Janet Jackson (Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty) has stepped into the next realm of movie-making: producing. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the singer/actress has signed a film production deal with Lionsgate. The deal will allow her to pick, develop, and produce a feature film for the studio.

The deal brings Jackson closer to movies, which she told The Hollywood Reporter are her first love. “Many people forget I started out as an actor…I have been fortunate enough to work in the film industry, though not as much as I would like.”

Jackson mentioned her love for storytelling, and that quality is what made the deal with Lionsgate work, according to Mike Paseornek, the president of the company. “She is a powerful on-screen presence, with a vast audience, and we believe she will have an equally powerful presence behind the scenes. We are honored to be able to provide a home for her ideas, passion and immense talent.”

As to what material Jackson might choose, she has stated that she has an affinity for film noir. But on the whole, she says she is attracted to, according to the article, “diverse material.”

In any case, it’ll be exciting to see what types of movies we’ll see backed by the singer/actress.

Janet Jackson