New Movie Rises Amid Shreveport’s Film Industry Growth with Arrival of G-Unit Studios
SHREVEPORT La. — An Influx of Energy to the Local Film Scene
With the arrival of G-Unit Studios still in sight, local talent in Shreveport is already in motion with the production of new movie projects. Most notably among these is “Drowning”, a movie directed by Eric Gibson, which was already in the works before Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s announcement about his new studio in Shreveport.
Representatives from the local movie scene, including filmmakers, producers, and actors, are unanimously expressing that G-Unit Studios will be a vital force in strengthening the local film industry. Garrett Kruithof, Shreveport actor and owner of Northwood Studio, fervently anticipates that Jackson’s involvement will bring back the glory days of the local film industry, harking back to the times when Shreveport was addressed as the Hollywood of the South.
Rolling Reels Since Hurricane Katrina
Shreveport’s film industry traces its roots back to 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The catastrophic hurricane bore devastating consequences on New Orleans, leading to a shift in the movie paradigm towards Shreveport. However, as New Orleans began to regain its footing, motion picture activity in Shreveport experienced a decline.
In Light of Current Scenes
The local film industry, in the last few years, had to taper down its projects, gravitating more towards films and television programs with smaller budgets. However, according to former executive of Millennium Studios, Wade Marshall, there is a resurgence to scenes akin to the post-Katrina era with larger, multi-million dollar productions showing interest in Shreveport.
A Beguiling Domino Effect
Marshall asserts that there have been considerable inquiries from other production crews about filming in Shreveport. The interest sparked by G-Unit Studios has created a sort of domino effect. Marshall said, “We are already getting other productions calling the city and asking, ‘Hey I want to get involved,’ or ‘Hey I want to film my film in Shreveport.’ All of this is because of that effect.”
Homegrown Talents Express Excitement
Local film professionals, such as Greg Washington, who is the locations manager for the movie “Drowning”, are genuinely pleased about the recent developments. Washington shared his excitement about being able to work on local projects, “It’s exciting to think I can work at home. Sleep in my own bed. Thanks to G-Unit Studios I really look forward to it.”
Finalizing “Drowning”
The production team and movie crews spent Friday finalizing the scenes of the movie “Drowning” at Hirsch Coliseum. The recent surge in interest about filming in Shreveport indicates promising futures for both professionals in the industry and fans alike.
