50 Cent, producer consider a move to GR

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and movie producer Randall Emmett are considering buying homes and basing their business in Grand Rapids, they said Wednesday night at the premiere of their latest film, "Gun."

"We've set up shop (and) we're buying houses here," Emmett said. "It is a great, great place to make movies. We've definitely let the entire community of Hollywood know -- we are Grand Rapids-based now."

Added Jackson: "I mean, it might make sense -- depends on how many projects I bring to Grand Rapids. Next year, I'll decide and I think we're looking. ... I like the water -- something by the water."

Fans flocked to Celebration Cinema North for the "classic sort of gangster story" silver screen premiere. More than 500 people showed up, selling out the main theater.

Jackson stars in and produced the movie that was filmed in Grand Rapids last winter. Co-starring Val Kilmer and John Larroquette, the film deals with how a man aims to rise to the top of illegal gun sales, said the film's director, Jessy Terrero.

The latest West Michigan project is "Setup."

"It's going great," Jackson said. "I worked with Bruce Willis -- came and shot for a few days. And Ryan Phillippe's in the film, it's exciting. I'm actually on lunch break; they sent me here on my lunch break and said, 'be back and remember your lines.' And I'm under all kind of pressure. I'm getting ready to break down right in front of the camera."

This was the only time "Gun" will be on the big screen. The R-rated straight-to-DVD film will be released on Jan. 4. The premiere was a fundraiser for the West Michigan Film Office.

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