Hollywood in Milwaukee: Foreclosed Spaces to Film Studios

I’m Stormi Maya, a filmmaker with a mission to transform Milwaukee’s old commercial properties into thriving creative hubs. I recently purchased a building in Milwaukee and plan to renovate it into a film studio for indie filmmaking, music videos, photoshoots, performances, and events. My vision is to bring Hollywood to Milwaukee, attracting directors and producers, boosting the local economy, and making the city a major player in the film industry—similar to Atlanta’s growth with creators like Tyler Perry.

This project will employ videographers, photographers, musicians, actors, models, editors, and other creatives while uplifting the community through art and opportunity. Funds will go toward building film sets—like jail cells, schools, house interiors, and offices—that are hard to rent, as well as creating spaces for editing, green screen, and photoshoots. By renovating foreclosed properties, we can beautify the city, empower local talent, and build a brighter future for Milwaukee.

Together, we can create something amazing!

How Adding Film Studios Can Improve Milwaukee

1. Economic Growth

- Attracting Productions: By building state-of-the-art film studios, Milwaukee can draw independent filmmakers, production companies, and major studios to the city. This influx of productions will bring significant spending on local services, such as accommodations, catering, and transportation.

- Job Creation: The studios will employ a wide range of creative professionals, including videographers, photographers, musicians, actors, editors, set designers, and more. Support roles like administrative staff, cleaners, and security personnel will also benefit.

- Boosting Local Businesses: Increased production activity will generate revenue for nearby restaurants, hotels, rental services, and other local businesses, creating a positive ripple effect across the community.

2. Community Upliftment

- Empowering Local Talent: The studios will provide accessible opportunities for Milwaukee’s creatives, including musicians, actors, models, and filmmakers, enabling them to showcase their work and grow professionally without having to relocate.

- Educational Opportunities: Workshops and training programs can be held in the studios, teaching skills like filmmaking, editing, photography, and acting to aspiring creatives and youth in the community.

- Inspiring Creativity: By providing resources and spaces to explore creative pursuits, the studios can foster a stronger culture of innovation and artistry within the city.

3. Revitalization of Properties

- Repurposing Vacant Buildings: Renovating old commercial properties will breathe new life into neglected areas, reducing urban blight and making neighborhoods safer and more visually appealing.

- Environmental Benefits: Renovating existing properties is more sustainable than new construction, reducing waste and promoting the adaptive reuse of structures.

4. Establishing Milwaukee as a Creative Hub

- Film Industry Growth: Building a robust film infrastructure can position Milwaukee as a filmmaking destination, similar to Atlanta’s rise as a hub for independent and mainstream productions.

- Promoting Tourism: The studios will attract visitors and fans of projects filmed in Milwaukee, further boosting the local economy.

- Expanding Cultural Identity: By becoming known for creative productions, Milwaukee will enhance its cultural significance and attract a more diverse range of visitors and residents.

5. Youth and Community Engagement

- Providing a Safe Space: The studios can serve as a safe, inclusive space for young people and aspiring creatives to develop their skills and find their passion in the arts.

- Community Events: Hosting events, performances, and showcases in the studios will bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

6. Long-Term Impact

- Sustainable Growth: Over time, the studios will generate consistent income for the city and its residents by fostering a creative ecosystem that supports long-term careers and opportunities.

- Changing Perceptions: With a thriving film industry, Milwaukee will gain national recognition as a city of innovation and opportunity, attracting more investors, businesses, and talent to the region.

By investing in these studios, we are not just building spaces but also laying the foundation for a brighter, more creative, and prosperous future for Milwaukee.

Why I Chose Milwaukee

I chose Milwaukee because it’s a city filled with untapped talent, rich culture, and potential that’s waiting to be unleashed. As a filmmaker and creative, I see Milwaukee as more than just a location—it’s a canvas for growth and innovation in the entertainment industry.

Unlike larger cities where opportunities are abundant but often oversaturated, Milwaukee offers a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up. The city has a thriving creative community, yet lacks the resources and infrastructure necessary to fully support and showcase its talent. By investing in Milwaukee, I aim to fill that gap and provide a platform for local creatives to shine.

Additionally, Milwaukee’s affordability and central location in the Midwest make it an ideal hub for film production. It has beautiful, diverse settings that can rival larger markets, but at a fraction of the cost. With the right resources, Milwaukee can follow in the footsteps of cities like Atlanta, which transformed into a film industry powerhouse through strategic investments and community-focused growth.

This city also holds a special energy—there’s a hunger for opportunity and a pride in its local talent that’s unmatched. I want to help channel that energy into a movement that not only uplifts the community but also puts Milwaukee on the map as a major player in the entertainment world. By choosing Milwaukee, I’m choosing to be part of a creative revolution that will inspire, employ, and transform this city for years to come.

What I Will Do With the Money

The funds raised will go directly toward transforming Milwaukee’s commercial spaces into vibrant, fully functional film studios. Here’s how the money will be used:

Renovations and Revitalization

Renovate old commercial properties to create modern, visually appealing spaces.

Beautify and repurpose run-down, foreclosed buildings to breathe new life into the city.

Building Film Sets

Construct versatile film sets, such as jail cells, classrooms, house interiors, and offices—locations that are often expensive and difficult to rent in real life.

Create high-quality, customizable spaces for independent filmmakers, music video producers, and other creatives.

Studio Infrastructure

Develop spaces for green screen filming, editing suites, and photography setups.

Install essential facilities and equipment to support professional-grade productions.

Supporting Local Creatives

Provide an affordable, accessible space for Milwaukee’s creatives, including filmmakers, musicians, photographers, actors, and models.

Offer opportunities for local talent to collaborate, grow, and gain exposure.

Community Upliftment

Host workshops, events, and networking opportunities for emerging creatives.

Use the studio as a platform to bring Hollywood-level productions to Milwaukee, attracting filmmakers and expanding the city’s entertainment industry.

Every dollar raised will contribute to creating a lasting impact for the city, its people, and its creative future. Together, we can make Milwaukee a hub for art, innovation, and opportunity!