My Image Studios Aims to Be Filmmaking and Cultural Hub of Harlem January 25, 2012 6:44am | By Jeff Mays, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer       Roland Laird, CEO of My Image Studios LLC, after inspecting construction progress on the $21 million film screening, performance space and restaurant that will be dedicated to the culture of the African and Hispanic Diaspora. (DNAinfo/Jeff Mays) HARLEM — Decades from now, Roland Laird wants My Image Studios LLC to be mentioned in the same breath as legendary Harlem venues like the Apollo Theater. Scheduled to open in June, the $21 million film screening, performance space and restaurant will be dedicated to African and Latino culture. "We want to be the premier space for culture and entertainment for the African and Latino Diaspora," said Laird, CEO of My Image Studios or MIST. "We want it to be Harlem's living room." The three separate theater spaces with stadium seating can be transformed into one 250-seat area for plays or spoken word performances. It can also be configured into a 320-person banquet hall. There will be a fully equipped editing room and a 132-seat restaurant featuring world cuisine with outdoor seating at a $20 to $25 price point. At capacity, the entire space, located at the Kalahari Condominiums at 40 West 116th Street between Lenox and Fifth avenues, will hold up to 800 people. Between hospitality staff, projectionists and ushers, MIST will create up to 65 jobs. The group plans to hire locally. Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20120125/harlem/harlems-my-image-studios-aims-become-top-cultural-destiination?utm_content=chiefcharley472%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=My%20Image%20Studios%20Aims%20to%20Be%20Filmmaking%20and%20Cultural%20Hub%20of%20Harlem&utm_campaign=Studio%20Aims%20to%20Be%20Filmmaking%20and%20Cultural%20Hub%20of%20Harlemcontent#ixzz1kVrFX8sT