Shreveport approves 99-year lease for G-Unit Studios

(The Center Square) – On Tuesday, the Shreveport City Council committed to a long-term public-private partnership with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s vision to develop the downtown area into a major entertainment destination and screen production hub.

The council voted unanimously to amend its 30-year lease for G-Unit Studios to 99 years. The deal includes control of the Empowering People in Careers Center, a building located behind the studio, where Jackson’s company, G-Unit Film & Television, will assume responsibility for career training for residents of the Grande Bayou Apartments.

Jackson’s involvement with G-Unit Studios – previously called Millennium Studios – started in 2023 when his company signed a 30-year contract with the city. In January, a cooperative endeavor agreement with Louisiana Economic Development revealed a larger planned investment than previously announced.

The deal would reimburse G-Unit up to $50 million to redevelop Millennium Studios and Stageworks, and build a third entertainme...