Tag: TVwriters

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The BTFC Partners with Delta Airlines

The BTFC Partnered with Delta Airlines for their second Black History Month film collection!

 

The BTFC is making moves in the sky! ⁠
⁠
We’ve partnered with Delta Airlines to curate a special list of some of our favorite films selected by BTFC members! You gave us your top picks, and we listened! Now you can stream our Black History Month collection all month long! ⁠
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Check out these picks from Black TV & Film Collective members:

 

The Black Panther

Delta’s Equal Justice Initiative

Do The Right Thing

Fences

Get Out

Hidden Figures

Just Mercy

Malcolm X

Selma

The Color Purple

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

To Sir, With Love

42

 

 

 

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The Download with Rachel Watanabe-Batton

Join us for this exclusive virtual conversation! 

On Thursday, February 16th at 7:30 PM ET, join us at the virtual table for The Download with Emmy award-winning producer Rachel Watanabe-Batton to discuss producing for film and television.

Meet Rachel Watanabe-Batton

Rachel Watanabe-Batton is a film and television producer and founder of Contradiction and Struggle, which tells stories that reframe history and culture, and connects cinema, causes and capital. Watanabe-Batton executive produced the musical “Sneakerella” for Disney Plus starring Chosen Jacobs, Lexi Underwood and John Salley, released May 2022. Rachel recently won an Emmy for her work on “Sneakerella”, which was nominated an outstanding 11 times.

She produced the film installation “Out/Side of Time” by artist Jenn Nkiru for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new Afrofuturist Period Room Before Yesterday We Could Fly; and was Consulting Producer on EPIX docu-series “By Whatever Means Necessary” by Director-Exec Producer, Keith McQuirter, which received the 2021 NAACP Award for Outstanding Directing in a Documentary.

Watanabe-Batton’s producing credits include non-fiction series “I Pity the Fool” with Mr. T (TV Land/ Lionsgate), barbershop documentary “Cutting Edge” (Cinemax/HBO), and sports docu-series “Insider Training” (Discovery). She has produced narrative films with numerous auteur directors including features “Ripe” (Mo Ogrodnik), “Book of Love” (Jeff Byrd), and shorts “The Killers” (Tanya Hamilton) and “Bajo del Perro” (Polish Brothers). Her directing-producing credits reflect her wide range of interests, like documentary “Crisis in the Crib: Saving Our Nation’s Babies” linking infant mortality to racism featuring Exec Producer and campaign spokeswoman for The Office of Minority Health, Tonya Lewis-Lee; and “Blueprint” lifestyle makeover series for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Her debut narrative film “Once You’re In,” co-directed with classmate Lauren Greenfield, starring undocumented Irish immigrants in Boston, aired on WGBH while she was an undergraduate at Harvard-Radcliffe and features Poet Laureate of Ireland Seamus Heaney.

Watanabe-Batton’s fluency in socio-historical storytelling is rooted in a lifetime of crossing class, race, gender, urban and rural lines, and is strengthened by years of collaborations with musical and visual artists. Her first jobs in film were as a temp development assistant at Danny Glover’s Carrie Productions and story researcher for Quincy Jones Entertainment. Her breakthrough job was working in creative development for veteran producers Paula Weinstein, Mark Rosenberg, Peter Heller and Julie Bergman at Spring Creek Productions on the Warner Bros lot. While there, she organized demonstrations from the studio lot during the L.A. Rebellion. She then assisted acclaimed Australian film director Peter Weir on “Fearless” starring Jeff Bridges and worked at the groundbreaking Propaganda Films on iconic commercial campaigns, music videos and sci-fi series “Thunderbirds Are Go.” During the heyday of music videos in the late 1990’s, Watanabe-Batton co-founded NY-based production company Department of Film with director Nick Quested at Goldcrest Post. She has produced content for leading recording artists including Diddy, DMX, Faith Evans, Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Nas, Trick Daddy, Usher, Wu-Tang Clan, and many others. Watanabe-Batton has also directed top ten videos in the U.S. (“Play No Games”) and Africa (“Incomplete”) and helmed international productions.

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

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!

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The Download: Producing for the Family with Fred Rogers Productions

Join us for this exclusive conversation featuring Black producers who are making an impact on children’s programming behind the lens!

On Thursday, February 9th at 7:30 PM ET, join us for the first edition of The Download for 2023!

We’re sitting at the virtual table with Chris Loggins, Olubunmi Mia Olufemi, and Kenney Randall from Fred Rogers Productions and discussing how they got their start, what they currently do and how they got there, how they are preparing for the next stage of their careers, and the range of opportunities in the children’s entertainment business.

Meet Our Panelists

Chris Loggins

Chris Loggins is Supervising Producer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, overseeing all aspects of television production, working closely with partners on everything from scripting through final episode delivery and beyond, and directing live-action segments for the series. An Emmy® Award-winning producer, Chris also serves as production manager for Peg + Cat and Odd Squad, which both air on PBS KIDS. Before joining Fred Rogers Productions, he served as the development coordinator at WQED, the PBS station in Pittsburgh. Chris has previous experience working with children in his roles as host of “Baby and Me Storytime” at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and driving the Storymobile for Beginning with Books Center for Early Literacy. He holds a B.A. in American Studies with a focus on African-American History from Kenyon College.

Olubunmi Mia Olufemi

Olubunmi Mia Olufemi is Supervising Producer of Alma’s Way, the new PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Mia is responsible for overseeing all phases of production, serving as the company’s liaison with the animation studio and broadcaster. Additionally, she coordinates the creation of series assets for marketing and licensing efforts, among other duties. Mia started her career in children’s television at WGBH (now known as GBH) Educational Foundation, where she worked on acclaimed children’s properties including Arthur, Curious George, Martha Speaks, and Design Squad Global.

Most recently, she was the producer of Molly of Denali, the Peabody Award-winning PBS KIDS show. Her work is devoted to building inclusive productions, on screen and behind the scenes, that authentically celebrate and highlight under-represented populations, particularly minorities and immigrant cultures. For Alma’s Way, she has worked to create spaces to uplift new voices in children’s media. Mia received her M.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College.

Kennedy Randall

As Production Assistant at Fred Rogers Productions, Kennedy Randall provides support on series including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. She has previously worked as a freelance video editor, production assistant, designer, and editor. Kennedy has also served as an assistant to rapper, activist, and entrepreneur Kellee Maize for whom she has completed research, website editing, social media design, and much more.

With a background in digital media production and television as well as childcare, she has become interested in understanding the ways in which children consume media, and in turn, how that content can aid in their development. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and is at work on two novels. Kennedy holds a B.A. in Communications from Slippery Rock University.

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

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!

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Deep Focus: The Greenlight on Development | 3-Part Series

This January, join us for a three-part workshop series DEEP FOCUS! This edition, facilitated by Producer/Executive ProducerHeidi Reinberg is a three-part masterclass!

Schedule

  • DEVELOPMENT – Wednesday, January 4th
  • GRANTS – Wednesday, January 11th
  • PITCHES – Wednesday, January 18th

Can’t make a session? RSVP for all three sessions to receive the recordings.

This three-part workshop will cover:

  • What elements do you need to put together to approach a broadcaster/streamer? A film funder? Someone who wants to invest in your film?
  • What does a well-developed project look like?
  • What exactly are grant-makers looking for — or at? — when they review your proposal?
  • How does a written proposal differ from a verbal pitch?

Heidi Reinberg

With nearly two decades of hands-on experience as a documentary producer (and now as a consulting producer and grants-panel reviewer), Heidi Reinberg learned pretty much everything she knows about “the business of the business” on the job — including developing compelling nonfiction projects and turning them into award-winning pitches and effective grant proposals. Now she is on a mission to impart this “real talk” (and at least a soupçon of wisdom) to as many aspiring/emerging producers as possible with a goal toward getting to “Count us in!” instead of the dreaded “Come back when you have a rough cut.”

Deep Focus

Deep Focus is a workshop series centered on filmmaking from acting to cinematography and distribution. In these exclusive workshops, experts teach hands-on techniques coupled with a segment for Q & A and workbooks as takeaways. Those who are unable to attend can take advantage of a replay accessed from our Black TV & Film Collective library.

#MakeYourWork

Join us for Deep Focus and get the information and inspiration you need to #MakeYourWork! RSVP today!

Questions? Contact [email protected].

Members, use your code to access your discounted ticket.

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

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The Download: Making Holiday Movie Magic

On Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 PM ET, join us for the last edition of The Download for 2022!

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

Meet Our Moderator

Ariel E. Driskellis an American author, screenwriter, and producer based in Atlanta, GA. As a master storyteller (think Yoda + Issa Rae) she uses words to heal people. Originally from Florida, Ariel attended and graduated from Florida A&M University. Her degree in Psychology empowers her to create diverse and relatable characters that capture the hearts of audiences all over the world. In 2013, Ariel published her first book, “A Life Less Interrupted,” and started her film career in 2017. Since then, she has focused on writing and producing films for networks such as BET. Ariel’s network debut project, “Thin Like Me,” which was directed by veteran actress, Meagan Good, was released in July of 2022. And her highly anticipated holiday film, “The First Noelle,” is currently streaming on BET+.”

Meet Our Panelists

Terri J. Vaughn

Terri J. Vaughn first stole America’s heart with her comical portrayal of the lovable Lovita Alizay Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show. After six successful seasons, she went on to star in Will Smith’s executive produced comedy All of Us, Showtime’s hit drama Soul Food, and Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns. Terri currently stars on the upcoming seasons of Ava DuVernay’s Cherish The Day, BET’s First Wives Club and BounceTV’s Johnsons. Terri has been honored with three NAACP Image Awards for her work on The Steve Harvey Show.

As a director, Terri’s latest project, Unthinkably Good Things, filmed in Rome, Italy, is slated to launch Crown Media’s Hallmark Mahogany brand in August 2022. She also just wrapped on an episode of Disney’s Bunk’d. Other notable projects directed by Terri is the first comedic episode of BET’s TALES and Reuben Cannon Entertainment’s Soul Santa. She’s directed several Viacom movies, including the romantic comedy Angrily Ever After, the fun family classic ‘Twas The Chaos Before Christmas.

As a producer, Terri has produced over 16 projects under her independent production company, Nina Holiday Entertainment, with her producing partner Cas Sigers-Beedles.Terri produced and starred in television’s highly rated Girlfriends’ Getaway and its sequel, Girlfriends Getaway 2.

Out of her desire to give back to her community, Terri founded Take Wings Foundation(1997), in the San Francisco Bay Area to mentor young women growing up in at risk communities. Terri’s passion is to uplift and motivate young women to believe in themselves. Terri is represented by Buchwald Agency, managed by Kronicle Media.

Kamel Goffin

Kamel Goffin, the Brooklyn, New York born and bred actor started his acting career training at the Lee Strasberg Acting and Film Institution. He continued his training at New York Film Academy where he was able to hone his skills on the craft he loves. Kamel has been in a number of independent projects before breaking through the door of the industry. You can see him mixing words with the great Forest Whitaker in the second season of Godfather of Harlem (Epix) as drug King pin Moses Temple. He also made an appearance in the series Atlanta (FX), Power (Starz) and Netflix’s Colin in Black and White to name a few. In addition to his episodic features, Kamel was also a part of BET’s feature film, The Business of Christmas 1 and 2, alongside industry veterans Daphne Maxwell Reid and Roger Guenveur Smith.

The former basketball player, barber and law enforcement officer has found a way to use all of these skills to deepen his well to draw from, for character building. This is just the tip of the iceberg for this talented actor so get used to seeing his face across your movie and television screens.

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 and Janine Sherman Barrois. 

#MakeYourWork

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!

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The BTFC Presents The Download LIVE in New York

*Seats are limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. Vaccination required, masks are optional*.

On Friday, October 28th at 4:00 PM ET, join us for another edition of The Download LIVE at the Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City!

The BTFC and the Urbanworld Film Festival are partnering up to host a conversation that highlights the multiverse of paths creatives can take to build a career in TV & Film. 

Meet Our Moderator

Okema T. Moore is an Emmy Nominated, PGA producer and rising director. She produced the narrative 2019 ABFF winner Little Apple, and The Future is Then, which was a Tribeca N.O.W. 2019 selection. She has directed and produced branded content for clients including Lifetime, Netflix, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, FOX, and Disney/Marvel. Her most recent work includes docs The Color of Care (OWN), UNLADYLIKE (PBS/American Masters) and Klutch Academy (BET), as well as culinary hits The Kitchen and Beat Bobby Flay (Food Network). She Showran and Directed her first series in 2021, Hella Late! with Hollie Harper (BRIC TV), and was a finalist in this year’s Blackhouse Producer’s Lab, as well as a semifinalist Stowe Story Lab Diverse Voices Fellowship, the Commercial Diversity Director’s Program and The Sundance Producer’s Track for 2022. In 2021 Okema was a Fellow for Minority in FILM’s inaugural 2021 Branded Lab for directors while helping to run the Black TV & Film Collective’s Black Producer Fellowship. Okema serves on the boards of both The Black TV & Film Collective Board of Directors and NY Women in Film & TV and is committed to continuing to lift while she climbs to build up womxn, queer, IPOC and Black creatives.

Meet Our Panelists

Luis G. Santos

Luis G. Santos was born and raised in the Bronx, NY to a hustler business-man Father and a white-collar worker Mother who’s a closeted writer. As a child, Luis observed his father’s strong business acumen by day, & snuck around the house to find his mother’s beautiful-yet-hidden writings at night. This juxtaposition is what sparked Luis’ obsession with developing a strong business sense and his never-ending dedication to perfecting his artistic craft.

While writing & directing his own short films in hopes of developing projects for TV & FILM, Luis climbed the corporate ladder – starting an internship at 72&sunny and later producing at Mother NY, McCan, & VEVO. This collection of experiences has helped Luis attain a deep understanding of how to excel as a director, writer, and producer in Film, TV, & Commercial productions while also enabling him to properly understand the corporate structure firsthand. Luis has also carved a lane for himself in the Music & Live entertainment spaces, directing work for artists such as Future, Jessie Reyes, Pusha T, Latto, & many more.

Artesia Balthrop

For over a decade, Brooklyn‐bred film/television/video producer Artesia Balthrop has racked up a laundry list of credits working on a variety of projects at flagship media brands like VH1 (Hip Hop Honors, Storytellers, The Great Debate), Bravo (Kandi Factory), TLC (Next Great Baker); E! (Kourtney and Kim Take New York); Essence magazine’s award-winning website ESSENCE.com, and with JAY-Z on his award nominated YouTube channel, Life + Times. Her present works finds line producing for Comedy Central’s Hell Of A Week w Charlamagne Tha God and Eyes On The Prize (HBO). She has also Executive Produced the independent short African BootyScratcher (2008, dir. Nikyatu Jusu); which premiered at the American Black Film Festival and was licensed by HBO for their Black history month collection. She also produced the viral documentary Where I’m From on JAY Z’s inaugural concert series to open the Barclays Arena. Ms. Balthrop attended Duke University, where she majored in Public Policy. In her teens, she learned to embrace key Quaker values like simplicity, equality and community by attending The Brooklyn Friends School. She now imbues her visual projects with similar ideals, and is a staunch proponent of using film and television as a storytelling tool.

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.

First, our guest participates in a 1:1 conversation with our host about their journey and current career.

Then, we provide selected BTFC members with an opportunity to take a seat at the table with our guests and ask questions and advice of this industry veteran. In turn, our members are provided with an opportunity to engage in conversation with someone whose career might inspire them. Those who attend are also further encouraged and motivated to make their work! Recent guests on The Download have included Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Charlene Polite Corley, the editing team of A Black Lady Sketch Show and Janine Sherman Barrois. 

#MakeYourWork

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!

*Seats are limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. Vaccination required, masks are optional*.