50 Cent just finalized Louisiana’s largest entertainment development deal in decades, and the timing couldn’t be better for both parties.
G-Unit Film & Television Louisiana finalized a $124 million deal with the state on Monday (Jan. 12) to create a three-venue entertainment complex in downtown Shreveport, making Louisiana a serious competitor to Georgia and California in film production.
The deal transforms three key properties into state-of-the-art facilities: the former Stageworks site for live events and production, the former Millennium Studios campus for enhanced film capabilities, and a new domed immersive venue with green space parkland.
Gov. Jeff Landry said this project is proof that Louisiana’s business environment is attracting major players across industries and regions in the state.
“My administration has spent the past two years working to create the most competitive business climate in the country, and this announcement is another clear signal that our momentum is real and our wins are reaching every corner of the state and every industry.”
An independent economic impact study commissioned by G-Unit projects the development will have an economic impact of $18.8 billion over the next 20 years, supporting more than 6,000 jobs across the state and paying $300 million in wages.
50 Cent said the project represents his long-term commitment to Shreveport and Louisiana, with plans to create a state-of-the-art entertainment and production facility that will attract new productions and provide the entire entertainment industry with a reason to build a future in Northwest Louisiana.
“This project is the fulfillment of a long-standing commitment I have made to the city of Shreveport and the state of Louisiana,” said 50 Cent. “By reinvesting in downtown Shreveport and upgrading existing assets to create state-of-the-art entertainment and production facilities, we are creating jobs, inspiring hope, attracting new productions and giving the entire entertainment industry a reason to build their future here.
“My goal is to establish Northwest Louisiana as the premier destination for film, music and live entertainment nationwide. All roads lead to Shreveport,” 50 Cent added.
The Louisiana Department of Economic Development has entered into a cooperative effort agreement to provide up to $50 million in performance-based funding for eligible infrastructure and modernization improvements at three project sites, with state support directly tied to economic impact, local business engagement and delivery of infrastructure improvements.
LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois said northwest Louisiana continues to demonstrate its status as a center of creative and economic opportunity, with the revitalization of facilities creating new entertainment industry opportunities, including film production, new jobs and new investment throughout the region.
The state established the Shreveport Film and Entertainment Economic Development Corporation to oversee and hold accountable the project and related state funds, and its board of directors includes Secretary Bourgeois, two gubernatorial appointees and legislative representatives.
Fif’s G-Unit Film & Television has an impressive track record of producing hit series, including the Power series, Mafia Family, One Life and most recently the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which premiered at #1 in over 50 countries.
The company recently launched FAST channel 50 Cent Action, which became the No. 1 action channel on Roku and LG Channels platforms, offering premium content from the Lionsgate library, including the original Power series and hit films such as John Wick and The Suicide Squad.
Louisiana’s entertainment industry has always been growing through tax incentives and infrastructure investments, but 50 Cent’s commitment represents the largest single private investment in the state’s entertainment industry and demonstrates confidence in Louisiana’s ability to compete with existing production hubs.
The project timeline calls for phased development to begin this year, with construction expected to create immediate jobs, while the completed facility will support ongoing film and television production, digital media work and large-scale entertainment events.
50 Cent has spent the past two years acquiring properties in downtown Shreveport, positioning himself as one of the city’s largest private landowners while building relationships with state and local officials to advance redevelopment efforts.
The agreement includes specific performance benchmarks related to job creation, local business engagement and infrastructure delivery, ensuring that state funding will only flow when 50 Cent’s companies meet predetermined economic impact targets.
The first phase of renovations is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, and the modern Millennium Cinemas campus is expected to be operational in early 2027.
