MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An Academy Award-winning movie maker is returning to his roots with a new project.

"It's a miracle you're flying fighters in Italy and not mopping latrines in Milwaukee. I've always tried to sneak a reference to Milwaukee into my work," John Ridley said.

John Ridley has directed movies like "12 Years a Slave" and "American Crime."

The Milwaukee native announced he plans to open a creative hub in the city. He's calling it "No Studios."