The latest excuse proffered for the failure of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson to comply with the performance requirements of his lease of Millennium Studios is that he needs an additional building.
It has NOT been explained why this extra space is needed to start tv/film production at the leased facility.
I do not know the number/names of films that were produced at Millenium during the movie production boom in Shreveport.
But here is what I do know about filming movies in Shreveport:
1. Many movies were filmed in Millennium Studio
2. More states now have film tax credits now versus when Millennium was up and running
3. At least one state (Georgia) has more generous credits than Louisiana-- even before the regular session of the Louisiana legislature this year.
4. The legislature shrunk the film tax credit pot of gold this year and may do so again in the 2025 regular session
5. The so-called Hollywood of the South boom was fueled in large part by problems in filming in south Louisiana due to hurricanes.
Currently, the Arceneaux administration is negotiating a proposed lease of Expo Hall to Jackson. Mayor Tom has confirmed that there has been some discussion of leasing the Red River District to Jackson and that the movie studio lease is being revised to further accommodate Jackson.
Jackson has purchased many Shreveport downtown properties. To date, none have been rehabbed and none have been leased to boost the local downtown economy.
Hopefully, Jackson will pay his 2024 ad valorem city and parish taxes by Jan.31 of next year.
More than anything Jackson has said or accomplished since the Humor and Harmony Festival, timely paying these taxes will provide some much needed credibility to Jackson and his glamorous promises and dreams for Shreveport.