G‑Unit Leases Shreveport’s StageWorks Building

By: D. D. Reese

In a significant boost for Shreveport’s budding entertainment scene, G‑Unit Films, headed by renowned rapper and entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, officially signed a lease for the StageWorks building downtown on Friday.

According to local reports, Mayor Tom Arceneaux participated via FaceTime from Germany, where Jackson was rehearsing on stage at the time. The signing marks the culmination of a city council-approved deal from March 25, laying the foundation for transformative development within Shreveport’s cultural landscape. “This is more than a contract, it’s the beginning of jobs, opportunity, and an exciting future for Shreveport’s film and entertainment industry,” stated the City of Shreveport in a Facebook announcement celebrating the partnership.

Lease Terms & Vision

• Lengthy Commitment: Reports indicate G‑Unit will lease StageWorks for $2,400 per month over a 30-year term, with an option to renew for another 15 years.
• Strategic Goal: Jackson’s investment is poised to create production capabilities, such as film, music videos, live events, while generating local employment and boosting downtown’s creative hub.

Community Impact

City officials are optimistic about the economic ripple effect. The lease is expected to:

Spur job creation in production, stagecraft, and allied industries. 

Attract tourism and local commerce, as artists, crews, and audiences converge on the venue.

Elevate Shreveport’s profile as a Southern entertainment destination, following past investments like Millennium Studios. Mayor Arceneaux and city leaders have emphasized that this collaboration will serve both the city’s cultural aspirations and long-term workforce development goals.

What’s Next?

• Lease Execution: Final paperwork and permitting expected in the coming weeks.
• Renovation Plans: G‑Unit officials are expected to provide timelines for facility upgrades and hiring phases.
• Public Launch: A ribbon-cutting event and community tour may take place later this summer, signaling full-scale operations at StageWorks.

Bottom Line

With Friday’s lease signing, G‑Unit Films has taken a decisive step toward embedding Shreveport in the national entertainment circuit, bringing investment, jobs, and creative energy to the heart of Louisiana’s northwest.