EXCLUSIVE: Producer and promoter Je’Caryous Johnson, best known for stage productions of seminal Black films like New Jack City and Set It Off, is launching a film studio.
Je’Caryous Johnson Studios will primarily focus on Black stories and produce projects at a range of budgets in various genres and mediums.
The studio’s first project will be the narrative feature The Paralegal. The film is written and directed by Johnson in his feature film debut. The film follows a lawyer who finds himself being blackmailed by a deranged paralegal determined to take everything he has—except his wife. We’re told production will begin in March.
“This isn’t just about creating movies or producing stage plays,” said Johnson. “This is about building a home where Black talent can thrive, innovate, and amplify their voices like never before. Je’Caryous Johnson Studios is where Black artists can fully realize their creative visions and leave a legacy that will inspire generations. This is the future of entertainment.”
We understand the company also plans to acquire existing Hollywood IP to produce live event productions, similar to Johnson’s work on stage shows like New Jack City Live. The company launches its next stage production, Jason’s Lyric Live, this month. The show is adapted from the script Bobby Smith, Jr. wrote for the 1994 Jason’s Lyric film directed by Doug McHenry. The production stars Allen Payne, Treach, Eva Marcille, K. Michelle, Tyrin Turner, Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, and Victoria Rowell.
“We’re not just telling stories; we’re creating cultural phenomena,” continued Johnson. “This is about transforming artists into icons and making their voices resonate in ways the industry has never imagined. For far too long, the contributions of Black Americans have been overlooked. JJS is where those stories find their voice, their power, and their home. This isn’t just entertainment—it’s liberation through storytelling.”
