50 Cent locked in a big win in Shreveport, where Louisiana officials are preparing to funnel $50 million into his expanding film and television ventures through a new state-backed initiative.
The funding, channeled through the Louisiana Site and Infrastructure Development Fund, will support three of 50 Cent’s G-Unit projects: G-Unit Studios, G-Stage and the G-Dome. The funds are set to flow through the newly created Shreveport Film & Entertainment Economic Development Corporation, which the City Council unanimously approved on December 9. The plan is part of a broader $118 million capital investment in downtown Shreveport. Fif’s G-Unit Studios will receive $78 million for a top-to-bottom overhaul. G-Stage, formerly known as Stageworks, is slated to receive $24 million in upgrades to become a destination for live TV and entertainment events. Meanwhile, the G-Dome, a 30,000-square-foot spherical venue at Spring and Travis streets, will be built from the ground up at a $22 million cost.
Carter said the fund is designed to reduce risk and accelerate development timelines. Unlike traditional grants, the program requires repayment. The state’s development plan lays out performance benchmarks over five years. In the first year, 50’s team must deliver at least 2 productions with a combined budget of $5 million.
By year five, that number climbs to eight productions totaling $25 million. LED officials believe the project could reshape the city’s economic landscape. They say it will diversify Shreveport’s business base, attract new investment, create jobs, and generate tax revenue. The city also hopes it will build local pride and offer career pathways in the entertainment industry.