STARZ SIGNS CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON TO NEW MULTI-YEAR
OVERALL DEAL
Photo of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – Download Here *Photo Credit: Shareif Ziyadat
Santa Monica, Calif. – October 11, 2018 – Starz, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) company, today announced its renewed commitment to Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson by signing him to a new four-year, exclusive premium overall deal. Under the deal Jackson, an executive producer for the hit series “Power,” will continue to develop new scripted and unscripted projects exclusively for the network through his G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. banner, the production company launched by Jackson.
“When I sat down with Chris and walked him through my plans for G-Unit Film & Television going forward, he let me know I was essentially requesting the biggest deal in premium cable history. I am excited to announce that we’ve made that partnership between myself, G-Unit Film & Television and Starz/Lionsgate and we will continue our proven track record of breaking records and delivering unique content for audiences around the world…..Get The Strap,” said Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
Starz CEO & President Chris Albrecht added, “Both on screen and off, Curtis has proven that he can deliver content that our viewers want to watch. He is the real deal, and we have given him a real deal, with what I believe to be among the most significant deals to date for an Executive Producer in premium television. We’re pleased to expand our relationship and consider this the beginning of many new and exciting ventures to come.”
Under the new deal, which includes a three series commitment, the addition of a dedicated development executive accompanied by a discretionary fund for use in developing G-Unit projects, Jackson will also have access to the full breadth of the Starz and Lionsgate platforms, including access to additional distribution channels and input into the merchandising and licensing of G-Unit developed brands and content. The scope of this new deal, in combination with his current television series and development, solidifies 50’s position as one of the most successful crossover artists of the modern television era.
Jackson and G-Unit are actively developing new series for Starz, including “Black Mafia Family” and “Vanguard.” “Black Family Mafia” is inspired by the story of Demetrius ‘Big Meech’ Flenory and the intersection of the drug industry and the music industry. Randy Huggins is attached to executive produce. “Vanguard,” which David Graziano is on board to executive produce, follows the story of Blake Megaton, a recent ex-Navy SEAL, who is forced to return home to Long Beach and face his gangster beginnings, in order to defend his family’s criminal trucking empire from the violent drug cartel who is now trying to wipe them out.
While Jackson will no longer appear on screen in “Power,” following the demise of his character “Kanan” in season five, he remains deeply involved as an executive producer and is scheduled to make his directorial debut in season six of the hit series. The new deal also confirms that Jackson will serve as an executive producer on any future seasons of the series as well as any extensions of the “Power” universe on the big or small screen.
Winner of three 2018 NAACP Image Awards® including “Outstanding Drama Series” and a 2017 People’s Choice Award® for “Favorite Premium Drama Series,” the critically-acclaimed fourth season of “Power” averaged 9.3 million multiplatform viewers per episode and is the most-watched franchise for Starz, averaging 7.4 million multiplatform viewers for all four seasons. “Power” ranks #3 among premium scripted series for viewers and in its most recent season was the top Sunday night program on Nielsen Social Rankings 8 out of 10 weeks.*
“Power” is currently in production on its sixth season. Courtney Kemp serves as the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the New York-based drama alongside executive producers Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Mark Canton, Gary Lennon, Randall Emmett, Bart Wenrich and Shana Stein.
Jackson is represented by APA and attorneys Stephen Savva and Eric Feig.
About Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, is an award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer from Queens, New York. Recognized as one of the most talented and prolific music artists of his time, the Grammy Award winner rose to fame with his record-shattering debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and has since sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and been awarded numerous prestigious accolades. Jackson has leveraged his star power to cross over with unparalleled success as an entrepreneur, actor and producer. From Get Rich or Die Tryin’ being one of the fastest selling albums in history to creating one of the most influential deals in hip-hop with the sale of Vitaminwater, Jackson continues to break records. He currently has the critically-acclaimed #1 show on Starz, “Power,” in which he not only co-stars but also serves as executive producer and director leading into season six.
Jackson has carved out a thriving television and film career. In 2005, he founded G-Unit Film & Television, Inc. which has produced a wide variety of content across numerous platforms and sold a myriad of shows to various networks. Among these is “Power,” which premiered in June 2014. Starz and Lionsgate extended Jackson & G-Unit Film & Television, Inc’s overall deal to develop new projects for the network. Additional credits include the variety show “50 Central” on BET and two dramas for Sony Crackle “The Oath,” the networks most-watched new original series and “RPM,” which is currently in development. Jackson’s successful film career has included roles in several blockbusters: most recently “Den of Thieves” co-starring opposite Gerard Butler, which Jackson has signed on to produce the sequel along with Butler. Jackson has also appeared in Antoine Fuqua’s boxing drama “Southpaw,” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and “Spy” with Melissa McCarthy, and reprised his role in “Escape Plan 2.”
The exceptional businessman serves as CEO of G-Unit Records, which he founded in 2003 and has since signed a host of multi-platinum artists. Jackson continues to dominate the charts with hits like the recently released “Still Think I’m Nothing,” and he is continuously recording new music.
Jackson continues to extend his brand, which encompasses a broad spectrum of businesses including: footwear and apparel, fragrance, video games, publishing, headphones, Le Chemin du Roi champagne, vodka, health drinks, Casper mattresses and supplements.
About Starz
Starz (www.starz.com) a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ® brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.
*Source: Based on Starz internal estimates of linear and non-linear / time shifted results from Nielsen (NPower) as well as internal analysis of broadband data. Subject to further qualifications available upon request.
*Source: Nielsen NPower, Live +SD HH Projections (000s) for episodes premieres on premium.
*Source: Nieslen Social Content Ratings.
