Starz, a Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) company, 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.
