Houston is well on its way to becoming a highly recognizable film and television industry-led city, which only makes sense as the 4th largest city in the U.S. and contending for a top spot in media with well-established metropolises like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. “Texas has increased its state funding for film/TV incentives from $45 million to $200 million, making it more competitive with other states.” [Hot 97].
Largely leading this movement in entertainment is IEP (HEI), the acronyms representing International Entertainment Partnership and Houston Entertainment Initiative, respectively, both under the leadership of Centrell Reed, Founder, Chairwoman, and President. The organization, which received the city’s Proclamation this past summer, also recently celebrated its 2nd Annual Celebrity Entertainment Industry Soiree to communicate further its mission of “Empowering and Expanding The Entertainment Industry.”
Along with IEP (HEI), shaping Houston in entertainment is rapper, actor, producer, and businessman 5o Cent. He created a buzz earlier in the year when he talked about “Developing Film/TV Soundstages in H-Town.” This was news after he “launched the second-largest black-owned film studio in Shreveport, Louisiana.” Before are the likes of trailblazers like award-winning filmmaker Tyler Perry, who we are most familiar with as paving the way for men and women of color to have ownership in film and television outside of traditional Hollywood.
Further pushing for more funding to attract new productions to Texas and cities like Houston, is actor Dennis Quaid, who was born and raised in Houston and went on to attend the University of Houston, where he studied drama. “I love to work in Texas. Most of my fellow actors who are from Texas love to work in Texas,” Quaid said. “Texas [has] an opportunity to lead in film and television, and it does affect the culture and affects who we are as Americans.” [Community Impact].
Reed, CEO of CReed Global Media Television Network and Studios knows the future of Houston is its entertainment industry expansion. The 2nd Annual Celebrity Entertainment Industry Soiree represented trailblazers in radio, comedy, and global recognition! Mrs. Texas Universe, Meenakshi Ravi, 2025 👑Brand Ambassador for IEP/HEI, 🎤 @jeffshelley -Comedian and Soirée Co-Host and @hardbodykiotti – Radio Boss at On the Radar/93.7 The Beat‼️
“Building a brand, an organization, and a team takes more than just vision—it requires synergy, the right mix of talent, and a shared commitment to excellence. The 2nd Annual IEP Celebrity Entertainment & Arts Soirée was a perfect reflection of that energy and collaboration,” says Reed.
The Global Business & Community Leader adds, “It’s moments like these that remind us how important it is to have the right ingredients—passion, creativity, and a shared purpose—to build something truly impactful.”
Lights, Camera, Action!! Houston (Texas).
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5o Cent Photo Courtesy
