50 Cent’s G-Unit studios expected to bring jobs, positive economic growth to Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – Big things are on the horizon for Shreveport!

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was in the city on Thursday, April 18 to celebrate the launch of G-Unit Studios.

“Bringing G-Unit Studios to Shreveport is more than just a business decision. It’s a commitment to foster talent, to create opportunities and to invest in the community itself to build what I would need to be able execute what I’ve got going with G-Unit Studios. It’s going to create a lot of jobs,” Jackson said at the press conference yesterday.

From the film industry to businesses, people are feeling optimistic that this will bring jobs and boost the economy. Wade Marshall, who used to run Millennium Studios, tells KSLA he thinks this transformation is something that’s very doable.

“This is going to be something that’s going to change the landscape of Shreveport into an entertainment mecca [which] is really what they want it to end up being,” Marshall said. “We’re headed that way with all the plans and things that they’re offering.”

Billy Anderson, a board member with the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, says this is a great thing happening and can be inspiring for business owners.

“50 Cent has different operations. He has music, he has television, so there’s going to be a wide range of opportunities for folks to apply for those jobs,” he said.

Beyond G-Unit studios, Jackson has expressed his interests in investing in Shreveport’s nightlife.

“I think he’s very interested in the downtown area. And I think some of his ideas are transformative for downtown, so I look forward to working with him on some of those ideas and seeing what it is that the city can do to bring his ideas about,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said.

Marshall thinks Shreveport could become a tourist destination.

“The city is 100% behind all of this expansion. I feel like we’re headed toward a new Shreveport that we’ve never seen before,” Marshall said.

Chris Lyon, a Shreveport filmmaker, says the city has a long history of being an entertainment hub.

“What’s really great is always seeing someone else believe in us and want to invest in this community. But so much of that talent, everything that makes that a success, is already here.”

Lyon says this is special to him as a filmmaker, and he couldn’t be more excited about what’s happening in Shreveport. He recommends that those who are interested in getting into the film industry should start preparing to meet film industry standards.

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