Tag: black tv and film collective

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BTFC Membership Orientation

Join us for new members orientation! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet fellow members, share your ideas, and become better informed about the BTFC! If you have not yet signed up for membership but want to or want to learn more, you’re welcome to join us!

The Black TV & Film Collective holds member orientation because we want to ensure that members new and old are aware of simple, easy steps you can take to maximize your membership.  Now that you’ve joined our organization (or are considering joining), we want to make sure you both know the tools and resources that are available to you, and how to use them. This BTFC orientation session is important to ensure that you understand the process for seeking and lending help. We want to hear what you seek to gain from your membership and encourage you to jump right in and get involved. We also want you to meet each other!

Come to our member orientation with an open mind and come with ideas on ways to make the BTFC better serve your needs!

 

We’re looking forward to walking you through:

  • – Staple BTFC professional development events
  • – The BTFC calendar
  • – Ways to stay informed
  • – Step by step guide to using the BTFC Membership Database
  • – Step by step guide to using the BTFC Member’s Project Board

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet fellow members, share your ideas, and become better informed! If you have not yet signed up for membership but want to or want to learn more, click here. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about other resources available to you.

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STORIES with IMPACT – A Fireside Chat on Clubhouse

On Thurs. February 24th at 7:00 PM ET, join the Black TV & Film Collective for a fireside chat on social responsibility and storytelling – on Clubhouse!

This fireside chat is FREE and explores how we as a community can use our art to “reflect the times”.

 

How can we create stories with impact in our communities? What is our social responsibility? Where do we start?

We started the conversation by watching the HBO docu-series Obama: In Pursit of a More Perfect Union.

Then, we heard from amazing agents of change in our communities, Kerry Croft and Krishna Davenport at our two-day virtual event, Community Conversations.

Now we’re talking about action! How do we take what we know about our world and change it in a positive way – using our art?

We’re asking you to bring YOUR knowledge and insight to the table to discuss creative ways you have been inspired and motivated to create stories of impact, that will further and add to our legacy as people. We’ll also provide an opportunity for people informally pitch their ideas, share ideas and network to find collaborators to help YOU tell your story!

We’re featuring Yhá Mourhia Wright (Writer/Producer, “Love My Roomie”), Okema T. Moore (Emmy-nominated Producer, “LadyLike), Kellianne Rae Jordan (Actor/Writer/Producer, “The Park”).

We’re also welcoming back Kerry Croft (Brand Curator) and Krishna Davenport (Founder of The Baobab Wellness Collective) to continue the conversation.

This is a great opportunity for us to dive into how storytelling and activism often go hand in hand!

Interested in becoming a member? Visit www.blacktvfilmcollective.org/join

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Community Conversations Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union (Day 1)

On Wed. February 16th at 4:30 PM PT | 7:30 PM ET, join us for a FREE virtual conversation on activism in the Black community centered around HBO documentary series Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union.

You will be provided with a link to screen the docu-series in advance. Then we’ll gather for a conversation featuring Kerry Croft (Founder, The Vitamin M Box),Jaquial Durham (CEO, The Public Culture) and Shani Bellegarde as we delve into the impact of activism on our communities.  

The Obama Docu-Series

HBO’s three-part documentary chronicles the personal and political journey of President Barack Obama, as the country grapples with its racial history. Weaving together conversations with colleagues, friends and critics, and interspersed with his own speeches and news interviews, the series begins with Obama’s childhood and takes us through his perspective as the son of a white mother from Kansas and an African father, his spiritual formation by a generation of Black leaders, and his hopes for a more inclusive America.

Through the story of one man irrevocably bound to the history of a country, OBAMA: IN PURSUIT OF A MORE PERFECT UNION reflects on the country’s past and present national identity.

Special Guests

Kerry Croft was born in Kingston, Jamaica but raised in the south in Richmond, Va. She received her B.A in Fashion Merchandising and was working in the corporate fashion industry as Sr. Merchandiser for a licensing company where she developed Kenneth Cole Reaction Men’s Tailored Suitings. This contributed to the brand being the top earning multimillion dollar brand for the company. Using her keen eye for detail and merchandising background, Kerry wanted to branch out and start her own business that expressed her love of her community.

Kerry wanted to create not only an awareness for her customer base, but a new way for them to shop up and coming Black owned brands through her monthly subscription box service, The Vitamin M Box. Kerry is dedicated to making a lasting difference and to consistently innovate the talent discovery experience through uniquely curated platforms to shed a positive light on Black owned businesses and the importance of buying Black and pouring back into our communities.

Jaquial Durham is an entrepreneur, community organizer, and creative producer.⁠ As a creative producer and CEO of Public Culture Entertainment (@thepublicculture), Durham has developed a talent for including his passions at the center of his work. ⁠

Most recently, Jaquial was admitted into Clemson University doctoral program to produce his second documentary about the Black history and culture of Clemson and Clemson University, which is his hometown. ⁠To further ensure that Black culture is centered Jaquial has created Public Culture Collections, which is an historical archival clothing brand in collaboration with colleges and universities at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) located in small, Black communities.

Shani Bellegarde is a native Brooklynite with Haitian roots and a Digital Content Creator and Social Media Strategist for smaller brands and businesses. Shani started her career as an Analyst and Project Management Specialist for “Top 10” investment banks for a decade. In 2017, personal tragedy led to her leaving the financial industry to pursue a career as a Full Spectrum doula. Specifically supporting and advocating for Black birthing parents and families.

The pandemic forced Shani to shift in unexpected ways. Unable to interact with people and babies, she resorted to creating humorous content on Instagram. Shani is a graduate of Lafayette College where she obtained a BA in Government & Law. She’s able to marry her education and vast experiences in support of one theme: to advocate and amplify the voices of the Diaspora.

Be the Change

Nina Simone said it best, “an artist duty is to reflect the times”. Although much progress has been made, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our ancestors, there is still work to be done. This discussion will seek to explore themes within the documentary series and how we can bring change into our communities and is an opportunity to examine how we can be the change we want to see in the world. 

The Black TV & Film Collective continues to fulfill its mission – to provide opportunities for Black and African descent artists to achieve economically sustainable careers in all areas of content creation. 

 

 

 

Interested in becoming a member? Sign up for our BTFC Membership!

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Nielsen VP Charlene Polite Corley on “The Download”

Join us for a conversation about diversity and representation in the TV industry with Charlene Polite Corley, VP of Diverse Insights & Partnerships at Nielsen.

 

You don’t want to miss thisvirtual FREE, LIVE insiderconversation and the opportunity to discuss the findings of the latest Nielsen report on diversity and how it impacts and informs representation in Hollywood!

 

On Mon. December 20th at 7:30PM ET, Charlene Polite Corley, Vice President, Diverse Insights & Partnerships at Nielsen will discuss her role as VP of Diverse Insights and Partnerships at Nielsen, the findings of the latest Nielsen diversity report and how it directly impacts Black screenwriters in the film and TV industry.

 

Charlene is passionate about representation in media. As a part of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Team, Charlene is responsible for thought leadership and research development leveraging Nielsen data that enables the perspectives, needs and value of historically excluded groups to be more fully understood. In her current role, Charlene also collaborates with media industry and advocacy organizations to drive equity and awareness for diverse communities.

 

Ron McCants(BTFC Board Member, Co-Founder of The Parity Project) will be moderating this conversation. Ron holds his MFA and is a TV writer, award-winning playwright and WGA member who has written for Speechless. His plays have been produced in Los Angeles, New York and London.

 

Ron was a writer for the Disney/ABC Writing Program and a recipient of multiple playwriting awards and the Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship for children’s television. He was most recently a staff writer on Chicago Fire, has written a music video for Nas and worked on Marvel’s Falcon and Winter Soldier. Ron is a Board Member of the Black TV & Film Collective. He also co-founder The Parity Project, an organization aimed at improving the career outcomes of marginalized writers through data.

 

This discussion will also include a roundtable featuring BTFC members, Laura Fielder (Screenwriter, BTFC Co-Founder and Board Member), Monique Hazeur (BTFC Producers Fellow, “I Won the Lottery”), April Guscott (BTFC Member, Screenwriter), and Dafina Roberts (BTFC Member, Writer) and providing them with an opportunity to ask our guest pressing questions.

 

This is your opportunity to educate yourself on what the present data says about the future of Hollywood and diversity in the entertainment industry!

 

Interested in becoming a member? Visit www.blacktvfilmcollective.org/join

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Sound of Metal: Discussion Circle

Let’s talk about the highly acclaimed film, Sound of Metal. 

On Thursday, May 27th; we’re discussing the highly praised film,  the Sound of Metal. Come ready to dive into what makes this film that won the BAFTA Award for Best Editing, the Academy Award for Best Film Editing, the Academy Award for Best Sound…the Critic’s Choice Movie Award for Best Editing – to name a few – resonate with audiences across the globe.

We’ll be discussing:

  • The Protagonist
  • Characters
  • Themes
  • Three Act Structure

The Sound of Metal has reinspired filmmakers to take a creative leap in storytelling and owning diverse narratives. Please watch the film and read the script prior to our discussion.

Download the Script | Watch the Film on Amazon Prime

About Sound of Metal :

The life of an itinerant punk-metal drummer (Riz Ahmed) begins to unravel when he suddenly loses his hearing, and with it, his identity. Directed by Darius Marder with an original screenplay by Darius and Abraham Marder; story by Darius Marder and Derek Cianfrance.

Genre: Drama

Watch the trailer:

 

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Breaking Into Directing

On Thursday, Aug. 5th at 7 PM ET; join us for an interactive conversation on breaking into directing whether it be film, television, digital – or commercial.

 

Did you start out as a Writer? An Actor? Maybe you were on a tight budget so you directed your own short or series. No matter what your journey may look like, many of us find ourselves in the lauded Director’s chair.

This panel will be moderated by Daytime Emmy nominated Filmmaker, Dui Jarrod (“King Ester,” Issa Rae Productions) featuring Okema T. Moore (Creative Director/Producer, OWN; Netflix, Fox, BET),  Stacey Muhammad (Director, “Queen Sugar,” “First Wives Club,” “Being Mary Jane”), and Quincy G. Ledbetter (Director, 2021 Webby Award Winner “Alieu the Dreamer”).

Our discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A – see you there! 

 

ABOUT DUI JARROD

Dui Jarrod is a Daytime Emmy nominated & award-winning screenwriter, director, and playwright residing in Brooklyn, NY best known for BROOKLYN. BLUE. SKY. It is the first acquired web series for BET Networks after winning the Xfinity Best Web Series Award at the American Black Film Festival. His new series, “King Ester” has been nominated for 4 Day-time Emmy Awards. Jarrod’s work focuses on the power of human connection in the landscape of America. duijarrod.com 

 

ABOUT OKEMA T. MOORE

Okema T. Moore is a passionate multi-genre producer turned director who never thought she’d be here! Starting as an actor/singer, she found the roles for Black women stereotypical and monolithic and vowed to figure out ways to change that. Leaving a cushy finance job at 36 to start all over, she worked her a** off to become a PGA Producer and Creative Director working with the likes of OWN, Netflix, FOX, BET, TLC, and more. Okema is committed to proving that good stories come from all corners of life and deserve to be told by the most unlikely people! And as development becomes more and more her calling, she presently revels in bringing the ideas of these unlikely people to the masses. moorethanenuff.com 

 

ABOUT STACEY MUHAMMAD

New Orleans native Stacey Muhammad is a multi-hyphenate artist who has received rave reviews for her cinematic approach and distinctive style to storytelling and for creating emotionally charged character-driven stories. Since directing her first episode of TV on the groundbreaking series, Queen Sugar for OWN, she’s gone on to direct the season premiere and 2nd episode of Tracy Oliver’s First Wives Club for BET+ as well as episodes of the forthcoming Amazon series, HARLEM, starring Meagan Good and Whoopi Goldberg. She recently wrapped episodes of the forthcoming CBS / Paramount+ series, Guilty Party (starring Kate Beckinsale), and is currently directing two episodes of the second season of Love Life for HBO Max. 

Stacey is an alumnus of the esteemed Warner Brothers Directing workshop and was one of thirteen directors chosen by the Directors Guild of America and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers for the inaugural Commercial Director’s Diversity Program. She’s since gone on to direct three commercials for AARP. 

Stacey is currently in development with Malcolm D. Lee’s Blackmaled Productions on her first feature film titled, THE RETURN. staceymfilms.com

 

ABOUT QUINCY G. LEDBETTER

Quincy G. Ledbetter is a filmmaker, musician, photographer, and artist from Brooklyn, New York by way of Woodbridge, Virginia. As a self-taught jack of all trades, Quincy excels in writing, directing, editing, cinematography, and music composition. His work in digital media has won an Edward Murrow Award and an ASME Ellie Award for News Documentary (2018), an Emmy Nomination for Short Format Daytime Program (2017), and a Webby Award (2016 and 2021). Quincy has worked with notable organizations such as BET Networks, Paramount Players, NPR, Color of Change, Mashable, Mic.com, HuffPost, Vox, and The New York Times. qledbetter.com

 

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