and institutions trust LS3 Studios to turn their history into award-winning documentaries.