Will Packer Shakes Up Hollywood: Big Wins with Bold Diversity Moves!

Hey, listen up! We need to talk about Will Packer, the super cool producer who’s totally changing the game in the film industry. This guy is all about diversity and he’s been making major hits at the box office. Hollywood can’t ignore him, he’s become one of the top players in the biz. Let’s dive into his story and see how he’s been making moves.

So get this, Packer’s love for storytelling started when he was in college at Florida A&M University. He was studying electrical engineering, but his real passion was in making movies. That’s when he met his buddy Rob Hardy, who became his partner and played a big role in his career.

After college, Packer started his own production company called Will Packer Productions. And get this, after just ten years, his films made over a billion dollars at the box office worldwide! That’s no small feat, my friends. His biggest breakthrough was with the movie “Girls Trip.” It was the first film written, directed, produced, and starring African Americans to make over a hundred million bucks in the US alone. Talk about breaking barriers!

But it’s not just about the money for Packer. He’s all about inclusivity and making sure everyone’s voices are heard. He’s even been recognized as the most inclusive producer by USC Annenberg. Big studios, like Sony, are taking notice of his efforts and that’s led to some major deals. Plus, he’s been mentoring talented people, like director Malcolm D. Lee, and pushing for more diversity in the industry.

But let’s not forget that Packer’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. In the early days, he had to distribute his first movie, “Trois,” all by himself. He got it screened in 19 theaters across the Southeast. And guess what? It had the highest per-location average in the country! That’s what you call a breakthrough, my friends.

Packer didn’t stop at movies though. He expanded into other media too. His company, Will Packer Media, produced a reality dating show called “Ready to Love” that aired on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. And NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, picked up his thrilling flick “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” about an armed robbery during Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight. This guy knows how to captivate audiences, no matter what medium he’s working in.

But here’s something really cool about Packer. He co-founded a production company called Rainforest Films with his buddy Rob Hardy. They wanted to tell stories that resonated with African American audiences. Their first movie, “Trois,” was an erotic thriller that gave underrepresented stories a platform. That’s what I call using your success to lift others up!

And let me tell you, Packer’s journey hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. During the filming of “Girls Trip,” Regina Hall got sick with pneumonia. But Packer didn’t let that stop him. He showed his dedication and determination to finish the project no matter what. That’s commitment right there.

To level up his game, Packer attended CinemaCon to learn more about the film industry and make connections with theater owners. He knows that understanding the business side of things is just as important as making great movies.

But here’s the coolest part about Packer. He’s not just about making money and being successful. He’s all about giving back. He helped fundraise for the movie “Chocolate City” to support aspiring filmmakers and promote representation in the industry. This guy is all heart, man.

Will Packer is a true inspiration for all those aspiring filmmakers out there. He’s shown us the power of diversity in storytelling and how it can make a huge impact. His movies, his commitment to inclusivity, and his never-ending pursuit of success have made a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. You can bet this guy’s influence will be felt for years to come.