Will Packer’s ascent as a producer has reached its zenith over the last few years.
While he found success with “Motives,” “The Gospel,” “This Christmas” and “Stomp The Yard” earlier in his career, it was “Straight Outta Compton,” “Ride Along” and “Girls Trip” that confirmed his place as one of the smartest and most versatile producers currently working in Hollywood.
Earlier this year I had the chance to speak to Packer about his most recent financial triumph “Breaking In,” which cost just $6 million to make and grossed over $50 million at the box office.
During this time I quizzed the producer about his future projects and how they might change because of his success, which provoked Packer to reveal that he has no interest in increasing the budgets of his oeuvre – the most expensive of which was “Straight Outta Compton” at $50 million.
“There are so many stories out there to tell,” Packer explained. “I am very fortunate to be in a position where I can tell stories that haven’t been told before. Or haven’t been told through a particular lens or perspective.”
“But, you know, it’s not just about size or scope. Bigger isn’t the end goal for me. I would like to tap into different genres, like sci-fi, which is innately a more expensive genre to make.”
“I anticipate I will make movies with bigger budgets. But, I have to be honest with you, I like making movies that Hollywood would consider moderately priced.”
“Because it allows me to have a level of autonomy and risk that I wouldn’t get at a higher level. And I like that.”
As per usual, Will Packer has numerous movies set for release in the near future, starting with “Night School” later this month, while the remakes “What Men Want” and “Jacob’s Ladder” and the Issa Rae led “Little” are in the pipeline, too.
