US rapper 50 Cent has launched a film production company, Cheetah Vision.

The rapper, who already owns a clothing line and record label, said the company's first film, The Dance, would star himself and Nicolas Cage.

"He (Cage) plays the founder of a boxing program, and I play a fighter who goes to state prison,” 50 Cent told Reuters.

50 Cent unveiled his latest business venture at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

Despite the tough economic climate, the rapper said he was confident that the company, which has already bought eight scripts, would thrive.

"I don't think it will affect me as much as it will the other people that are out there because I'm not afraid to finance some of these things myself if I have to,” he said.

50 Cent is due to give away a new film with his latest album, 'Before I Self Destruct', which is out this spring.

(by Jason Gregory)