Tag: black filmmakers

BACK TO NEWS & EVENTS

How To Find Your TRIBE ft. Emmy nominated Writer/Producer, Amy Aniobi

Join us for this exclusive chat with Amy Aniobi, the Emmy nominated Writer/Producer on how finding her TRIBE helped her build a dynamic multi-hyphenated career.

OnThursday, March 14th at 5PM PT, we are celebrating Women’s History Month withThe Download with Amy Aniobi, Black Reel Awards for Television-winning x Emmy nominated screenwriter and producer-director. We’re discussing what it takes to sustain a multi-hyphenated career in this industry as Amy speaks to her journey to becoming creative under an overall deal with HBO/Max. Amy is the founder of production company, SuperSpecial, and industry talent incubator, TRIBE. Amy is Nigerian, attended Stanford University and UCLA and hails from Dallas, Texas. She was most recently Executive Producer on INSECURE and Showrunner/Head Writer on 2 DOPE QUEENS for HBO. Prior to that, she was consulting on BROTHERS IN ATLANTA. Previously, she was a Story Editor on SILICON VALLEY and a Staff Writer on THE MICHAEL J FOX SHOW for NBC. She also recently co-hosted comedy and wellness podcast, THE ANTIDOTE, produced by APM studios, named one of The Guardian’s “Best New Podcasts of 2022.”

If you are struggling to break through to build a sustainable career as a multi-hyphenated creative in this industry, you do not want to miss this! Mark your calendars for March 14th at 5PM PT!

Join us at this edition of The Download and get the information and inspiration you need to #MakeYourWork! RSVP today!

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member? Sign up for our BTFC Membership! ! Get access to exclusive programming like the Download and more!

In the dynamic world of independent filmmaking, Syd Denise Taylor stands out as a rising star, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the creative force behind Shades of Cinema, her production company, Syd’s recent film, “Gotcha,” has garnered acclaim at prestigious festivals, including the BronzeLens Film Festival, Afrikana Film Festival, AspireTV, and African Diaspora Network.

In a recent conversation with Syd, she shared insights into her journey and offered valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. Let’s dive into the highlights of our discussion:

Navigating Tough Choices:
When asked about the most challenging decision she faced this year, Syd opened up about the difficulty of cutting an actor due to budget constraints. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she powered through, showcasing her resilience and determination.

The Impact of BTFC:
Syd spoke glowingly about her experience with the Black TV & Film Collective (BTFC). Participating in their screenwriting labs proved instrumental in her growth as a screenwriter, connecting her with filmmakers nationwide. The BTFC also played a pivotal role in linking her with AspireTV, leading to a distribution deal for her film. Syd encourages fellow filmmakers to engage in workshops, events, and labs through organizations like BTFC, recognizing them as potential gateways to opportunities.

Words of Wisdom for New Filmmakers:
In simple yet powerful terms, Syd’s advice to emerging filmmakers is to create fearlessly. She stresses the importance of attending film events, networking with peers, and gaining a thorough understanding of the business side of filmmaking. Connecting with industry professionals, securing mentors, and participating in relevant workshops can open doors to unforeseen opportunities.

Current Projects:
Syd is a multi-talented creator working on diverse projects. She is currently producing a podcast, “Reel Insights,” delivering authentic movie reviews by Black Women Filmmakers. Simultaneously, she is crafting a horror/comedy feature film titled “Dirty Dee,” exploring the impact of cancel culture on a renowned sex therapist.

A Vision for the Future:
Syd’s vision board reflects her commitment to pouring her most vulnerable self into her work, creating timeless films for the global majority. She aspires to achieve financial success from her films, engage in international speaking engagements, and foster a supportive community for fellow creators.

Inspiration and Self-Care:
Syd draws inspiration from trailblazing filmmakers like Mara Brock Akil, Kasi Lemmons, and Spike Lee. Her love for Atlanta, which she considers the Black Mecca, is evident in her vibrant community building. To sustain her creativity, Syd follows a self-care regimen that includes nature walks, hot yoga, sound meditation, journaling, spa dates, and a variety of teas shared with loved ones.

Syd’s Watch List:

Favorite Film: “Love Jones” for its relatable Black love story and the beautiful connection through poetry.
Must-Watch TV Show: “The Other Black Girl” – an essential narrative for Black women.

Character Identifications: Syd sees herself akin to Joan from “Girlfriends,” having transitioned from a corporate job to pursue her purpose, mirroring Joan’s unwavering focus on success.
Syd Denise Taylor, with her dedication, vision, and creative prowess, exemplifies the spirit of independent filmmaking, proving that dreams can flourish with resilience, community, and a passion for storytelling. Follow her journey on all platforms @shades0fcinema.

BACK TO NEWS & EVENTS

The Download: Making Holiday Movie Magic

OnWednesday, December 13th at 7:00 PM ET, join us for the last edition of The Downloadfor 2023!

We’ve invited a few incredible guests – from actors to directors to costume designers – to take a seat at the virtual table to discuss the making of holiday movie magic!

Meet Our Moderator

Okema T. Moore – Actress, Producer, Director

“So Fly Christmas” BET+ – Actress (2023) Okema T. Moore is an Emmy Nominated, PGA producer and rising director. She has created content for Lifetime, Netflix, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, FOX, and Disney/Marvel. Some of that content includes Kenya Barris’ Klutch Academy, for BET, Beat Bobby Flay and The Kitchen on Food Network, Oprah’s Color of Care, Founding In Color Season 2 on Peacock and Nomad with Carlton McCoy on CNN. She has been a semi-finalist for The Blackhouse Producer’s Lab and Sundance’s Producer’s Track 2022 and in 2023 became a fellow for the Stowe Story Producer’s Lab and the Black Magic Collective Producer’s Lab. Most recently, she developed and produced a new docu series for STARZ, premiering in 2024, directed a host of fall campaigns for ULTA Beauty and as an actor can be seen on Season 2 of both Amazon Prime’s Harlem, and allblk’s Makeup x Breakup, as well as the upcoming BET holiday film, So Fly Christmas starring Tichina Arnold and Tammy Roman. Okema serves on the board of NY Women in Film & TV and the Black TV & Film Collective and is a member of the NY Television Academy NY, SAG-AFTRA and AEA. She is committed to continuing to lift while she climbs, building up womxn, queer, Indigenous, POC and Black creatives, as she simultaneously strives continued success in her own creative career.

Meet Our Panelists

Terri J. Vaughn – Actress, Director, Producer

“So Fly Christmas” – Director (2023) Terri J. Vaughn first stole America’s heart as the lovable Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. She continued to star in projects for Will Smith, Tyler Perry, Ava DuVernay, OWN, HBO and more. She touts three NAACP Image Awards and scores of accolades for her work as an actress. However, in 2015 Terri’s directorial debut, which she also produced, was the indie comedy #DigitaLivesMatter, now on Tubi and Amazon. Notable names under her direction include John Amos, Kim Fields, Janet Hubert and Victoria Rowell, in projects for TVOne, MarVista, Asylum, Viacom and Reuben Cannon Entertainment. Terri directed the first comedic episode of BET’s TALES in the show’s final season and a host of other TV shows including BET’s Kingdom Business She also ushered in the Mahogany division of Hallmark films in 2022, directing Girlfriend’s Getaway. Most recently she directed the holiday romantic comedy So Fly Christmas, now streaming on BET+.Her company Nina Holiday Entertainment was featured in Ebony Magazine as one of Atlanta’s top production companies and she continues to uplift and motivate women in front of and behind the camera. Terri is represented by Buchwald Agency and Kronicle Media.

Lenore Adediran – Writer, Producer, Actress

OWN’s “A Christmas Serenade” – Writer (2023) Lenore Adediran is an African—American writer that specializes in sports dramas, romantic comedies and holiday “feel-good” stories. She attended Sewanee: The University of the South and earned a B.A. in Spanish Literature and screenwriting at The New School and got her start creating the 3 time Daytime Emmy pre-nominated web series STEPFORD SIDECHIX. Her pilot, SPIKES, sold to Netflix with Marsai Martin’s production company, Genius, producing. Her features A CHRISTMAS SERENADE sold to Mar Vista Entertainment/Harpo Films, premiering Dec 2nd on OWN, and her romantic comedy 3RD TIME’S A CHARM to Crowne Media Group.

Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd – CSA Casting Director, Executive Producer, Director

Kirk Franklin’s “A Gospel Christmas” – EP and Casting Director (2022) Tracy Twinkie Byrd is a 30+year entertainment industry veteran. Known for casting films such as Stomp the Yard, Notorious, Fruitvale Station, Sparkle, The Clark Sisters, and BEATS on Netflix. Now Twinkie is making her PIVOT to Directing & Producing. She is the Executive Producer of Kirk Franklins “A Gospel Christmas” and “The Night Before Christmas.” Twinkie is the Director of Award Winning Short Films The Counter:1960, NARC and IG Series NOT S.W.A.T. She is also the Exec Producer of USC feature Film Voodoo Macbeth. Voodoo Macbeth, the story of the 1936 Federal Theater Production and the All-Black Cast of Macbeth. The story centers around distinguished actress Rose McClendon mounting Shakespeare’s Macbeth while employing a young Orson Wells to Direct. Tracy Twinkie Byrds’ second act is one to watch.

Provi Fulp – Emmy Nominated Costume Designer

Dolly Parton “Magic Mountain Christmas” – Costume Designer (2023) Provi Fulp is a costume designer based in Atlanta who is also bi-coastal. Her passion is storytelling through costume design “It’s in the details of design that speak to the audience.” She specializes in contemporary as well as period design. She draws her inspiration from growing up as a “military brat” , born in Frankfurt Germany and attending German school, she had the opportunity to live in several different countries which exposed her to a melting pot of different cultures from around the world. She has 12 plus years of experience in TV and Film and 20 years total in the fashion industry. She is a proud member of the Diversity Committee of her Costume Designers Guild 892. You can find a variety of range in Provi’s costume design; from Dolly Parton’s Emmy Award winning “Christmas on The Square ” on Netflix to the CW’s DC Comics Black Lightning. You will find that she is published for her costume design work in vogue, la times, popsugar, refinery 29 and deadline.

Leland B. Martin – Actor, Producer

“Taken Before Christmas” BET+ – Actor (2023) Leland Martin was born and raised in New Jersey. He came from humble beginnings, and didn’t even realize a career in the arts was possible until the ripe age of 24. Since then Leland has starred in several television shows, movies, and commercials. His latest film Sworn Justice: Taken Before Christmas is currently airing on BET Plus where he stars alongside Emmy Winner Mishael Morgan and mega star Vivica A. Fox. Leland is a walking testimony that it’s never too late for God to do the impossible in your life.

Pierre Romain – Executive ProducerSo Fly Christmas BET+ – EP

Pierre Romain has produced Award-winning Documentaries and feature Films including: Mind The Gap (Alan King, Elizabeth Reaser, Kim Raver, and Eric Schaffer), Coleman Family Legacy (Jazz Legend George Coleman, Sr. and his family), Fractured (Eric Roberts and Jake Busey), All You Can Eat (Randy Quaid, Ashley Johnson, Kathy Najimy), The Pack (Lucie Arnaz, Carlos Leon, Elisabeth Moss) Bayou Caviar (Cuba Gooding Jr, Richard Dreyfuss, Fake Jansen), Son of The South(Spike Lee (ep), Barry Brown (dir.), Lucas Till, Lucy Hale, Cedric The Entertainer and Brian Dennehy), North of The 10 (George Lopez, Terrence Jenkins, Mykelti Williamson, Jaleel White, and LaRoyce Hawkins), Fresh kills-Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival (Jennifer Esposito (dir) Emily Bader, O’dessa A’Zion,Domenick Ombardozzi). His latest film “So Fly Christmas” can be seen on BET Plus starring Tichina Arnold, Tami Roman, Laurissa Romain, Robert Christopher Riley, Jackee Harry, Tommy Davidson and Michael Colyar. So Fly Christmas was directed by the legendary Terri Vaughn. “One Night Stay”, a thriller starring Stephen Bishop, LeToya Luckett, Iyana Halley, Laurissa Romain, Robert Christopher Riley, Mc Lyte and Essence Atkins will premiere in January.

If you have dreams of making movie magic, you do not want to miss this event!

Join us at this year’s edition of The Download Holiday Panel and get the information and inspiration you need to #MakeYourWork! RSVP today!

Interested in becoming a member? Join BTFC HERE and become a MAKER today! Get access to exclusive programming like the Download and more!

This event will be recorded, but access is for paid members only.

What is THE DOWNLOAD EVENT SERIES.

Offered multiple times a year, The Download is a virtual guest conversation series hosted by the Black TV & Film Collective. It features impactful writers, producers and other creators who provide insider knowledge to help Black creatives do their work. Recent guests on The Download have included Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Charlene Polite Corley, Latasha Mercer, the editing team of A Black Lady Sketch Show Janine Sherman Barrois, Pete Chatmon and more.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

BACK TO NEWS & EVENTS

A Love Letter To BTFC: The Possibilities of Stories on Giving Tuesday

Join us for our inaugural virtual Giving Tuesday Telethon! 

OnTuesday, Nov 28th at 9 AM PT, join us for a virtual Giving Tuesday Telethon “A Love Letter to BTFC: The Possibilities of Stories.” We will shine a spotlight on all of our amazing members, showcase the awesome work you are creating in partnership with the BTFC, and raise critical money to fund our work!

Through live broadcasts of member created films and personal conversations with the creators behind them, the Love Letters Telethon aims to galvanize support for black creatives, fostering a deeper connection between artists and audiences, while simultaneously raising crucial funds to further BTFC’s mission. This event stands as a testament to the power of community, celebrating achievements and fueling future artistic endeavors the center Black stories. It will also be a dynamic platform to spotlight the immense talent and stories of Black and African descent artists, underlining their contributions to the entertainment industry.

So after your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, we invite youto feed your soul and spirit of gratitude by tuning into the BTFC Telethon. Be part of a celebration of the rich and notable tapestry of Black Stories, and a declaration for why we mustensure that every hue of our diverse experience is seen and heard.

It’s completely free day of fun, joy and awesome entertainment soRSVPtoday!

Interested in showing your support for a world where bringing the full spectrum of Black stories to the forefront. Then support our Giving Tuesday Campaign andDONATEtoday!

Interested in becoming a member? Join BTFC HERE and become a MAKER today!

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member? Sign up for our BTFC Membership! ! Get access to exclusive programming like the Download and more!

BACK TO NEWS & EVENTS

The Download ft. BTFC Advisory Board Member x Golden Globe Award-winning Writer/Director, Kemp Powers

Join us for this exclusive virtual conversation! 

On Tuesday, December 5th at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT, join us at the virtual table for The Download with Kemp Powers, BTFC Advisory Board Member xGolden Globe Award winning and Academy nominated Writer/Director ofSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse andSoul.

 

We’re discussing what it takes to become a dynamic, multi-hyphenated creative with “writer’s wisdom and a director’s heart”. Powers was named one of VARIETY’s 2020 “10 Screenwriters to Watch.” Powers wrote the critically acclaimed Amazon feature, One Night in Miami…, adapted from his 2013 award-winning stage play of the same name. He is also the co-director and a screenwriter of Disney/Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated animated feature Soul with which Powers made history as the first Black person to receive a director or screenwriter credit on any Pixar project. This year Powers was tapped by Sony Pictures Animation to direct the sequel to the Oscar-winning animated feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, along with Joaquim Dos Santos and Justin K. Thompson, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

If you have dreams of becoming a dynamic creative on stage, in television or film, you do not want to miss this event!

Join us and get the information and inspiration you need to #MakeYourWork!

Meet Kemp Powers

Prior to his work on stage, television and film, Powers was a journalist for 17 years. His stage plays include the award-winning One Night in Miami…, Little Black Shadows, Christa McAuliffe’s Eyes Were Blue, The Two Reds and A Negro by Choice. The 2016 production of One Night in Miami... at London’s Donmar Warehouse earned Powers an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play. One Night’s Los Angeles world premiere won the production three LA Drama Critics Circle Awards and four NAACP Theatre Awards, as well as the 2013 Ted Schmitt Award for Outstanding New Play for Powers.  Kemp’s most recent stage play, The XIXth (The Nineteenth) premiered at The Old Globe in San Diego, March 2023. Previously, Powers wrote for the popular CBS All Access series, Star Trek: Discovery.

Kemp Powers is a Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, playwright, producer and director who was named one of VARIETY’s 2020 “10 Screenwriters to Watch.” He is also the co-director and a screenwriter of Disney/Pixar’s Academy Award-nominated animated feature Soul, which centers around a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t quite gone the way he expected. When he finds himself in another realm helping someone else find their passion, he discovers what it truly means to have soul. Powers makes history with Soul, as the first Black person to receive a director or screenwriter credit on any Pixar project. The film, which was accepted into the Cannes Film Festival and premiered to rave reviews at the London Film Festival, introduces Pixar’s first Black protagonist and features the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Daveed Diggs and Angela Bassett, among others. INDIEWIRE called the film “one of the studio’s very best.” Soul debuted on Disney+ on December 25, receiving Golden Globe Awards for “Best Animated Film” and “Best Original Score,” three Critics’ Choice Super Awards for “Best Animated Movie” and for two of its voice actors and was also selected for the AFI Awards’ list of “Movies of the Year.” The film received six NAACP Image Award nominations, including “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture” for Powers, and won for “Outstanding Animated Motion Picture.” The film also won a PGA Award.

Powers wrote the critically acclaimed Amazon feature,One Night in Miami…, adapted from his 2013 award-winning stage play of the same name. This drama tells a fictional account of one evening in which Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X celebrate Ali’s win over Sonny Liston in 1964. Directed by Regina King (in her directorial debut) and starring Eli Goree, Leslie Odom, Jr., Aldis Hodge and Kingsley Ben-Adir, One Night in Miami… debuted to critical acclaim at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, before it opened in select theaters on December 25 and launched on Amazon Prime Video on January 15. This “skillful adaptation” (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) sits at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Powers was nominated for an Academy Award for ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’ on behalf of his work on the film. In addition to being selected as one of AFI Awards’ “Movies of the Year,” the film has also garnered a WGA Award nomination for Powers, four NAACP Image Award nominations including “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture” for Powers and “Outstanding Motion Picture” for the film, six Critics Choice Award nominations including “Best Adapted Screenplay” for Powers and “Best Picture” for the film, three Golden Globe nominations and a PGA Award nomination. 

Powers was tapped by Sony Pictures Animation to direct the sequel to the Oscar-winning animated feature Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, along with Joaquim Dos Santos and Justin K. Thompson. Returning producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller said “Kemp’s work is incisive and ambitious and funny — with a writer’s wisdom and a director’s heart — he just knows what matters in every scene.” The critically acclaimed film surpassed expectations at the box office by besting the original, becoming the highest-grossing debut for SPA, the highest-grossing SPA animated film ever, and the highest earning animated comic book ever.  

  

The Download

Offered multiple times a year, The Download is a special virtual guest conversation series hosted by the Black TV & Film Collective. It features impactful filmmakers who provide insider knowledge to help Black creatives do their work. Recent guests on The Download have included Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Charlene Polite Corley, the editing team of A Black Lady Sketch Show, Janine Sherman Barrois and Pete Chatmon. 

#MakeYourWork

You must be a current paid member of the BTFC to attend. Registration does not confirm attendance. Only paid members will be sent the zoom link prior to the event.

Interested in becoming a member? Join BTFC HERE and become a MAKER today and attend this exclusive programming like the Download!

This event will be recorded, but access is for paid members only.

Members, use your code to access your registration!

RSVP today!

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Interested in becoming a member? Sign up for our BTFC Membership! ! Get access to exclusive programming like the Download and more!

BACK TO NEWS & EVENTS

Office Hours: Learn from Fundraising Consultant Justin Brehznev – Secure the Bag & Get Money to Fund Your Project!

WRITERS & PRODUCERS, this one’s for YOU! Need money to #MakeYourWork? This is a must event!

Enjoy an intimate chat with Justin Brehznev, Founder and CEO of Dogtown Fundraising as part of our Get Money Series. Max 5 people per session (first come, first serve). Next one up is on Tuesday November 14th from 12-1pm PST. There is more money than ever flowing to the arts and creative communities, so join this virtual with Justin to learn all the tips, funding sources and ways to make your project standout so you can secure the bag and get the vital funding you need to move your project forward!

During BTFC Office Hours he’ll cover the following topics:

  • getting prepared to win a grant
  • how/where to find grants for your work
  • how to write a grant
  • how to report on a grant you’ve won
  • how to write about your art like a social scientist

It’s an open door for any BTFC Maker member who would like to come in and ask a question, in a safe space and supportive community focused purely on helping you get to the next level with your dreams and professional goals. 

This is valuable time well spent and it’s a true gift that Justin is sharing his time and information with us. 

Meet Justin and Dogtown Fundraising

Dogtown Fundraising is a professional fundraising firm that specializes in grant research and development. The firm’s founder, Justin Brezhnev, has raised millions of dollars for social impact programs and earned a spot on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work in education. Dogtown Is a members of the Association of Fundraising Professional and the Grant Professionals Association.

 

This event is for BTFC Members Only.

Need help? Contact [email protected]!

Want access to this event? Sign up for our BTFC Membership!