FAMU alumnus covers July issue of ESSENCE Magazine, releases new film

FAMU alumnus and hit movie producer Will Packer appears on the cover of the July issue of ESSENCE Magazine. The issue highlights Packer’s latest film release “Think Like A Man Too” in an eight-page spread titled, “Reunited…and It Feels So Good!”

Packer, a 1996 graduate and founder of Will Packer Productions, has produced consecutive box office hits, which include “About Last Night,” “Ride Along,” “Think Like A Man,” “Takers,” “Obsessed,” “This Christmas” and “Stomp the Yard.” His latest works “No Good Deed” starring Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson and “The Wedding Ringer” starring Kevin Hart and Josh Gad will debut in September 2014 and January 2015 respectively. He is currently in production on "Ride Along 2" with Ice Cube and Hart.

Packer, a product of the FAMU electrical engineering program, has had five films open at No. 1 and his films have collectively grossed more than a half billion dollars worldwide. In 2013, Packer signed overall deals with both Universal Pictures and Universal Television. Prior to launching his own company in 2013, he co-founded Rainforest Films with fellow FAMU alumnus and director Rob Hardy.

“Think Like A Man Too, ” which opens in theaters nationwide on June 20, stars Hollywood’s elite, including Hart, Henson, Gabrielle Union, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Romano Malco, Meagan Good, La La Anthony and Terrence J, all of which are highlighted along with Packer in the July issue.

According to Packer, being featured on the cover of an iconic publication such as ESSENCE has been one of the most memorable moments in his 20 years of film producing.

"Shooting the cover for ESSENCE magazine was an amazing experience,” said Packer. “This was true validation for my work in the industry and a great personal milestone for me."

Packer, who is the first male Rattler to make the cover of ESSENCE, is named among the film industry’s most successful contributors, including being listed on Black Enterprise’s “10 Most Bankable Producers in Hollywood,” Jet Magazine's “Who’s Hot To Watch” and Giant Magazine’s “The Giant 100.”

He was also honored by Black Enterprise as one of the “Top 25 Money Makers in Hollywood” and was on Ebony Magazine’s prestigious “Power 100” list. Other honors include: receiving the key to the city of his hometown, St. Petersburg, Fla. and having “Will Packer Day” proclaimed in the cities of Chattanooga, Tenn. and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Packer is a recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award from FAMU, which is the highest honor the university bestows.