Help Me Start a Digital Platform that focuses on Black Culture because our stories deserve to be told and they are being erased.
I am a seasoned TV Producer who has been producing television for more than 15 years for MTV, BET, Disney, HGTV, etc. From producing reality, pop-culture, true-crime, talk shows, and in the last 4 years, completely focusing on working on digital and streaming shows.
By now, it should be no surprise to many that linear television (traditional TV) is dying. The funeral is around the corner...we will all, evidently have to shift from watching our favorite shows on broadcast TV, to watching them on apps. Unfortunately, it is what it is.
TV and film studios are shrinking and being gobbled up by tech companies, who aren't focused on creating multicultural programming. Which leaves little room for Black creators - and projects that focus on Black culture to survive.
Many people who work in the entertainment industry are struggling. Because there simply isn't enough work to go around. So, I decided that instead of waiting for work to come to me, I have to create my own work, by starting my own digital and streaming platform. Which will help me employ other creatives, who want to continue to do what we do best...produce dope work! Because we love being creative. It is the air we breathe.
My platform will highlight Black culture and Black voices. Series that will spotlight conversations about relationships, pop-culture, documentaries, music, scripted series, food content, and vertical dramas.
Look, TV is expensive. For example, 1 episode of the Bachelorette sets the network back by $2 million per episode! I hope to shoot a 6 episode series for less than $80K. It will be tough...but I am determined to start small and build until I can afford to produce a second, third, fourth, and fifth series. Until I make enough money to finance a 24 hour streaming platform.
Here is where the money will go:
Creating company logos
Starting IG, Threads & TikTok accounts to help my platform increase audience engagement - that will drive people to my YouTube Channel
Create a Youtube Channel -which will house all of my series- in the hope that my shows will monetize, which will allow my platform to grow, and help me finance more shows
Hire producers, cameramen, sound guys, editors, etc to help me create shows
Transportation costs, airfare, ground transportation, etc for my producing crew.
Here's the thing...In 2021, I lost my two brothers. I will be honest...I have been stuck for years. Doing my best to keep my mind from being idle. Because time does not make grief better. It just doesn't. But the one thing that grief taught me? To live my life. To my best ability. To take chances. To find whimsy. To fulfill my dreams. Never in a thousand years would I have thought about starting a Go Fund Me to help me start my production company. But here I am! I have to start somewhere. You know?
I hope my words make sense. Even if you can't support my dream...please share with your friends. Every little bit helps.
Thank you for reading to the end. Your kindness is appreciated.
