Shreveport, LA, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Shreveport City Council has approved the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District to boost local film productions led by 50 Cent. This district includes a 2% tax on properties owned by 50 Cent, specifically G-Unit Studios. With an investment of $50 million anticipated, the project aims to revitalize downtown Shreveport, although production has faced delays due to flooding issues. The initiative presents a unique blend of public policy and private investment to enhance the region’s cultural landscape.
Shreveport, LA – The Shreveport City Council has approved the establishment of the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District, a measure designed to support the production projects of rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent. This decision marks a significant step in enhancing the film and entertainment landscape in Shreveport.
The newly established district will cover properties owned or leased by 50 Cent and will impose a 2% tax on all properties within its boundaries. This new tax structure ensures that residents will not incur extra costs unless they choose to shop or dine within the designated district.
In 2024, 50 Cent’s G-Unit Film & Television took over Millennium Studios on a 30-year lease from the city, renaming the facility to G-Unit Studios. The studio, which spans 985,000 square feet, is poised to become a significant hub for film production in the region. With an estimated total investment of $2.4 million in downtown real estate, 50 Cent is positioned as one of Shreveport’s largest property owners.
G-Unit Studios is now recognized as the second-largest Black-owned studio in the U.S., following Tyler Perry’s acclaimed studio in Atlanta. Despite its potential, production at G-Unit Studios has been delayed due to flooding issues that need to be resolved before operations can commence. The city’s Chief Administrative Officer, Tom Dark, has recognized the necessity of addressing drainage concerns to prevent flooding in the studio.
City officials, including Councilman James Green, have highlighted that it would not be prudent to invest in a studio vulnerable to flooding. In the meantime, G-Unit Studios is currently developing a new show titled “Shreveport Justice,” which focuses on local law enforcement activities and aims to tell stories that resonate with the community.
The Shreveport City Council passed the vote to create the district with a unanimous 6-0 majority. 50 Cent is reportedly investing $50 million into the project, a move that city leaders believe could significantly revitalize downtown Shreveport and foster economic activity, thereby benefiting existing businesses in the area.
This initiative is seen as a rare opportunity to merge private investment with public policy for urban redevelopment. The district will operate under a non-profit corporation that will feature a seven-member board, collecting revenues once businesses within the area start generating sales.
As the project progresses, some community members have proposed that the new entertainment district be renamed the Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District to honor the cultural history of the region. Construction for the new entertainment district is anticipated to begin either late this year or early next year. City leaders and council members have acknowledged past missteps in development projects but remain optimistic about the potential of this initiative in transforming Shreveport into a vibrant entertainment hub.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District?
The district has been established to support 50 Cent’s production projects, including the redevelopment of Millennium Studios into G-Unit Studios.
What tax applies within the new district?
A 2% tax will be imposed on all properties within the district’s boundaries, but it will not incur additional costs for residents unless they shop or dine therein.
When is construction for the entertainment district expected to begin?
Construction for the new entertainment district is expected to begin late this year or early next year.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District |
| Established by | Shreveport City Council |
| Owner of G-Unit Studios | 50 Cent |
| Studio Size | 985,000 square feet |
| Total Investment | $2.4 million |
| Tax Rate | 2% |
| Anticipated Investment in Project | $50 million |
| Production Delay Reason | Flooding issues |
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Additional Resources
- AfroTech: 50 Cent’s Shreveport Ventures
- Shreveport Times: Economic District for 50 Cent’s Properties
- KTBS: 50 Cent Backed Downtown Entertainment District Approved
- Vibe: 50 Cent’s Louisiana Entertainment District
- HotNewHipHop: 50 Cent’s Entertainment District Approved
- Wikipedia: Entertainment Industry
- Google Search: Film and Entertainment District
- Google Scholar: Economic Development Districts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Industry
- Google News: Shreveport Economic Development
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
