Actor Anthony Mackie recently purchased 20 acres of land to build a production studio in New Orleans, Black Enterprise reports. 

The new studio will support Louisiana’s rapidly growing film and television industry, offering opportunities for development, production, intellectual property acquisitions and marketing.

Mackie is a New Orleans native got his start as a trained actor at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Recently, the Captain America star has shifted from in front of the camera to behind, producing hit films such as “The Banker” and “Outside the Wire.” Now, the veteran actor is taking his talents back home, closing a deal to purchase 20 acres of land in New Orleans East, with the hope of building a film and television production studio. 

NOLA Mayor LaToya Cantrell has praised Mackie’s efforts, noting that developing projects in the state could be a major boost for the local economy and community. While Mackie spoke via his agent, saying the deal was too fresh to discuss details, the actor has secured land on the I-10 Service Road near the Little Woods neighborhood.

The New Orleans East is making a comeback, bam💥👏

New Orleans own Anthony Mackie is opening a HUGE 20-acre film studio!

This is INCREDIBLE !!💛⚜️

The influx of productions will not only bring economic growth but job opportunities! pic.twitter.com/h0hlswdh1g

— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) March 18, 2022

Mackie isn’t the only Hollywood star to set his sights on the southern city either, New Orleans native Tyler Perry also looking to build a film studio in his hometown. 

New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas has expressed support for Mackie, seeing New Orleans East as a prime area to build a new branch of Hollywood. 

“Years ago, we talked about us being Hollywood South. I think maybe we’re finally in a position to make it happen and for New Orleans East to be the foundation for that to happen…To have Captain America and his brand and his star power I think it helps to support all the other investments,” said Thomas. 

Purchases like this continue to add to the new boom of Black owned businesses and the support that the Black community has been intentionally showing towards these types of efforts. We’re excited to see how this project continues to develop and how it inspires others to make similar moves!

The story of Venus and Serena is one of faith, hope and perseverance. This is a story that would not exist without the faith and intentionality of their parents Oracene and Richard. If you’re looking for the perfect movie to watch with your family this holiday season, this is a must-see!

ABOUT THIS FILM

Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on Compton, California’s neglected tennis courts–rain or shine–the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them. Based on the true story that will inspire the world, “King Richard” follows the uplifting journey of a family whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately delivers two of the world’s greatest sports legends.

TWO NEW SHINING STARS

In addition to bringing us hope during the holidays, King Richard has also introduced us all to two new singing starts through two of the new leading ladies in the film.

Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton are the new stars that bring the characters of Venus and Serena to life in the film and their performance does not disappoint! Standing next to two experienced actors such as Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis, both of these rising stars held their own! The resemblance between the new actresses and Venus and Serena Williams makes it difficult for anyone to believe they weren’t meant for these roles. Watch Saniyya and Demi speak about their experience and what’s next for them below:

Demi speaks about being a cello player and how she thought that would be her pathway to success before acting became her new focus. Saniyya speaks about her next film where she stars along with Viola Davis who plays Michelle Obama. Saniyya plays Michelle and Barak’s daughter Sasha.

“It’s just one iconic role to the next for you”, says Tamron Hall.

Not only is this film receiving rave reviews from fans across the globe. But, it has also received an “A” Cenima score, over 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and is already an award winning film. So, it’s clear that world is loving this film! But, take a listen in the video below to see what Venus and Serena had to say:

VENUS & SERENA SPEAK UP ABOUT “KING RICHARD”

WHERE TO WATCH:

King Richard the movie is currently in theaters. But, for those who would rather social distance and watch from the comfort of their own home, simply sign up the HBO Max app here to watch. You can also download the app for both Androids and iPhones. The film will only be available on HBO Max until December 19th.

American recording artist Jennifer Hudson stars as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in the new coming of age biopic premiering in theaters August 13, 2021.

The trailer showcases some of Aretha’s most well known classics that will be in the film such as “Respect,” “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel),” and “Think.” The cast includes big names in entertainment such as Oscar winning actor Forest Whitaker, comedian Marlon Wayans, and Mary J. Blige.

Jennifer Hudson expresses her gratitude for being hand-picked by Aretha herself to play this role saying “For her to choose me, I can’t even put it into words. I do not take it lightly. I just think it’s like a dream come true” in an interview with Good Morning America.

The film goes through Aretha’s life from childhood, singing in the church, to adulthood as a successful as a soul singer. Hudson went through much studying (from knowing Aretha Franklin herself) and training for this role. She learned how to play the piano, copied Aretha’s personality and mannerisms, but did not want to imitate Ms. Franklin’s singing voice, rather sing the songs in her own way.

The biopic has not yet been confirmed to be released on any streaming platforms.