The Wayans brothers are hoping to bring Oakland to a whole new level.

Actor and comedian brothers Keenan Ivory, Shawn, Damon, and Marlon Wayans want to build their own film studio along with shopping centers, hotels, and theme park.

The studio, which would be built on 70 acres of an old U.S. Army base in West Oakland, is still in the early stages of development.

At a meeting on June 21, the Oakland City Council voted to begin negotiations with the brothers on the project.

“I’m anticipating this new studio; it can help me with my acting career and give back to the community,” said Latasha Smith of Oakland.

Despite the vote, the plan is still underdeveloped, with many matters up for discussion.

City Council member Nancy Nadel explained the considerations.

“The process is mostly set around a time issue,” she said. “Who’s paying the constructors? The city or the brothers? How long will this process take? Is 70 acres really enough? And we need to see a base model of the building. What will it look like? All these questions and so much more need to be discussed.”

Nadel also discussed the economic and cultural benefits of the project.

“Well, I see (good things) in two ways; it’s a good model for African American youths who will see African-Americans in success,” Nadel said.

“A wider range of jobs will also help economically. It can help people with a wide range of skills, such as fashion, catering, acting, producing, and media information along with so many others. This creates a lot of jobs that can help improve the film business and help Oakland out.”

“I know there is much potential in Oakland," said Oakland resident and peer group advisor Ronnie Ratliff. "We’re like a sleeping giant waiting to wake up. We have (one of) the biggest shipping ports (on) the West Coast ... (and) now if we only had ways of applying this to the community.”

In an interview with TV Station KRON-4, Keenan Ivory Wayans said he was humbled by the outpouring of support from the community, but quietly warned that the development was not the answer to all of Oakland's problems.

“Change begins with a drop of hope,” Wayans said. “It's part of a bigger answer.”