These Three Black Celebrities Are Utilizing Digital Platforms to Help Burgeoning Voices in Film

Filmmakers control story narrative through a lens. Since its beginning, theatrical release has been the gold standard for exhibiting and releasing films. However, every artform experiences innovation and the latest for film is the digital platform. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and YouTube Prime are the top four powerhouse SVOD (subscription video on demand) players and they have changed the game for film acquisition and distribution. Well established filmmakers like Martin Scorsese have even had to recognize the viability of digital platforms by doing a theatrical and Netflix release for his upcoming The Irishman. So, how do inexperienced filmmakers stand a chance of getting their work picked up and noticed if the traditional go-to, theatrical release, is suffering? Like a Rubik’s Cube, the film industry has many sides and many formulas to succeed, and entertainers who are innovators have figured out how to utilize digital platforms to not only exhibit their work but how to also offer a “foot in the door” for up-and-coming filmmakers and talent. 

Kevin Hart has delved into the digital world of streaming content with his entertaining Laugh Out Loud Network (LOL Network). Partnered with Lionsgate, Hart provides original web series, stand-up comedy specials, movies. One of the most popular shows is Lyft Legend where Hart disguises himself as sassy old man Donald Mac and pranks passengers. It’s like a celebrity version of Cash Cab. He’s also offered the opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work with the Eat My Shorts Competition, which ran in 2017 and 2018. Last year the LOL Network teamed with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to offer $20,000 to one or two burgeoning comedy filmmakers. The winner was Jonterri Gadson. https://laughoutloud.com/

Sean "Puffy" Combs' (P Diddy) Revolt is a digital cable television network that focuses on music, showcasing cutting-edge familiar and new artists through titillating interviews, live concerts, music videos, and relevant news. According to Combs, this is "the first channel created entirely from the ground up in this new era of social media." One of the original series that’s a must-see is State of the Culture, which touches on pressing social justice issues, pop culture, and politics. His new Revolt series Short and Fresh, which premiered February 22, 2019, covers emerging voices in Black cinema. https://revolt.tv/ 

Damon "Dame" Dash On April 3, Damon Dash kicked off Dame Dash Studios, a platform where award-winning feature films, original movies, unique series geared towards travel and health and wellness and enlightening docuseries are streamed for a primarily "millennial trendsetter" audience. Its formatting is akin to Hulu and Netflix, but with more “swagger.” Dash has said that “Independence is art.” He’ll be providing original programs from vanguard artists Talib Kweli, Kanye West and more on his platform. The network just recently launched, so it’s still coming into its own. https://www.damedashstudios.com/