ColorCreative, the management/production company co-founded by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, is excited to announce the inaugural cohort for its Find Your People Program (FYPP). This program, first announced in February, is a unique opportunity for creatives in seven different filmmaking fields to receive training, resources, and mentorship. The ultimate goal is for these creatives to form interdisciplinary production teams, develop a short film, pitch it, and ideally create it to be screened next year.
Out of over 1,500 applicants from around the world, a total of twenty-eight creatives were chosen to be part of the inaugural cohort. ColorCreative managers carefully matched these individuals into four production teams, ensuring representation from each of the seven disciplines: writers, costume designers, directors, producers, cinematographers, production designers, and editors.
The writers selected for the program are Brian Cohen, Cassandra Hunter, Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, and Yolanda Morgan. Each of them brings a unique perspective and skill set to the team. Similarly, the costume designers, Jalissa Jackson, Kaij, Raquel “Rocky” Avalos, and Salina Hernandez, are poised to collaborate and create breathtaking visuals for the short film.
The directors chosen for FYPP are Aisha Amin, Ifeanyi Ezieme, Jeremie Cander, and Yeajoon (Joon) Cho. These talented individuals have diverse backgrounds and experiences, making them ideal candidates for leading the production teams. The program also includes producers Chidi Amadiume, Fabiola Rodriguez, Maia Miller, and Viviana Yupanqui, who will bring their skills in organization and project management to ensure the success of the short film.
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In addition, the program welcomes cinematographers Anna Mendes, B.P. Edwards, Matt Kleppner, and Rayna Rasamee, who will contribute their expertise in capturing stunning visuals. The production designers, Chidinma Dureke, Jolien Louis, Kathryne Garrido, and Vango Jones, will utilize their creativity and attention to detail to shape the visual world of the film. Lastly, the editors, Danny Muñoz, Funmi Ogunro, Mayah Gilmer, and Sydney Taylor, will bring their technical and storytelling skills to craft the final product.
The cohort has already begun attending workshops earlier this summer, led by industry professionals from their respective disciplines. These workshops aim to equip the creatives with the necessary skills to become future department heads. Mentors who have participated in the program so far include writer Raamla Mohamed (Reasonable Doubt), editor Aric Lewis (Black-ish), director Mike Mosallam (Parade), producer Mike Leahy (The Unbreakable Boy), cinematographers Ava Berkofsky (Insecure) and Domo Jones (Marketing Men), production designer Monique Dias (Grand Crew), and costume designer Ayanna James Kimani (All American: Homecoming).
To fund the production of the short films, ColorCreative has received support from its brand partners. Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand, through a grant from its 10-year, $100 million Black Community Commitment, have provided funding. Other brand partners include American Express, Canva, The Pop Culture Collaborative, and UTA. ColorCreative’s agency, which represents Issa Rae, has also played a significant role in supporting FYPP. Workshops held at their offices have included participation from partner and co-head of motion picture talent Jay Gassner, partner and TV literary agent Tim Phillips, production arts agent Pegi Murray, motion picture literary agent Anna Flickinger, chief diversity officer Lindsay Wagner, and DEI executive Dayna Cobarrubias.
Canva, one of the brand partners, has chipped in subscriptions to its Pro service and customized design workshops. Additionally, FYPP has access to the music library of Rae’s audio company, Raedio, which is providing introductions to composers. The support from these brand partners and industry professionals is invaluable to the success of the program and the development of the creatives involved.
ColorCreative’s president, Talitha Watkins, expressed her excitement about the Find Your People Program and its partners in a statement. She stated, “We are delighted to have found incredible partners to support the evolution of the Find Your People Party into this inaugural Find Your People Program. This first-of-its-kind program is designed to teach, inspire, and connect emerging creators to find their tribe and work together on a short film that allows each of their contributions to shine. FYPP is needed more than ever, and we’re grateful to the partners and mentors who have already joined in to help our industry’s rising creatives.”
The Find Your People Program is an exceptional opportunity for emerging creatives to gain valuable knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, they will have the chance to develop and create a short film that showcases their collective talents. With the support of ColorCreative and its brand partners, this program is sure to make a significant impact on the careers of these rising creatives, as well as the industry as a whole.
