Katt Williams wants to create more freedom for Black filmmakers with Alabama studio

The comedian’s Kemet Movie Works plans film, television, music and live-performance projects while creating opportunities for Black storytellers.

Katt Williams says Hollywood places tighter limits on Black-led movies than on other films, and his Alabama venture, Kemet Movie Works, is his attempt to change that. He has cited Tyler Perry’s studio model as an example, while Perry has continued support for independent filmmakers through his own company.

Speaking to USA TODAY, Williams said criticizing Hollywood would mean little if he failed to act when he had the chance. “Nobody needs a complainer, even if they’re correct,” he said. “So I can talk blue in the face about what I don’t like about Hollywood. But if that was really true, then I should be doing something about it the first chance I get and trying to get better.”

The comedian argued that the subjects Black filmmakers are allowed to explore are far more restricted than those available to other productions. He also criticized industry decisions that, in his view, overlook the audiences buying tickets.

“There’s just so much of Hollywood that has nothing to do with servicing the customer, and so, I say that as a Black creator, seeing the limitations on the subject matter for a Black movie, as opposed to a movie that’s not, is night and day. I’m in comedy, and my belief is that people would rather see a hilarious movie than any other genre of entertainment, and that it’s never too funny,” said Williams.

His answer is Kemet Movie Works, a venture based at the former Fort McClellan Army installation in Anniston, Alabama. The company describes plans for film and television projects, music production and live performances, including soundstages and an amphitheater.

Kemet’s website says the company draws inspiration from the Chitlin’ Circuit, the network of performance venues that gave Black artists places to work during segregation. Williams founded the venture with business manager William Hanford Lee and entertainment liaison LaRonda Sutton.

The studio project has been developing for years. During a 2025 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Williams credited Perry’s transformation of another former military base into a studio with showing him what was possible.

Kemet also has a partnership with Miles College, a historically Black institution in Alabama. The school says an agreement with Kemet Productions is intended to connect students with artificial intelligence and augmented-reality film production opportunities at Fort McClellan.

Williams’ comments come days before his memoir, “Nine Lives, No Wives, and 69 Concubines,” is scheduled for release on Oct. 20. USA TODAY reported that Williams recounts in his memoir at least two occasions when he turned down multimillion-dollar deals on principle. The publisher says the book also addresses how he financed his tours and retained ownership of his work.

Netflix announced in September that Williams would introduce an original podcast later in 2026. Meanwhile, Kemet’s proposed production space and student partnership offer a clearer picture of how he intends to create alternatives for Black storytellers.