W
hile most entrepreneurs chase AI, Anita Verma‑Lallian is turning her data‑center profits into film. The 43‑year‑old Arizona developer has turned Grand Canyon State land into AI‑powered data centers, meeting tech firms’ need for power‑dense, climate‑friendly sites. She’s funneled the money into production and a planned studio backlot in Arizona.

    Camelback Productions backed the sex‑comedy “Doin’ It” starring Lilly Singh and is developing “Prima Facie,” a Cynthia Erivo‑starring adaptation of a West End play.

    The backlot covers about 1,500 acres west of Phoenix, near a freeway that offers a quick hop to Southern California. She hopes Arizona’s tax incentives and relaxed union rules will make it a viable alternative to New Mexico for film production.

    Raised in Chicago by Indian immigrant parents, she joined her father’s real‑estate firm after an MBA from USC in 2007, then struck out six years ago to build a land portfolio.

    She also uses AI to guide property choices and script evaluation. Hollywood is full of outsiders who invest in projects that rarely take off.

    If it succeeds, it will be among the largest. Her passion for storytelling stems from a multicultural upbringing, inspiring her daily film projects. “People say, ‘You’re doing well; why this?’” she says. “But it’s a fascinating industry where you can change culture.”