A few big-name actors do simply more than being a star in their million-dollar budgets; they opt for production companies of their own.  Check out these 17 Stars who started their companies and are responsible for many shows and films they have, in fact, made additional “production owner” to their resume.

1. AVA DUVERNAY

Ava DuVernay is responsible for various projects which include her production company Array. The award winning director has produced various films in his independent production company such as Out of My Hand and Ayanda.

2. DON CHEADLE

Don Cheadle is responsible for the debut film Miles Ahead through his production industry Crescendo Productions. The company additionally assists in producing the Showtime hit series House of Lies.

3. HALLE BERRY

In the fall of 2014, the Academy winner Halle Berry launched 606 films which assisted in producing the CBS series Extant, which Berry, did not only co-executively produced but also initiated it. On his production slate is a film, Kidnap, which stars the actresses as well.

       

4. ICE CUBE

From their time back in N.W.A, bad boy rapper Ice Cube has changed over from ‘behind the microphone’ to ‘in front of the camera’ and included his own production company, Cube Vision, to his résumé. The company is responsible for producing movies such as Barbershop: the Next Cut and Barbershop 2 and subsequent films such as Straight Outta Compton along with Ride Along and Ride Along 2.

5. IDRIS ELBA

The British actor had his Green Door Picture launched in 2014 and emphasized on developing projects of audiences in the UK. Since the inception, the company has produced documentaries such as My Dad and Me, and Manela in 2015.

6. JAMIE FOXX

Jamie Foxx ventured into the production world in 2010 after winning awards as an actor a comedian and a musician with a film production company No Brainer Films.

7. KERRY WASHINGTON

The well known Simpson Street belongs to Ms. Kerry Washington, who also happens to be a scandal’s shot caller. The actress made an agreement with ABC for a deal that would last two years in April in developing broadcast exclusive digital projects and cables for ABC signature and studio.

8. LARENZ TATE

Together with his other two brothers, Lahmard and LaRon, the three teamed up to own their production company TateMen Entertainment.

9. LAURENCE FISHBURNE

The well-known veteran actor Laurence Fishburne owns Cinema Gypsy Productions

10. LEBRON JAMES            

Lebron James may be the basketball king who has proceeded with his talent to Miami from Cleveland and back again. As if that is not enough, the star athlete has ventured into the film business. With a handful of projects on its schedule, SpringHill Entertainment, is responsible for productions such as the Starz drama series Survivor’s Remorse, in progress documentary, an upcoming reality show along with games that run on CNBC, NBC, and Disney XD.

11. OPRAH WINFREY

The well-known company that goes by the name Harpo production was first imitated in 1986 by Oprah Winfrey. A media mogul who has assisted developing projects for future films, made-for-TV movies as well as Winfrey’s OWN television network.

12. QUEEN LATIFAH

Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment has been a well-known entertainment company since 1995. It received assistance in developing Beauty Shop, Just Wright, the Perfect Holiday, and Bessie. Netflix also signed a deal with the film distribution for services to be in the frontline of offering to subscribers who streamed online for films, back in 2013.

13. SPIKE LEE

Most of Spike Lee joints is as a result of his production organization, 40 Acres, and a Mule. Lee has produced more than 30 films since the foundation of the film works Corporation in 1986 which includes different films such as He’s Got Game, She’s Gotta Have It and Malcolm X, as well as documentaries which include When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, and Bad 25.

14. TYLER PERRY

Founded in 2005, Tyler Perry Studios is a roll production. It has been responsible for the production of over sixteen movies, fourteen stage plays, and five television shows. Mr. Perry happens to be a busy man!

15. TIA AND TAMERA MOWRY

In 2010, the twin sister, Tamera Mowry and Tia launched a production company which filmed their Double Wedding show.

16. VIOLA DAVIS

While Viola Davis isn’t in the constant progress of teaching her apprentice How to Get Away with Murder, the Emmy winner, and Julius Tennnon, the husband, of course, is teamed up together for a joint venture JuVee Productions. In April, the two signed an exclusive deal ABC and commented that “We began JuVee because we wanted to see narratives that had a reflection on our multi-ethnic and multi-faceted culture. We had intentions of being part of classic storytelling, and we never wanted to wait.”

17. WILL SMITH

In 1997, Will Smith, the Fresh Prince, collaborated with James Lassiter in creating Overbrook Entertainment that has produced films such as Love &Basketball, the Secret Life of Bees, Wild West, Ali, and Annie.

Source:http://www.essence.com