Add rapper-actor Ludacris to the chorus of voices hailing Georgia's filming-industry tax credits.
“It’s a really good thing,” he said during an interview before a private screening of “Fast & Furious 6,” held Thursday night at CineBistro at Town Brookhaven. “We’re making the city a lot more money.”
The artist also known as Chris Bridges first appeared in "2 Fast 2 Furious," the sequel to the 2001 original, "The Fast and the Furious," which kicked off the series of street-racing action films. He was back for "Fast Five," which filmed in Atlanta although it was set mostly in Rio de Janeiro. Word is "Fast & Furious 7" will film here, too, due in no small part to Georgia's tax incentives for filming projects.
“It was already an entertainment capital,” Ludacris said. “Now we’re just making it even bigger. Atlanta continues to grow on so many fronts. When I signed on to ‘2 Fast 2 Furious,’ I had no idea we’d be here for ‘Fast & Furious 6.’ I’m excited.”
In “F&F 6,” which comes out May 24, Ludacris reprises his role as a computer genius.
“I love that smart role,” he said. “I’m getting the acting bug.”
He buffed up a little for the part, too.
"You cannot be around Vin Diesel and the Rock (Dwayne Johnson) for six months and not hit the gym," he quipped, referring to his chiseled castmates.
Ludacris brought his daughter Karma, 12, with him on Thursday.
“Her schedule is busier than mine!” he said. “I had to pick her up from dance to get her to come to this premiere.”
Other notables attending on Thursday included R&B singer/reality show personality Toya Wright, former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett and actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, the "Cosby Show" alum turned "House of Payne" star. Pulliam is a Spelman College graduate who's been able to stay here to pursue her career thanks to Atlanta's robust filming scene.
“I’m so blessed to be able to live and work here in Atlanta,” she said.
About the Author
