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May 18, 2021

Bridgeport actor to build movie studio in New Haven 

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED Michael Jai White

Bridgeport native Michael Jai White, who was the first African American actor to play a comic book superhero, announced on social media that he will be building Connecticut’s first “mini-major” studio this summer in New Haven.

His studio called Jaigantic will feature a slate of productions that span film, television and commercial projects.

White attended Southern Connecticut State University, and he has fond memories of New Haven from his college days.

“They say, ‘To whom much is given, much is required’ and New Haven has given me the kind of education and diversity I needed to succeed not only in Hollywood, but in life,” said White in an email interview.

His publicist, Nicole Diaz Miller, confirmed that it has been White’s “lifelong dream” to open a studio and bring jobs to the community.

Adriane Jefferson, director of arts, culture and tourism for the city of New Haven, said city officials are “excited” about Jaigantic Studios making their home base in New Haven. 

“The studio will be instrumental for job growth and professional development opportunities for local film makers, creatives and residents,” Jefferson said. “It will also bring internship and exposure opportunities for local youth to be able to explore different career possibilities in the arts. Additionally, the studio will be an economic engine and tourism driver, reaffirming the city of New Haven as the cultural capitol of the state.” 

According to Variety, Jaigantic Studios will serve as an "accessible industry hub for students of Yale University's drama school.”

The publication reported that plans are for the New Haven facility to house several soundstages, production offices, post-production and support facilities and motion capture stages.

The city of New Haven will first need to sell its property to Jaigantic, said Steve Fontana, deputy director of economic development for New Haven.

The property is in an industrial area off River Street.

Fontana said all site redevelopment projects have to secure approval from the city’s planning commission.

“Depending on what types of ancillary use(s) Jaigantic may be contemplating, it also may have to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals for approvals there too. Finally, since Jaigantic will need to acquire city property to carry out its redevelopment project, Jaigantic will need to secure approval from the Board of Alders,” said Fontana.

He noted that New Haven does not offer tax incentives for film or TV production, and that those types of credits are awarded through the state of Connecticut. New Haven does offer a property tax deferral program that allows developers to phase in the taxes on the value of the improvements that their redevelopment projects create over a period of time, typically 5-7 years.

“Michael mentioned the possibility of doing a movie in Bridgeport or Shelton,” said Fontana. “We’re excited. It’s a huge opportunity for us as a city and the state of Connecticut as a whole. We believe we have the same purpose he has, to help young people get in the business and grow our economy and jobs, it’s an exciting thing.”

White played Al Simmons in the 1997 blockbuster Spawn. He played Jax Briggs in Mortal Kombat: Legacy, and portrayed boxer Mike Tyson in HBO's 1995 film Tyson, as listed in IMDB.

Contact Joanna Smiley at jsmiley@newhavenbiz.com.

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