CONVERSATIONS
SPEAKERS
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FAQS
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING ESSENCE HOLLYWOOD HOUSE! RELIVE THE MOMENTS ON VIDEO NOW.
It’s that time again and ESSENCE Hollywood House™ is gearing up for our best year yet! We’re inviting you behind the curtain to get up close and personal with some of the most talented and accomplished industry experts on the scene in film and television today.
A safe space unlike any other built just for Black creatives like you! Get ready to listen, engage, network and fine-tune your skills as rising, aspiring, or established writers, directors, actors, actresses, content creators, animators, and more. Don’t miss this unique experience designed to help you take that next step toward realizing your authentic Hollywood dreams!
It’s YOU season, which means it’s time to get everything you came for and more!
• Interactive Workshops
• Candid panel discussions
• Exclusive Screenings
• Cast Interviews
Connect with some of the best in the business as they join us for:
REGISTER TODAY!
REGISTER TODAY!
FAQS
What are the hours of Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™?
Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ will take place from 9:30a to 5:30pm on March 25, 2022.
Who should attend Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™? Is there an age limit?
Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ is open to emerging and established talent and creators within the Hollywood Industry – actors, directors, producers, creators, agents and behind the scenes industry staff. We will be diving into mature topics, so attendees must be 18 years of age or older. A valid ID is required for entry.
How do I attend?
Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ is free to the public. Pre-registration is required but does not guarantee you admission to the event. Space is limited, and registrants will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis and must adhere to the Covid policy and protocol. There will be no re-entry for this event.
Will there be a coat check? Can I bring a tote or backpack?
Coat check is not available. Please limit the number of bags you bring on-site.
Where is the closest parking?
There is limited street metered parking. We recommend using ridesharing services.
What should I wear?
Most attendees go semi-casual—anything that’s appropriate for work or networking.
How can I learn about new speakers, experiences, and session announcements?
Check back here soon for announcements.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations or negative tests required to enter Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ ?
In accordance with state and local guidelines and public health guidance, everyone is required to show a valid ID with their proof of full vaccination.
1. Per, our current entry policy for Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ attendees must be fully vaccinated for entry into the event space.
2. This event shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event and which may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings when inside venues.
3. All attendees agree to follow Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ policies (including health and safety policies) and posted instructions while at the festival. According to the CDC, older adults and people of all ages with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk of death or severe illness from
COVID-19. All attendees should evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend the event. By entering Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™, attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and confirm that they will adhere to local quarantine mandates and the CDC quarantine requirements, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.
Will religious and medical vaccination exemptions be honored?
Safety is our #1 priority. Due to the nature and scale of this event, we will not be honoring religious or medical exemptions. Those who fall under these categories are welcome to enjoy Hollywood House: Behind the Black Cinematic Universe™ virtually on ESSENCEstudios.com, Tuesday March 29, 2022
REGISTER TODAY!
MARCH 10, 2023
and more!
#ESSENCEHOLLYWOODHOUSE
SPONSORS INCLUDE
Program Schedule
Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, North America, Warner Bros. Discovery
Karen Horne
Actor, Producer, Host & Humanitarian
Osas Ighodaro
SVP, Head of Talent & Casting
Robi Reed
ESSENCE Senior Entertainment Editor
Brande Victorian
Director
A.V. Rockwell
EVP of Specials, Music Programming, & Music Strategy at bet networks
Connie Orlando
CEO of Hartbeat
Thai Randolph
Director, Producer & Actress
Salli
Richardson-Whitfield
Film, TV & Music Video Director/Producer
Bille Woodruff
And more to come
Filmmaker Matty Rich. CEO of Matty Rich Entertainment
Matty Rich
AFRICA CREATIVE AGENCY - CO-FOUNDER | CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Yvette Gayle
AFRICA CREATIVE AGENCY - CO-FOUNDER | CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Yvette Gayle
Filmmaker Matty Rich. CEO of Matty Rich Entertainment
Matty Rich
Actress/Musician
folake olowofoyeku
Actress/Musician
Connie Orlando
Celebrity Fashion Stylist & Founder of VeeMode Consulting
Amiraa Vee
Emmy Winning Director
Nneka Onuorah
Director/Producer
ANTHONY HEMINGWAY
Content Creative Recruiter - Netflix Film and Series
Kristena Hatcher
Film, TV & Music Video Director/Producer
Bille Woodruff
Comedian, Actor, Writer, Showrunner and Executive Producer
Gina Yashere
ACTRESS
Jerrie Johnson
Actress, Singer & Director
Naturi Naughton
Senior Creative Executive, Head of Development
Elon D. Johnson
Writer/Director/EP
Morgan Cooper
President & Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat
Jeff Clanagan
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING
Yvette Gayle
AFRICA CREATIVE AGENCY - CO-FOUNDER | CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
@yvettedgayle
@africacreativeagency
www.africacreativeagency.com
Yvette Davis Gayle is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer for Africa Creative Agency. With over 25+ years of media experience she brings a wealth of knowledge. Formerly the Head Of Urban PR at Interscope Geffen A&M, Gayle spent 18 years with the company crafting campaigns for a multitude of multiplatinum artists which included 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Diddy and Keri Hilson to name a few. She oversaw the day to day PR efforts for artists that graced the rosters of Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, Dreamville Records, Shady Records, Zone 4 Music and Mosely Music Group. In 2020 Gayle was recognized by Billboard Magazine for her achievements landing a coveted spot on their 2020 Women In Music Executives power list. CNBC also lauded Gayle as one of “31 Women Creating A Positive Impact in Africa.”
Morgan Cooper
Writer/Director/EP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperfilms/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cooperfilms
Morgan Stevenson Cooper is a Los Angeles-based writer, director and producer. Cooper is the creative force behind the hit television series BEL-AIR. The series, which is a dramatic reimagining of the beloved ‘90s sitcom THE FRESH PRINCE, was born from a visionary short film Cooper that quickly took the internet by storm. Cooper is committed to combining art with purpose by using his voice as a filmmaker to positively impact society.
Jeff Clanagan
President & Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codeblacklife/
Fcebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.clanagan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-clanagan/
Website: www.hartbeat.com
Jeff Clanagan is an award-winning producer and innovator in entertainment. He currently serves as President & Chief Distribution Officer of HARTBEAT, Kevin Hart’s global, multi-platform media company creating entertainment where comedy meets culture.
Clanagan leads the HARTBEAT Media division, which connects with consumers around the world through events, gaming, music publishing, Web3 initiatives, and an expansive distribution network. He oversees the strategic vision and expansion of HARTBEAT Media, and leads the company’s Flagship consumer brand – the LOL! Network – which reaches audiences across its O&O social media, audio (SiriusXM) and OTT partners (Peacock, Roku, Tubi, PlutoTV, Vizio, Redbox, Xumo, and more). Projects that he recently or is currently producing include series such as Die Hart, Hart to Heart, Olympic Highlights, So Dumb It’s Criminal, Kevin Hart: Zero F*cks Given, and more. He also has been behind highly successful experiential projects as a producer of Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out Tour, and Kevin Hart: Reality Check.
Karen Horne
Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, North America, Warner Bros. Discovery
Karen Horne is Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, North America at Warner Bros. Discovery. Her background includes roles as SVP Programming Talent Development at NBCUniversal; Director of Writer Development for Walt Disney Studios Fellowship Program; creating & overseeing Nickelodeon’s Writer Fellowship Program and Director, West Coast, for the Black Filmmaker Foundation. Horne co-produced the HBO Emmy Award-winning animated series “Spawn.” She serves on a number of social advocacy and entertainment industry boards.
Jerrie Johnson
ACTRESS
Instagram: @thejerriejohnson
Jerrie Johnson is one of the leads of Amazon's hit comedy series "Harlem." Johnson earned an MFA from the prestigious American Conservatory Theater San Francisco. A lover of language and drama, Johnson's first love is theatre. She has starred in several stage productions, including the coveted role of Titania in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at CalShakes and a self-written solo show "The Crooked Room," which premiered at the National Queer Arts Festival. Her television debut was in the Freeform's dramedy series "Good Trouble."
Elon Johnson
Senior Creative Executive, Head of Development
Television and film executive, producer and writer, Elon D. Johnson is an Emmy Award- nominated, NABJ Award, Gracie Award and Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Legacy Award recipient. She has facilitated in the creation and execution of various critically acclaimed shows across several networks and platforms. Elon currently serves as the Senior Creative Executive, Head of Development at Tyler Perry Studios. A Brooklyn native and graduate of Columbia University, Elon maintains close ties to her family roots in Barbados.
Osas Ighodaro
Actor, Producer, Host & Humanitarian
Instagram: @officialosas
Facebook: Osas Ighodaro
Twitter: @officialosas
Tik Tok: @officialosas
Website: www.OfficialOsas.com
Osas is best known for her work on Smart Money Woman, Man of God, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, RattleSnake, & Cadillac Records amongst her many projects.
Osas was recently awarded ‘Best Actress in a Drama’ and ‘Best Dressed’ awards at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. In 2023, Osas was awarded the ‘Trailblazer Award’ at the Silverbird Awards and was named 'Woman of the Year in Entertainment' at the HER Network Awards in 2021. Osas was also named the 'Highest Grossing Box Office Actress' in Nollywood in 2018. In 2010, Osas was crowned Miss Black USA and was the first Nigerian-American to do so.
Nneka Onuorah
Emmy Winning Director
Instagram: @NnekaEnergy
Twitter: @NnekaEnergy
Nneka Onuorah is a trailblazing, Emmy Award-winning Nigerian-American filmmaker (Lizzo's Watch Out For The Big Grrrls on Prime Video) producer, and activist committed to telling narratively- and formally-daring stories that re-examine and lift up underrepresented communities. She has recently completed a documentary featuring Megan Thee Stallion, and recent work includes THE G WORD with Higher Ground / Netflix, and Legends of The Underground / HBO.
Kristena HatcheR
Content Creative Recruiter - Netflix Film and Series
Instagram: @kristena_deyon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenadeyonhatcher/
With a recruitment and talent acquisition career spanning over 13 years, Kristena Hatcher (originally from Birmingham, AL) has fueled hiring pipelines for leading companies across the entertainment landscape, including Creative Artists Agency and Netflix, where she currently serves as the head of Content Creative Film & Series Recruiting. She’s also a member of the advisory board for the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program, where she helps the organization realize its mission to bridge the gap between top qualified candidates from marginalized communities and an entertainment industry striving for cultural and ethnic diversity.
Anthony Hemingway
Director/Producer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinybootz/?hl=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AMHemingway
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shinybootz?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%
7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Website: https://www.ahp.film
Golden Globe, Emmy, and NAACP Award-winning Director/Producer Anthony Hemingway continues to empower artists by creating valuable opportunities invested in culture and community, across all platforms via his Anthony Hemingway Productions banner. Hemingway is best known for his work on the critically acclaimed series: Genius: Aretha, The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, Power, Power Book II: Ghost, Underground, The Wire, CBS’ True Lies reboot, and his feature debut Red Tails.
Karen Horne
Actress/Musician
Instagram: @thefolake
Facebook: TheFolake
Twitter: @thefolake
Tik Tok: @thefolake
Website: https://www.folake.com/
Nigerian-born actress Folake Olowofoyeku stars in the title role in CBS’s “Bob Abishola,” currently in its fourth season. She was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her portrayal of Abishola. Olowofoyeku voiced the Priestess in “Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR” video game. She is also a musician, self-taught electric guitarist and recently released her first music video “Ehen Ehen Okay Okay” shot in her home Lagos Nigeria, retelling tales of the social economic issues in the country.
Naturi Naughton
Actress, Singer & Director
Instagram: @naturi4real
Twitter: @NaturiNaughton
Triple threat, Naturi Naughton took the entertainment industry by storm, showcasing her abilities as a singer, songwriter and actress. She is known most for her globally recognized role of “Tasha St.Patrick” starring in six stunning seasons on Starz Network’s #1 hit series “Power,” created by powerhouse producer/writer Courtney Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent.
Naturi is the two-time recipient of a NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” for her work on POWER. Her journey as an actress is grounded and the bar is set high.
Naturi has been awarded by the Women in Entertainment Executive Network (WEEN), The 2019 Triumph Awards, Black Women in Film Summit and The National Urban League of New York for Outstanding works in TV & Film. Last summer, Naturi made her directorial debut with BET's 'Behind the Smile.'
Robi Reed
SVP, Head of Talent and Casting
IG and Twitter: @iamrobireed
FB: Robi Reed
Emmy Award-winning Casting Director, Robi Reed, possesses an eye for talent that has led her career to span over 30 plus years with more than 70 television & films credits, including School Daze, In Living Color, A Different World, and The Best Man.
After 25 years of running her own company, Reed joined BET Networks as the Head of Talent and Casting for all scripted and unscripted shows.
Reed is a proud alumna of Hampton University.
Salli
Richardson-Whitfield
Director, Producer & Actress
https://www.instagram.com/sallirichwhit/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/sallirichardson?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/sallirw/
Salli Richardson-Whitfield is a 30-year industry veteran. She has been featured in over 20 major motion pictures and has starred opposite a number of Hollywood’s top actors, including Samuel L. Jackson in THE GREAT WHITE HYPE, Denzel Washington in ANTWONE FISHER, and Will Smith in I AM LEGEND. On television, Salli starred in the long-running SYFY network hit series EUREKA as well as three seasons of STITCHERS on FREEFORM. Her acting resume includes dozens of popular series, highlighted by CRIMINAL MINDS, BONES, HOUSE MD, NYPD BLUE, CASTLE, BEING MARY JANE, and CSI: MIAMI.
Thai Randolph
CEO of Hartbeat
Thai Randolph is CEO of the global media company Hartbeat, most recently leading a $100M fundraiser to fuel growth. As an award-winning marketer, business leader and architect of nextgen media companies, Thai has been honored on Variety and Entrepreneur’s Women of Impact lists, AdAge’s 40 Under 40, among others.
Connie Orlando
EVP of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy at BET Networks
Instagram: @connieorlando
Connie Orlando’s 17-year tenure at BET has been marked by groundbreaking success and an ever-growing reputation as one of the top media executives in the business. Her creative vision has played a pivotal role in the network’s evolution and helped BET scale its operations and expand its footprint. Orlando has held the top programming position as Head of Programming, with oversight on all genres of original content. She currently sits as EVP of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy.
Amiraa VEE
Celebrity Fashion Stylist & Founder of VeeMode Consulting
Instagram: @amiraavainqueur
Website: Theveemode.com
Amiraa V is a Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Creative Entrepreneur. Known for her dynamic sense of style and artistic vision within Fashion, Amiraa has collaborated with some of the world's most iconic celebrity talent, coveted brands, and award shows.
Compartmentalizing her talents and skills led Amiraa to centralize her focus and birth her business, "VeeMode", a creative consulting firm focused on styling, innovative design, education, and experiences. In short, VeeMode's focus is on enhancing the perceived identity of personal brands and corporations macro to micro.
Amiraa Vee continues the commitment daily of building community through empowering others by her impactful message of self-love, self-acceptance, and self confidence; while pushing the envelope to redefine and imagine the world of Beauty and Fashion on her terms.
A.V. ROCKWELL
DIRECTOR
A.V. ROCKWELL is an award-winning screenwriter and director. Named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film,” her distinctive voice has been celebrated for addressing issues of race, identity and systemic oppression. Rockwell’s debut feature film, A THOUSAND AND ONE, written and directed for Focus Features, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Her other works FEATHERS and OPEN CITY MIXTAPE are streaming on the Criterion Collection.
MATTY RICH
Filmmaker Matty Rich. CEO of Matty Rich Entertainment
Instagram: @mattyrich_ent
Facebook: Matty Rich
Twitter: @Mattyrich_Ent
Highly regarded as one of the pioneers of Black Filmmakers, Matty Rich burst onto the Hollywood scene in the early 90’s, gaining major recognition as 19, year old acclaimed writer/ director/ producer with his award-winning film “Straight out of Brooklyn. As fate would have it, Mega Director Jonathan Demme discovered Matty Rich and “Straight out of Brooklyn” during an editing session for “Silence of the Lamb”.
He immediately took him under his wing and the movie went on to be a huge success winning the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize Award for his critically acclaimed film “Straight out of Brooklyn” in which he was wrote, directed, produced and acted in. Samuel Goldwyn Films distributed the movie theatrically. The film would go on to win the Independent Spirit Award, the NAACP Image Award and The Producer’s Guild Award. Shortly thereafter, Matty was inducted into the Directors Guild of America (DGA) by African American Hollywood icons Sidney Poitier and Bill Duke.
Gina Yashere
Comedian, Actor, Writer, Showrunner and Executive Producer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginayashere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginaisfunny
Website: https://www.ginayashere.com/
Gina Yashere is an internationally acclaimed comedian who is currently starring in Chuck Lorre’s series, BOB ❤ ABISHOLA on CBS. Not only does Yashere star in the series, but she is one of the co-creators, co-showrunner, executive producer, and writer.
She can also been seen on Netflix with her own specials, SKINNY B@TCH, LAUGHING TO AMERICA and part of THE STAND UPS season 2. Her TV credits include, THE NEIGHBORHOOD, Comedy Central’s THE DAILY SHOW WITH TREVOR NOAH, DEF COMEDY JAM, LIVE AT THE APOLLO, TruTV’s COMEDY KNOCKOUT, Comedy Central’s @midnight, NBC’s THE TONIGHT SHOW, HBO’s CRASHING, ITV’s MARRIED SINGLE OTHER, THE LENNY HENRY SHOW and the animated series, BROMWELL HIGH and THE BARBARIAN AND THE TROLL.
Gina came to the U.S. as a finalist on NBC’s LAST COMIC STANDING, and never left! Yashere is also a published author. Her memoir, Cack-Handed was released last year to rave reviews.
Bille Woodruff
Film, TV & Music Video Director/Producer
Instagram: @billewoodruff
Twitter: @billewoodruff
Bille Woodruff is an iconic film, television and music video director/producer who has helmed many memorable videos for artists such as Lil’ Wayne, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, OutKast, Missy Elliott, TLC, Toni Braxton, Trisha Yearwood and Usher among many others. His feature film debut was Universal Pictures' HONEY starring Jessica Alba and Mekhi Phifer. He then directed MGM’s BEAUTY SHOP starring Queen Latifah, Djimon Hounsou, and Kevin Bacon. Some of his other credits include ADDICTED based on the novel by Zane, THE PERFECT MATCH starring Paula Patton, and the entire HONEY film franchise for Universal Home Entertainment.
On the television side, Bille wrapped a block of Netflix's third season of BRIDGERTON after shooting a block of TRUTH BE TOLD season three for Apple TV+. He also just wrapped an episode of WILL TRENT for ABC. Other recent credits include Showtime’s YELLOWJACKETS, the VAMPIRE ACADEMY pilot in Spain for Peacock, and the PAINKILLER pilot for Warner Bros/CW. He has also directed GENIUS: ARETHA for NatGeo starring Cynthia Erivo, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD for AMC, BLACK LIGHTNING for CW, and both STAR and EMPIRE for Fox.
Bille is also developing other feature film projects, working in commercials, television and music videos, and resides in Los Angeles, CA.
SPEAKERS
Doors Open
9:30am - 10:30am
Welcome Address
10:30am - 10:40am
Sponsor Special Thanks
10:40am - 10:43am
Director's Cut
10:50am - 11:25am
Narratives In Noir: Telling Black Stories, Globally
11:32am - 12:07pm
The Power of Your Voice
12:14pm - 12:49pm
Through Her Lens
12:56pm - 1:26pm
Lights, Camera, Hashtag:
Taking Award-Worthy Creative Content From Your Feed To The Screen
2:26pm - 2:56pm
Queen Charlotte Clips & Conversation
3:03pm - 3:53pm
#ScriptMePlease: A Cold Reading Exercise
4:00pm - 4:40pm
Callbacks, Cancellations & Cup O Noodles: My First Year In The Industry
4:47pm - 5:17pm
Disney Princesses, Fairies & Superheroes
5:17pm - 5:27pm
Closing Remarks
5:27pm - 5:29pm
CONVERSATIONS
SPEAKERS
REGISTER
SCHEDULE
FAQS
Program Schedule
ESSENCE Conversation:
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AMAZON Conversation:
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NETFLIX Conversation:
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ACTOR
Kendrick Sampson
VP of Unscripted, Hello Sunshine
Tomiko Jones
Amazon Studios Head of DEIA
Latasha Gillespie
Producer
Sidra Smith
Storyteller and Global Citizen
Jessica Nabongo
Actor
Sheria Irving
producer
Lamonia Brown
Actor
Simone Missick
Goya Studios | 1541 N Cahuenga Blvd | Hollywood, CA 90028
MARCH 10, 2023 | 9:30AM PT
Thank you for coming to essence Hollywood House! Please enjoy the recap videos.