Comedian and actor Katt Williams has turned down millions and is rewriting Hollywood’s rules through ownership.
USA Today reports that he has said no to a minimum of two multimillion-dollar deals because he believes Hollywood has missed the mark, particularly with Black-led comedies. He also said Hollywood has turned its back on projects “because of politics that don’t even exist,” according to the outlet.
“There’s just so much of Hollywood that has nothing to do with servicing the customer, and so, I say that as a Black creator, seeing the limitations on the subject matter for a Black movie, as opposed to a movie that’s not, is night and day,” he said. “I’m in comedy, and my belief is that people would rather see a hilarious movie than any other genre of entertainment, and that it’s never too funny.”
Kemet Movie Works
Williams emphasized the importance of taking action rather than simply complaining about the problems he sees in Hollywood. That’s why he opened Kemet Movie Works with his business manager, William Hanford Lee, and entertainment veteran LaRonda Sutton, according to its website. The studio is described as a “world-class environment for modern production” that will preserve “the South’s rich cultural history” while closing the gap between the past and the future, its website says.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the studio is located on a former military base in Alabama. It will draw on the region’s history, including the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues that provided opportunities for Black performers during segregation, according to the Searchable Museum reports.
“Kemet Movie Works is committed to fostering creativity, promoting diversity, and providing filmmakers, musicians, and event organizers with the resources and space to bring their stories to life. We honor the legacy of those who came before us while supporting the innovative visions of today’s creators,” a mission statement read on the studio’s website.
