Brothers Make History Becoming First Latinos to Own and Operate Major Film and TV Studio

Cuban American Ozzie Areu is leaving his post as President of Tyler Perry Studios' President, Executive Producer, and Perry's right-hand man. After ten years, he is launching Areu Bros., his own studio venture with his brother Will, who has also worked for the media mogul for nine years. Ozzie, 44, and Will, 42, become the first Latinos to own and operate a major film and television studio in the United States. The creation of the yet-to-be-named studios, based in Atlanta, potentially opens the door to greater opportunities in Hollywood for more Latino producers, directors, and talent. Ozzie began his career in 1995, when he worked at the Warner Brothers Studios security gate. Not long after, he began working in production, first on the set of Friends. From there, he became the personal assistant to Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, and later to Ellen DeGeneres, before heading over to work with Perry in 2006. "I look forward to following in the steps of Tyler, my mentor, by owning a studio that also creates content and I'm especially inspired to build a 360° world that supports minority storytellers, creators and innovators," Ozzie said in a statement. Congrats! More here.