For Will Packer, making films for Hollywood has never been his goal. Despite a successful career spanning 30 years and over $1 billion in box office revenue, Packer learned a crucial lesson early on about his target audience.
At the premiere of his first film, Chocolate City, he invited Hollywood’s elite to a black-tie event at Florida A&M University’s Lee Hall Student Auditorium in Tallahassee, only to find that no executives attended. Instead, the event was packed with enthusiastic students, reinforcing Packer’s realization that his films were intended for audiences who had been underrepresented on screen, not for industry insiders.
Today, with a roster of number-one hits such as Think Like A Man, Ride Along, and Girls Trip, Packer continues to thrive by bypassing traditional Hollywood norms and connecting directly with viewers who seek representation. Reflecting on Chocolate City, Packer acknowledges the film’s success and how it demonstrated that he could succeed outside the conventional Hollywood system.
Packer’s 2007 film Stomp the Yard became his first box office hit despite initial rejection from numerous studios. Once the film proved its success, studios scrambled to understand why they had missed out on it. His ability to connect with his audience, paired with a “healthy arrogance,” has fueled his ongoing success, though he recognizes the industry’s evolving challenges due to the pandemic and strikes.
Acknowledging the industry’s shift, Packer notes that the focus has moved to economics and streaming challenges. He observes that projects centered on marginalized groups are becoming harder to fund in a risk-averse industry.
His latest endeavor, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, a drama series for Peacock, showcases Packer’s commitment to high-quality storytelling. The series, inspired by a true Atlanta robbery, features an A-list cast including Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson. Packer appreciates the flexibility of a series format over a film, which allows for a more nuanced and engaging narrative.
Looking ahead, Packer reflects on his legacy, valuing the impact he’s had on others in the industry. He hopes to be remembered not just for his own achievements but for how he has influenced and uplifted others, aspiring to leave a legacy of mentorship and inspiration.