Memphis News: Hollywood Icon Jimmy Smits Celebrates Memphis Filmmaker Princeton James and Kooler Kids' 10-Year Impact on Youth

Emmy-winning actor Jimmy Smits returned to the Bluff City this weekend to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Princeton James Productions, a milestone that highlights the transformative power of the arts in Memphis and the decade-long success of the Kooler Kids initiative in shaping the city's creative economy.

Over the course of a star-studded three-day celebration from July 17–19, 2026, Hollywood legend Jimmy Smits and executives from Tyler Perry Studios joined local leaders to honor filmmaker Princeton James. The event showcased the Kooler Kids program, which has reached over 20,000 young people and successfully placed 85% of its core participants into creative industry roles. As James looks toward the future, he envisions Memphis evolving into a major entertainment hub with its own self-sustaining film and television verticals within the next five years.

By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose

A Decade of Building the Bluff City's Creative Soul

When Jimmy Smits first arrived in Memphis to film the NBC series Bluff City Law, he didn't just play a lawyer on television; he became an honorary Memphian who recognized the untapped creative potential of our streets. This weekend, his return to the city wasn't for a script or a scene, but to stand beside Princeton James: a man who has spent the last ten years turning that potential into a powerhouse production company.

Princeton James, the visionary behind Queen Rising and the beloved Soul Murder Mystery series, has spent a decade proving that Memphis is more than just a backdrop; it is a fountain of talent. The anniversary celebration was a testament to the grit and grace required to build a creative empire in the Mid-South. From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to securing sustainable funding, James has remained steadfast in his mission to elevate Memphis stories.

"You guys have so much here to offer," Smits remarked during the festivities. "It's about the mentorship and the vision. Princeton sees how the arts intersect with the health of a community."

The Kooler Kids Impact: More Than Just a Stage

At the heart of Princeton James Productions (PJP) lies its nonprofit arm, The Cooler, and its flagship youth program, Kooler Kids. While the headlines often focus on the glitz of Hollywood visits, the real work happens in the rehearsal rooms and film sets where Memphis youth are finding their voices.

The statistics released during the 10-year showcase are staggering. The Kooler Kids summer enrichment camp has directly engaged over 500 students in intensive training, covering acting, singing, dancing, hair and makeup, stage management, writing, and directing. Perhaps most impressively, 85% of these students have gone on to secure job placements within the creative industries.

But the reach goes even further. Through community engagement and outreach, Kooler Kids has touched the lives of more than 20,000 young people in the Memphis area. These aren't just statistics; they are stories of confidence found, discipline learned, and paths to success illuminated for children who might otherwise never have seen a career in the arts as a possibility.

A Vision for a Memphis Entertainment Hub

Princeton James isn't content with just celebrating the past; he is drafting the blueprint for the city's future. During the anniversary weekend, James shared a bold vision for the next five years: transforming Memphis into a major entertainment hub.

"In the next five years, you wouldn't even recognize the city," James said. "It would be a hub for entertainment with its own film and TV verticals."

This vision aligns with the growing infrastructure of the Mid-South's creative economy. With industry giants like Jimmy Smits and Tyler Perry Studio executives paying attention, the path toward a "Hollywood of the South" feels less like a dream and more like an impending reality. The goal is to create a vertical system where Memphis talent can be trained, hired, and broadcasted without ever having to leave the 901 area code.

Human Usefulness: Navigating the Storms as Peacemakers

Christian Takeaway

The work of Princeton James and the Kooler Kids program is a beautiful modern-day reflection of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). We are each given gifts by the Creator, but the true blessing comes in how we invest those gifts into others. By creating a space where young people can discover their God-given talents, Princeton James is not just building a business; he is stewarding a legacy. In a city often divided, the arts serve as a "common grace": a way for us to see the image of God in one another and celebrate the creativity that binds us together.

How to Pray/Engage

• Pray for the leadership of Princeton James Productions and The Cooler, that they would have continued wisdom and the resources needed to expand their reach.

• Pray for the 20,000+ youth impacted by these programs, that the seeds of confidence and purpose planted in them would grow into lives of service and excellence.

• Engage by supporting local theater and film. Attend a PJP production or volunteer your time with youth arts initiatives in your own neighborhood.

• Support the next generation of creatives by visiting princetonjamesproductions.com to learn about their upcoming programs and how you can donate.

Peacemaker's Perspective

In our "Green Light" peacemaker strategy, we look for ways to build bridges rather than walls. The arts are one of the most effective bridges we have. When a community comes together to watch a play or a film created by its own youth, the barriers of politics and background begin to fade. Princeton James is a peacemaker because he provides a platform for stories that foster empathy. By investing in our youth, we are decreasing the likelihood of conflict and increasing the opportunity for community flourishing.

The Future of Memphis Arts

As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, let us remember that the strength of Memphis lies in its people. Whether it's the legendary Hattiloo Theatre expansion or the Ida B. Wells Plaza reopening, our city is in a season of cultural rising. The endorsement of icons like Jimmy Smits serves as a reminder that the world is watching Memphis. The question for us as a community is: how will we support the creators in our midst who are building the Kingdom through their craft?

❓ FAQ

What is the Kooler Kids program? Kooler Kids is a performing arts enrichment initiative under the nonprofit The Cooler. it provides hands-on training for youth in acting, dance, music, and film production, culminating in a full-scale professional showcase.

Who is Princeton James? Princeton James is a Memphis-based filmmaker, playwright, and producer. He is the founder of Princeton James Productions and has been a central figure in the Memphis creative scene for over a decade.

Why was Jimmy Smits in Memphis? Jimmy Smits, known for his roles in NYPD Blue and The West Wing, spent significant time in Memphis filming the series Bluff City Law. He returned this weekend to support the 10th anniversary of Princeton James Productions and advocate for the local film industry.

How can I get involved with youth arts in Memphis? You can support organizations like Princeton James Productions, the Music Export Memphis initiatives, or local community centers like the Frayser Community Resource Center that often host youth creative programs.

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CTA: Are you ready to see Memphis become the next great entertainment hub? Support our local talent! Visit princetonjamesproductions.com today to see how you can sponsor a "Kooler Kid" or attend an upcoming performance. Let’s invest in the gifts God has placed right here in the Bluff City!