Handful Of Louisiana-Filmed Series Earn Emmy Nods

The Pelican State is once again getting more recognition as a hotbed for entertainment as several Louisiana-filmed series earned Emmy nominations this year, including the leading HBO show "True Detective."

Tim Hanks, who runs security at UL Lafayette's New Iberia Research Center, played two roles in True Detective.

"I was signed on as a technical adviser and provided them with little intricate details of the Louisiana State Police," said Hanks. "I did 22 years with LSP and 15 as a detective."

Film and TV critics expect "True Detective," which was nominated for best drama series, to be an extremely strong contender in this year's Emmy awards.

Hanks says he feels people fell in love with the authenticity of the show and its Louisiana backdrop, where creator Nic Pizzolatto is from.

"He had a lot of intimate knowledge of Louisiana culture and those types of things," said Hanks. "He's also a brilliant writer."

The Emmy Awards will be presented August 25. Top Chef, which filmed some episodes in New Orleans, was nominated, as did The Big Easy-based shows "Treme" and "American Horror Story."

Hanks says he's not surprised "True Detective" is getting so much praise.

"It was well written and I think they got the best of the best with this one, even with the crew to put this together," said Hanks. "I'm sure HBO spared no expense, and I knew it would win some type of award."