50 Cent Boosts Shreveport’s Film Scene with Big Investments

Curtis 50 Cent Jackson has spent millions on his plan to bring major film and entertainment production to Shreveport. His G-Unit production company will be able to get some of that money back from an incentive package from the State of Louisiana. This deal focuses on reimbursements for money 50 Cent spends on specific venues in downtown Shreveport.

How the $50 Million from Louisiana is Paid Out

The biggest misconception is that the money shows up all at once. Grant Nuckolls, who is one of five members on the Shreveport Film & Entertainment Economic Development Corporation put it plainly: “The 50 million is not a blank check up front, it’s reimbursable.” That means spending comes first, then reimbursement happens only for approved costs.

How Much Has 50 Cent Been Paid Back by the State

Nuckolls tells KEEL News the G-Unit team has submitted documentation for about $3.8 million dollars in reimbursements. Of that request, $1.6 million was deemed ineligible (some of those expenses happened before the deal was in place). $300,000 has been approved for site work and another $1.9 million has been approved for real expenses. So, the G-Unit team will be getting a check from the state for about $2.2 million.

Nuckolls says this deal with the state focusses on 3 specific locations in downtown Shreveport:

1. Millennium Studios 40%

2. Stageworks 40%

3. G-Dome 20%

READ MORE: How 50 Cent Invests Big in Shreveport

Where the Louisiana Money Can be Used

The deal with the state says the spending has to fit a defined category: “Reimbursable expenses” that are “defined as a capital expense.”

And this plan is not just about renovating buildings. It ties reimbursements to actual projects and local employment.

What Is the Time Frame for Completing the Work

Nuckolls tells KEEL News the G-Unit team hopes to have the Stageworks property complete by November of this year. He says Millennium Studios should be complete by the end of 2027 and the G-Dome will be completed in phases.

What Protects Louisiana Taxpayers if Goals are Missed

If performance requirements are not met, the deal has teeth. Nuckolls said there are “really, really strong claw back provisions,” adding, “If he doesn’t meet the expense or these performance objectives, the state can get that money back.”

Nuckols says the G-Unit team has already spent $11 million dollars in Shreveport and much of that is money directly from Curtis Jackson that will not be reimbursed by the state.

“The City of Shreveport welcomes the infusion of $50 million by the State of Louisiana and another $74 million by G-Unit in downtown Shreveport. This will enhance development and growth in downtown, with no additional City funds,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.