Rapper, actor, television producer, and businessman Curtis Jackson, better known to audiences as 50 Cent, has launched a major film and television studio in Louisiana. The “In Da’ Club” rapper’s G-Unit Studios, which officially opened Thursday, April 17 in Shreveport, is poised to be the headquarters of the mogul’s upcoming endeavors, potentially placing the city on the map as a new hub for entertainment production while studios move farther away from New York and Los Angeles markets.
In an interview with Billboard, 50 Cent, who is the co-creator and executive producer of the hit series Power, explained his reasons for choosing Shreveport. “[This] is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to fostering talent, creating opportunities and building a community that thrives through creativity and innovation. We see Shreveport as a beacon of inspiration and creativity.” Despite setbacks caused by COVID and strikes within the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America, Louisiana Entertainment has secured a new three-year contract valued at more than one billion dollars. This agreement includes raises in minimum salaries and benefits, along with introducing new residuals for streaming programs.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux stated, “We are thrilled that G-Unit Studios will plant its roots in Shreveport.This city’s rich culture and talent provides the perfect backdrop for this endeavor. We are eager to collaborate with Mr. Jackson and G-Unit Film & Television to bring captivating movies and entertainment to Shreveport and Caddo Parish.”
G-Unit Studios will occupy the former Millennium Studios space located at 300 Douglas Street. According to the City’s website, “The lease itself will run through September 2032 with an automatic 22-year renewal. If at any point during the lease the city gets an offer to sell the studio that it can’t refuse, G-Unit will be able to exercise a right of first refusal to purchase. Until that point, G-Unit will pay the City $2400 rent per year, but will also handle all taxes, interior and exterior maintenance, and insurance in a ‘Triple Net” agreement. The City estimates that it will save an average of $160,000 per year in allowing G-Unit to handle the property’s maintenance, insurance and other costs.” The city states it has also encouraged 50 Cent’s production company to enlist local businesses and women-owned companies for its needs.
The rapper rose to fame with his record-shattering debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and has since sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Jackson founded the G-Unity Foundation in 2003 and has spent nearly two decades helping young people and communities in need thrive. He has made headlines this year for continuously taking jabs at fellow rapper and entrepreneur Sean “P Diddy” Combs who is currently facing sexual assault allegations and a federal investigation. He has also famously gone toe-to-toe via his socials with producer Randall Emmett of Vanderpump Rules infamy.
For more information and potential casting information, follow @gunitstudios on Instagram.
