NAACP+ Inside The Industry

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Inside the Industry is a one-on-one interview podcast that pulls back the curtain on the entertainment business by spotlighting the people who shape it. Through candid, in-depth conversations, each episode explores individual career journeys, current projects, and the realities of working behind—and in front of—the spotlight. The podcast aims to demystify the industry while celebrating creativity, strategy, and the many paths to success.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Casting Is the First Act of Storytelling — The Woman Who Cast Black Hollywood | Robi Reed

    Before Beyoncé was Beyoncé. Before Jamie Foxx was Jamie Foxx.Before Halle Berry won her Oscar. Someone saw them first. That someone is Robi Reed — and in this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, she finally steps into the spotlight. Host Ariana Drummond sits down with Emmy Award-winning casting director and producer Robi Reed — one of two Black women in history to win an Emmy for casting, a Hampton University alumna, and the woman responsible for some of the most culturally defining films and television in Black Hollywood history. Robi breaks down: → What a casting director actually does — from breakdown to callback to chemistry read → How she started calling herself a casting director at 15 before she ever became one, and why that mindset matters → The night she introduced Spike Lee to Ruth E. Carter and how that one moment changed everything → What it was like to cast School Daze, Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing, Love Jones, Set It Off, Soul Food, The Best Man, For Colored Girls, and all 125 episodes of In Living Color → Why casting is the first act of storytelling — and what happens when Black casting directors aren't in the room → The BET Experience Open Casting Call she created and why she built it → The biggest mistakes talented people make when they finally get in the room → Her audition advice: if it's not going right, just stop and start again — you don't need permission → What she would tell her younger self during every moment of self-doubt → Why you should never want to be the smartest person in the room → The Don King project that almost made her quit — and what stopped her → What she hopes never changes about the role of the casting director This is the episode for every actor, every aspiring creative, and every person who has ever wondered who really decides who gets to be a star. ️ Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations Guest: Robi Reed — Emmy Award-winning Casting Director New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807  Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #RobiReed #CastingDirector #BlackHollywood #ArianaDrummond #BlackCreatives Chapters (00:00:00) - Speak it into existence — Robi's opening philosophy(00:00:33) - Welcome to Inside the Industry(00:01:00) - Robi Reed introduction(00:02:18) - Fellow Hamptonians — the connection between Ariana and Robi(00:02:44) - What it feels like to have shaped an era ofBlack cinema(00:03:05) - The BET Experience Open Casting Call — what it is and why she created it(00:05:23) - What she's actually looking for when people walk in(00:06:06) - The craziest thing she's ever seen at an open call(00:06:46) - The inspiration behind scaling an open casting call to this size(00:07:11) - Before the credits — the dream that started at 15(00:08:00) - How her brother's auditions planted the seed(00:08:43) - The mentor who asked: " Do you love it or can't you live without it?"(00:09:27) - Cold calls, interns, and how she got her foot in the door(00:09:45) - What Hampton University did to her sense of what was possible(00:11:46) - Did Hampton prepare her for Hollywood?(00:12:15) - How she became one of the first Black women nominated and to win an Emmy for casting(00:12:32) - Her very first project — and how she claimed the title before she earned it(00:14:16) - What a casting director actually does (the full breakdown)(00:17:36) - The skill set you need to be a great casting director(00:18:33) - Her favorite projects and why(00:19:46) - How Love Jones, Set It Off, and The Best Man got their authenticity(00:20:35) - How she built the world of In Living Color from scratch(00:21:29) - Casting is the first act of storytelling — what that means(00:22:35) - What changes when Black casting directors aren't in the room(00:22:53) - What has actually changed in Hollywood around diversity — and what hasn't(00:24:48) - Advice for someone building industry relationships from nothing(00:25:38) - What she wishes someone had told her earlier(00:26:44) - Has she ever taken a chance on someone and been surprised?(00:27:12) - The biggest mistakes people make when they get in the room(00:28:46) - How her instincts shift between dramatic and comedic projects(00:29:48) - Casting Terrence Howard in a sitcom — and why it worked(00:30:06) - If she could change one structural thing about how Hollywood discovers Black talent(00:31:29) - What legacy means to her(00:32:11) - One thing she hopes never changes about this industry(00:32:41) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)(00:35:08) - The Don King project that almost made her quit(00:36:54) - Casting directors being added to the Academy(00:37:30) - Final gems for anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps

    38 min

  2. Jun 17

    50+ Shows. No Film School. How Tony McCuin Became One of TV's Most Powerful Live Directors

    Most people have watched the NAACP Image Awards for years without knowing his name. Tony McCuin is the director who makes it all happen — and in this episode, he finally steps out from behind the camera. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with an award-winning live television director, Tony McCuin — the man behind the NAACP Image Awards, Password with Keke Palmer, Big Brother, the Super Bowl, BET's Celebration of Gospel, Soul Train Awards, and over 50 major productions — for one of the most behind-the-scenes conversations we've ever had. Tony breaks down: → What a live TV director actually does during a telecast while the show is happening in real time → Why the NAACP Image Awards "just hit different" and how he shoots it almost entirely in the round → The night Whitney Houston walked out, and he couldn't take the camera off her — not for a single reaction shot → What it felt like to be the first Black man directing Password — TV history in real time → How Big Brother taught him to let the audience pick the shots they wanted to see → The Deon Cole and Leslie Jones moment that went viral — and how he set it up in advance → His philosophy on protecting your talent – no matter what → Why he treats every act like its own separate little show → How he went from South Central to public access cable to the Super Bowl without ever going to college → "Pray Rich" — his spiritual philosophy that has carried him through 40+ years in television → The team of angels around him that keeps him going This is the episode for every aspiring director, camera operator, and behind-the-camera creative who has ever wondered what it really looks like to command a live set. ️ Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations Guest: Tony McCuin — NAACP Image Awards, Password, Big Brother, Super Bowl, BET Celebration of Gospel, Soul Train Awards New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. ️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=a5a8e1df47ba4084 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 Watch the full playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T&si=nge5yZhBmU8SIZ9D  Learn more about NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus Follow Tony McCuin: https://www.instagram.com/tonymccuin/ Follow Ariana Drummond: https://www.instagram.com/arianad_pr/ #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #TonyMcCuin #LiveTV #NaacpImageAwards #BlackDirectors #BehindTheCamera #Password #BigBrother #WhitneyHouston #ArianaDrummond #BlackCreatives #TVDirector #EntertainmentIndustry #BlackExcellence Chapters (00:00:00) - Rule number one: protect the talent(00:00:31) - Welcome to Inside the Industry(00:01:26) - What it feels like to be powerful and invisible(00:02:05) - Why the Image Awards shoot in the round(00:03:17) - How you build a reputation behind the camera(00:04:46) - How Tony got hired for the NAACP Image Awards(00:05:55) - Directing Password with Keke Palmer and Jimmy Fallon(00:08:32) - The overwhelming feeling of seeing your name on screen(00:09:44) - Imposter syndrome? His answer might surprise you(00:11:41) - Decompressing after a live show — and thanking God first(00:12:44) - Advice for creatives dealing with burnout(00:13:28) - What happens when your confidence starts to wane on set(00:15:15) - What a director is actually doing during a live telecast(00:16:12) - The most chaotic moments he's ever had to direct live(00:17:22) - How to read and react when comedians go off script(00:18:55) - How he surveys the room before every show(00:20:26) - When things fall apart on live TV — and how to stay calm(00:21:53) - How does someone become a live television director?(00:23:12) - Why there is no simulation for live directing(00:24:13) - Trust your heart — his message to Black creatives(00:25:04) - Password vs Big Brother — which show he loves most(00:26:23) - How Big Brother changed his directing style forever(00:28:08) - Why being a Black director in these spaces matters(00:29:44) - Gospel shoots differently — and why Black camera operators knew not to put the camera down(00:30:50) - Mastering every genre of television without film school(00:32:01) - His mentor Pamela Fryman and the sitcom training that changed everything(00:33:34) - How 80s music videos live in his directing brain(00:34:53) - Directing Whitney Houston's last performance(00:38:05) - The moment he couldn't take the camera off her(00:39:43) - The year after — directing Kelly Price's Whitney Houston tribute(00:41:45) - Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and why he puts on headsets(00:43:08) - How live TV has changed and how he's evolved with it(00:44:48) - Cutting everything tight from the first show(00:45:37) - Black directors behind the camera — what's changed and what hasn't(00:46:36) - Inviting young Black PAs into the director's booth(00:47:03) - What legacy means to him(00:48:41) - Pray Rich — his secret to 40+ years in this business(00:49:37) - Inside Your Industry Bag (Game)

    55 min

  3. Jun 10

    Algee Smith: From Broke in LA to Euphoria, Jamie Foxx & Owning His Music

    Algee Smith has never played it safe — and this conversation proves exactly why that's his superpower. From sleeping on a friend's couch in North Hollywood, surviving on El Pollo Loco and 7-Eleven Slurpees, to booking the New Edition Story AND Detroit in the same month — Algee's journey is one of radical faith, relentless study, and a refusal to shrink. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with the actor, recording artist, and NAACP Image Award nominee to talk craft, ownership, representation, and what it really takes to build a career across two industries. In this episode, we unpack: → How Algee chooses roles — and why the script always comes first → Working with Jamie Foxx on Netflix's Fight for 84 and what he learned watching Jamie set the tone on set with a boombox → The story behind his EP Love Lost — the breakup, the healing, and why men needed to hear it → Flying from Atlanta to Connecticut just to track down clearance for a sample on 'Spiraling.' → What it felt like to book New Edition and Detroit while broke and days away from flying home → How playing both a Black Panther and a cop forced him to wrestle with his own identity → His tribute to late co-star James Van Der Beek and the gems shared in an RV between scenes → The real difference between working on Black-led sets versus majority-white productions → Why ownership is legacy — and why he's never signing another deal without equity → Practical advice on contracts, AI, community building, and protecting your peace in Hollywood Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T ️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 Follow Algee Smith: https://www.instagram.com/itsalgee/ https://youtube.com/@itsalgee?si=se6LrU3mfdh-2oxu Follow Ariana Drummond: https://www.instagram.com/arianad_pr/ Learn more about NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/naacpplus/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Cold Open: Jamie Foxx Sets the Tone(00:00:37) - Introducing Algee Smith(00:01:24) - Choosing Roles That Speak to You(00:02:40) - Who Is Algee Off Camera?(00:03:34) - Tribute to James Van Der Beek & Filming The Gates(00:05:19) - What The Gates Says About the Black Experience(00:07:26) - Playing a Cop in American Blue After Playing a Black Panther(00:08:58) - NAACP Image Nomination & Balancing Music and Acting(00:10:28) - Fight for 84: The Netflix Boxing Film With Jamie Foxx(00:12:04) - The Responsibility of Playing Real People(00:14:28) - Growing Up in Michigan, Moving to Atlanta, and Early Influences(00:16:07) - What His Parents Taught Him About Business(00:17:21) - Making Love Lost as an Independent Artist(00:19:04) - The Wild Story Behind 'Spiraling' and the Sample Clearance Chase(00:21:17) - His Sound and Identity as an Artist(00:22:47) - What Music Gives Him That Acting Doesn't(00:24:32) - What Ownership Means to Him(00:25:34) - Building a Music Career in Today's Industry(00:27:02) - Advice for Breaking Into Entertainment(00:28:54) - The Actor-Musician Perception Problem(00:30:47) - Preparing for the New Edition Story in 30 Days(00:31:55) - The Couch-Surfing, Broke-in-LA Origin Story(00:34:59) - What the NAACP Image Nomination Meant to Him(00:35:34) - The Importance of Relationships in the Industry(00:37:17) - Representation On and Off Screen(00:39:12) - The Difference Between Black-Led and Other Sets(00:41:10) - Euphoria: What He Knew and What He Didn't(00:43:04) - How He Protects His Spirit on Heavy Roles(00:44:56) - What Hollywood Should Have Told Him Earlier(00:46:27) - Navigating AI and the Changing Landscape(00:47:41) - What Keeps Him Motivated in the Valleys(00:48:41) - Contract Advice for Artists Starting Out(00:50:40) - His Favorite Career Moment (It's Right Now)(00:51:47) - Legacy: What He Wants to Leave Behind(00:53:24) - Inside the Industry Bag Game(00:55:30) - Wrap-Up

    56 min

  4. Jun 3

    Hollywood's Top Publicist Reveals What It Really Takes to Make Stars | Shannon Barr

    What does it actually take to shape the careers of Hollywood's biggest stars — and survive the chaos behind the scenes? Veteran publicist Shannon Barr pulls back the curtain on 20+ years in entertainment PR, from her early days at ICM to managing crises at 3 am, losing client John Singleton, and what it really costs to get the press you deserve. In this episode, Shannon covers: → How she got her start — and the friend named Caprice who changed everything → The toxic ICM boss she finally quit on (out loud, by accident) → Why braids cost her job opportunities and the racism she faced climbing Hollywood's ladder → What publicists actually do during a celebrity crisis (yes, the Will Smith slap comes up) → Why PR is a marathon, not a sprint — and what that means for your career → The real cost of hiring a publicist and why boutique pricing matters → Her 20-year relationship with Kenya Moore and why she fell in love with her instantly → The deeply emotional story of losing John Singleton and writing his final statement → How she represented Damson Idris, Isaiah John, and Malcolm Mays as emerging talent → What she wants her legacy to be as a star maker ️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807  Watch the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T  Learn more about NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/naacpplus/ Follow Shannon Barr: https://www.instagram.com/sbarr06/?hl=en Follow Ariana Drummond: https://www.instagram.com/arianad_pr/ Chapters (00:00:00) - PR Is a Marathon: Opening Quote(00:00:23) - Introducing Shannon Barr(00:01:11) - Shannon's Origin Story: Wanting to Make Stars at Age 8(00:02:56) - Shout Out to Caprice: The Internship That Started It All(00:04:00) - Landing at ICM and the Worst Boss in Hollywood(00:07:10) - The Moment She Quit Out Loud(00:08:45) - Staying On to Find a Replacement — and Getting Paid(00:10:25) - Finding a Mentor She Still Loves(00:11:40) - How Braids Cost Her a Job(00:13:00) - Starting a Talent Department From Scratch(00:14:03) - Barriers Black Professionals Still Face in PR(00:16:00) - Building Lasting Success: Only Taking Clients She Believes In(00:17:10) - The Poet, the Publishing House, and Letting Someone Out of a Contract(00:19:20) - Why Having a Publicist Only Matters When You Have the Right Project(00:21:00) - What Publicists Actually Cost and Why It Matters(00:22:09) - ow Low-Balling Destroys the Industry(00:24:10) - What Happens Behind the Scenes During a Celebrity Crisis(00:25:12) - The Will Smith Slap and the Group Chat(00:27:10) - Why Some Celebrities Survive Scandal and Others Don't(00:29:30) - The Me Too Attempt on Her Client — and How She Killed the Story(00:30:41) - Why She Doesn't Represent Influencers(00:33:15) - Influencers at Premieres and Why Publicists Stopped Pitching Them(00:34:44) - Remembering John Singleton(00:39:58) - The Emotional Side of Being a Publicist(00:40:20) - Balancing Professionalism and Humanity(00:42:24) - The Legacy Shannon Wants to Leave(00:43:13) - Inside Your Industry Bag Game(00:43:55) - Closing Thoughts from Ariana

    45 min

  5. May 27

    From Interning at Hot 97 to the Met Gala with Rihanna — Entertainment Journalist Gia Peppers

    What does it actually take to build a two-decade career in entertainment journalism — across NBC's Today Show, Hot 97, Essence, Access Hollywood, BET, and the Met Gala red carpet with Rihanna? In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host ArianaDrummond sits down with her close friend and NAACP Image Awards-nominated journalist, podcaster, and host Gia Peppers for one of the most candid, funny, and genuinely inspiring conversations in the series so far. Gia breaks down: → How she went from overnight shifts at CBS Radio News to   the Met Gala carpet — and what happened in between → What her dad's 23 years at NPR taught her about   storytelling before she ever stepped into a newsroom → How she co-created Black Girl Podcast before Black women   podcasting was even a thing — and what it feels like to have built a blueprint you don't always get credit for → What it was really like interviewing Rihanna, Kobe Bryant, and Vice President Kamala Harris → How to navigate microaggressions as a Black woman in media without losing your voice or your career → Why she did the New York to D.C. commute for four years straight while working at Hot 97, Essence, and hosting   for the Washington Wizards simultaneously → The pay equity conversation that changed how she thinks about negotiating forever → Why she's launching Creatives of Faith — and what it means to keep creatives on assignment from God → The state of Black media right now and what we all need to do about it → Why dragging the rooms you want to be in is her most unpopular industry opinion Plus — her most honest reflection on legacy, what she still wants to build, and the moment at her friend's funeral that made her decide to go all the way in on her dreams. This is the episode for every aspiring journalist, content creator, and Black woman trying to take up space in an industry that wasn't built for her. Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations  Guest: Gia Peppers — Today Show, Hot 97, Essence, More Than   That with Gia Peppers, Healed Girl Era, Black Girl Podcast New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T  Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807  Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus Chapters (00:00:00) - You create the environment — Gia's philosophy on hosting(00:00:28) - Welcome to Inside the Industry(00:01:22) - Who is Gia Peppers — in her own words(00:02:35) - Creatives of Faith — what it is and why she finally did it(00:05:12) - The resume — Today Show, BET, Essence, Hot 97 and more(00:05:44) - Where it all started — her dad, NPR, and Coming to America(00:08:09) - The process of getting booked and staying booked(00:08:33) - Overnight shifts at CBS Radio News and the Sandy Hook moment(00:13:31) - How she hustled her way from CBS to every major platform(00:14:15) - How she got the Washington Wizards gig — and what it taught her(00:16:10) - What kept her motivated through the grind(00:17:00) - The funeral that changed everything — faith and going all in(00:19:32) - Navigating microaggressions as a Black woman in media(00:22:12) - How to protect your voice without burning bridges(00:23:24) - Pay equity, negotiating, and why she's still learning(00:24:28) - What Rodney Rakai taught her about taking up space(00:27:32) - Interviewing Rihanna, Kamala Harris, and Kobe Bryant(00:29:52) - The first time ESSENCE was ever on the Met Gala carpet(00:33:08) - Kobe Bryant — her favorite interview of her career(00:35:43) - The Golden Globes — her hardest room and what she learned(00:37:10) - The state of Black media and what we have to do right now(00:39:42) - Misinformation, voter rights, and why the tea can wait(00:41:30) - Black Girl Podcast — building the blueprint before it existed(00:43:33) - What it means to hear that the blueprint is still being used(00:45:18) - Was there ever pressure to make it more palatable?(00:45:56) - Legacy — what Gia Peppers wants to leave behind(00:48:23) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)

    51 min

  6. May 20

    Tribeca Film Festival Programmer Reveals Why Your Film Really Got Rejected

    If your film has been rejected by festival after festival, this episode is going to change how you think about everything. In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with Kimberley Browning — veteran film programmer, festival director, and Senior Associate Short Film Programmer for the Tribeca Film Festival — to pull back the curtain on how film festivals actually work, what programmers are really looking for, and the costly mistakes filmmakers make that have nothing to do with the quality of their films. Kimberley breaks down: → How programmers actually decide which films get selected → Why most festival rejections have nothing to do with your filmmaking → The biggest mistake filmmakers make when building a festival strategy → Why you should stop obsessing over the top 10 festivals you can name → How to build a festival strategy unique to the film you actually made → What really happens after your film gets accepted to a major festival → How to qualify for the Oscars without spending thousands of dollars → The insider tip on completion dates that most filmmakers don't know → Why submitting a rough cut could cost you more than just this festival → How film festivals are evolving in the streaming era → What the rise of virtual festivals means for filmmakers worldwide → The one music licensing mistake that's killing independent films Plus — Kimberley shares the story of the film that helped a woman get clemency, why rejection letters are not commentary on your talent, and what she wants her legacy in this industry to be. This is the episode every filmmaker needs to watch before their next submission. Period.  Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations  Guest: Kimberley Browning — Tribeca Film Festival, HBO, AFI, ABFF New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T  Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807  Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #FilmFestival #TribecaFilmFestival#IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #BlackFilmmakers #FilmFestivalStrategy#KimberleyBrowning #ArianaDrummond #ShortFilms #IndieFilm#FilmDistribution #BlackCreatives #OscarQualifying Chapters (00:00:00) - The truth about festival rejection — straight from a programmer(00:00:24) - Welcome to Inside the Industry(00:01:01) - What submissions look like at Tribeca this year(00:02:06) - How quickly can a programmer tell if a film is working?(00:03:42) - How programmers advocate for filmmakers beyond just selection(00:04:52) - What filmmakers don't see happening behind the scenes(00:06:22) - Does cultural timing or relevance affect your chances?(00:09:49) - Does runtime, pacing, or format affect selection?(00:12:13) - How to increase your chances of getting selected(00:14:22) - Why your first films are often "working out your stuff"(00:16:33) - Why you need to meet filmmakers in every city(00:18:24) - How festival laurels work as industry endorsements(00:18:50) - The premiere status question — what filmmakers get wrong(00:20:40) - You are the least qualified person to evaluate your own film(00:21:44) - Every film needs its own unique festival strategy(00:23:00) - When to hire a festival strategist — and why you can't afford not to(00:25:07) - Moonlight wasn't Barry Jenkins' first film — give yourself time(00:26:20) - Can programmers tell if your film was rejected elsewhere?(00:27:09) - The completion date insider tip you need to know(00:28:10) - How to think about top tier vs. regional vs. niche festivals(00:31:53) - Build a quilt of festivals — not a ladder(00:33:04) - The emotional journey of festival rejection(00:35:00) - The offers that come after acceptance — and which ones to ignore(00:40:18) - How to get on the Oscar shortlist — the real pathways(00:44:50) - How streaming and COVID changed the festival circuit forever(00:47:55) - The evolution of festivals and Black storytelling worldwide(00:52:24) - What filmmakers need to give themselves permission to do(00:54:34) - Kimberly's legacy — truth and encouragement(00:56:13) - Real Talk or Industry Cap (game)(01:03:16) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)

    1h 6m

  7. May 11

    Ted Lasso Writer Reveals What Hollywood Won't Tell You About Breaking In

    What does it actually take to become a working television writer in Hollywood? In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with writer and producer Chuck Hayward — whose credits include Ted Lasso, WandaVision, and Dear White People — for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the realities of building a writing career. Chuck breaks down: → How TV writers actually get staffed on shows → The difference between a spec script and a pilot (and which one to write first) → What showrunners are really looking for when they read your script → How to handle notes without killing your creative vision → The mistakes that quietly stall careers — even for talented writers → Why the streaming bubble burst changed everything for writers → How to stay competitive when the industry is shrinking Plus, Chuck shares the writing philosophy that drives everything he does: more Black weirdos on screen. And why writing authentically — not to the market— is the only strategy that actually works long term. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a creative trying to break in, or someone already in the industry looking to level up, this episode is your blueprint. Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations  Guest: Chuck Hayward — Ted Lasso, WandaVision, Dear White People New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one. Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnLI7v57zoc&list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T&pp=sAgC Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed  Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus #InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #TVWriter #HowToBeAWriter#BreakingIntoHollywood #Screenwriting #TedLasso #WandaVision#BlackCreatives #EntertainmentIndustry #ChuckHayward #ArianaDrummond Chapters (00:00:00) - What it Really Takes to Become a Professional Writer(00:01:13) - Chuck's background and what sets him apart in the room(00:04:26) - What writers do beyond just writing(00:05:20) - How Show-runners assign episodes(00:06:44) - How many writers are in a room — and the diversity problem(00:07:14) - Passionate writer vs. Professional writer: What's the difference?(00:09:09) - Where Chuck's love of writing started(00:10:21) - Was There a defining moment that really, like, started you on(00:11:14) - The decisions that took him from aspiring to professional(00:12:12) - His Core Writing Ethos: More Black Weirdos(00:13:43) - The Career Ladder and where writers get stuck(00:16:40) - Specs vs. Pilots — Which should you write first?(00:21:09) - How to actually get staffed on a show(00:23:00) - Mistakes that quietly stall careers(00:26:16) - How to handle notes and rewrites like a pro(00:29:57) - How to stay competitive right now(00:33:53) - Where the industry is headed(00:38:04) - How rejection feels at his level — and how he keeps going(00:41:28) - A mistake he made and what he learned from it(00:45:44) - What makes a script hireable vs. just good(00:47:25) - How to know when you've found your voice(00:48:36) - The legacy Chuck wants to leave(00:49:38) - Real Talk or Industry Cap (game)(00:53:14) - Inside Your Industry Bag (game)

    55 min

  8. May 6

    He Started as an Intern - here’s What Changed Everything

    DeVon Franklin rose from intern to executive producer in Hollywood—but how did that actually happen? In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, DeVon Franklin—producer behind films like "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Moneyball," and "The Karate Kid"—shares what it really takes to grow in this business, navigate opportunity, and build a career with purpose. We'll cover topics such as: - What it takes to stand out early in your career - What ownership means in today’s entertainment industry - Where the biggest opportunities are for creatives right now From studio systems to independent production, this conversation breaks down what it takes to create and lead projects at the highest level of filmmaking. About Devon Franklin: Devon Franklin is a producer, author, and former studio executive at Columbia Pictures. His work spans major box office films, faith-based storytelling, and independent production, with a focus on purpose-driven content and long-term impact. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus YouTube: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Sneak Peek into the Episode(00:01:00) - Episode Starts(00:01:35) - The Key to His Success(00:04:03) - Black Producer on Me and Tuscany(00:06:06) - Does it Feel Harder to Get Faith Based Films Greenlit?(00:09:29) - In the Elevator With Steven Spielberg(00:11:01) - Tyler Perry on His Cross-Discipline(00:13:44) - Black Storytellers: The Future of Creativity(00:16:04) - When Did You First Fall in Love with Film?(00:18:27) - The Artist's Service in Work(00:20:25) - Pastor Jefferson on Divorce Sisters(00:24:24) - Tom Holland on Shaping the Film Industry(00:26:44) - What A Producers Do(00:29:09) - Paul Feist on Heaven Is for Real Box Office Success(00:35:03) - Sony's Amy Pascal on Patience(00:37:38) - What Do Producers Need To Know To Become a Producers?(00:40:30) - What's The Hard Part of Making It in Hollywood?(00:42:09) - How to Manage Relationships(00:46:11) - What Draws You To a Project?(00:47:48) - Black Storytellers on the Future(00:50:05) - The Role of a Producers(00:52:07) - The Legacy of Steven Spielberg(00:54:21) - Inside Your Industry Bag(00:55:09) - Independent Producers: You Have to Know Somebody to Break In(00:59:13) - Devon Franklin on Talking To People

    1 hr

  9. Apr 29

    The Making of a Fashion Powerhouse | Brandon Gray on Building House of Gray and Dressing Hollywood

    The making of a fashion powerhouse—how does a designer go from starting out to dressing Hollywood’s biggest stars? Brandon Gray has built a brand that commands attention on the red carpet—from the NAACP Image Awards to the Oscars and the Met Gala. But behind those moments is a story of persistence, strategy, and learning how to build in an industry that rarely gives you a clear path. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, Brandon Gray breaks down how he turned House of Gray into a sought-after fashion brand, how he broke into the industry without connections, and what it really takes to build something that lasts in fashion. We'll also cover: - What it takes to dress high-profile clients - How to turn talent into a real business - How designers can stay relevant as fashion evolves If you’re a designer, creative, or entrepreneur trying to build something of your own, this conversation gives you a real look at what it takes to go from starting out to becoming a recognized name. About Brandon Gray: Brandon Gray is the founder of House of Gray, a fashion brand known for dressing top talent at major events, including Colman Domingo, Tyler Perry, and Niecy Nash. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, fashion, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Sneak Peek at Brandon Gray(00:01:14) - Episode Start(00:01:35) - Designing for The Met Gala(00:03:15) - How Brandon Defines Fashion(00:05:26) - His Responsibility as a Black Designer(00:06:27) - How Fashion Became his Profession(00:09:04) - What Influences his Style(00:10:14) - Moving from Inglewood to Paris(00:14:52) - Gaining Confidence in Your Abilities(00:16:31) - How he Overcome Imposter Syndrome(00:16:50) - Navigating Access and Opportunity as you Elevate(00:18:17) - Stay Ready so you Don't Have to Get Ready(00:19:24) - Making it Through the Pandemic(00:25:46) - Why it's Important to Travel and Network(00:27:03) - Your Network is your Net-worth(00:29:39) - Connecting to your Audience through Social Media(00:31:21) - Mistakes to Avoid(00:33:10) - Originality vs Following Trends(00:36:26) - The Next Era of Fashion(00:37:59) - Habits you Need to Succeed in Fashion(00:39:36) - What Aspiring Designers Should Focus on Now(00:40:59) - What his Legacy Will Be(00:44:38) - 3 Tips to Break into Fashion(00:44:40) - Who you Dress Matters(00:45:38) - Nothing Changes Overnight(00:46:08) - Originality is Still a Thing(00:46:49) - Exposure doesn't Always Pay the Bills(00:48:30) - Realizing I didn't Want to be a Lawyer

    52 min

  10. Apr 21

    Breaking Into Hollywood without Connections | Inside the Industry with James Swoope

    How do you break into Hollywood without connections? For most people, the biggest barrier to entering the entertainment industry isn’t talent—it’s access. So how do careers actually get started when you don’t know anyone? In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, James Swoope—Partner at M88—breaks down how aspiring creatives can break into Hollywood, how talent managers identify potential, and how opportunities are built behind the scenes. From building relationships to creating leverage without traditional access, this conversation reveals how careers gain traction in today’s entertainment industry. We cover: How to break into Hollywood without connections How talent managers discover and develop talent How opportunities and deals get made How relationships create long-term leverage What aspiring creatives should focus on right now If you’re trying to get into the entertainment industry—or build a career from the ground up—this is your starting point. About James Swoope: James Swoope is a Partner at M88, where he helps guide talent strategy, package projects, and build opportunities for clients across entertainment and sports. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, music, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro to James Swoope(00:00:42) - Episode Start(00:05:28) - The Moment He Knew Management Was His Path(00:12:30) - The Hardest Part Of Breaking Into This Industry(00:13:31) - How He Overcame Imposter Syndrome(00:15:20) - First Step to Becoming a Manager(00:18:16) - Defining What a Manager Does(00:20:36) - Misconceptions about What Managers Do(00:22:51) - One Mistake that Aspiring Managers Make(00:25:13) - A Hard Lesson James Swoope Learned(00:26:21) - Mental Health and Overcoming Burnout(00:29:35) - How to Stay Competitive Today in the Industry(00:32:25) - What James Swoope Looks for in a Client(00:34:55) - Tips on Breaking Into Entertainment Without Connections(00:37:32) - Game: Real Talk or Industry Cap(00:40:31) - One Decision That Changed Everything For James Swoope(00:42:54) - James Shares a Question for the Next Guest

    46 min
  11. How Vertical Storytelling Is Changing Hollywood | Inside the Industry with Wendy Calhoun

    Apr 15

    How Vertical Storytelling Is Changing Hollywood | Inside the Industry with Wendy Calhoun

    Welcome to the vertical storytelling era. But how do you actually break into vertical storytelling and short-form content right now? Short-form content is reshaping the entertainment industry—and creating new opportunities for writers, producers, and creators looking to build in vertical storytelling. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, Wendy Calhoun—writer, showrunner, and co-executive producer behind Empire—shares how she built a powerhouse career across traditional television and the rapidly growing world of micro dramas. We cover: Why vertical storytelling is growing across platforms How short-form content is changing audience behavior What makes micro dramas successful How to approach writing and producing for vertical content Where creators can find real opportunities right now If you’re a writer, producer, or creative trying to understand how to get into vertical storytelling and short-form content, this conversation gives you a clear look at where the industry might be headed.  About Wendy Calhoun: Wendy Calhoun is a writer, showrunner, and executive producer known for her work on Empire, and is now building projects in vertical storytelling and micro drama formats. This episode explores vertical storytelling, short-form content, and micro dramas, and how these formats are changing the entertainment industry. If you’re interested in TV writing, digital storytelling, or building a career in film and television, this conversation breaks down how the industry is evolving. Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside The Industry for weekly conversations with industry leaders across film, television, and digital media. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:00) - Inside the Industry: Introductions(00:01:06) - Intro to Wendy Calhoun(00:07:44) - How Wendy got into storytelling(00:09:45) - Wendy on breaking through in her career(00:14:25) - Wendy on overcoming microaggressions(00:17:21) - Defining Micro Dramas and a Vertical Dramas(00:18:47) - How dopamine keeps us watching this content(00:20:22) - How Microdramas have changed the way we consume stories(00:23:23) - Shocking Microdrama statistics(00:25:29) - How you can get into Verticals now(00:30:39) - Why it's important to own your content(00:31:30) - The importance of authentic voices and representation(00:35:20) - How KPop Demon Hunters changed the game(00:38:34) - Why emerging creators today have the advantage(00:39:51) - Will AI change the way stories are made?(00:44:09) - Hollywood is trying to play catch up to YouTube(00:45:36) - What Creators should be doing right now to get into Verticals(00:48:39) - 3 tips for producing a Micro Drama or Vertical

    53 min
  12. Introducing NAACP+ Inside the Industry | A New Original Podcast Series (Official Teaser)

    Season 1 Trailer

    Introducing NAACP+ Inside the Industry | A New Original Podcast Series (Official Teaser)

    What does it take to build a career in entertainment today? NAACP+ Inside The Industry is a new original series exploring how film, television, music, fashion, and digital culture actually operate—through conversations with the professionals shaping the business. Hosted by Ariana Drummond, a publicist with over 15 years of experience across multiple areas of the industry, the series connects the dots between creative work and the business behind it. Each episode features real stories, practical insight, and the decisions that define long-term success across entertainment careers. Guests include producers, executives, designers, and creatives working at the highest levels of the industry. - New episodes drop weekly on NAACP+. Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry Instagram: @naacpplus Facebook: @naacpplus Chapters (00:00:01) - Inside the Industry: How to Get Your Job

    1 min

Trailer

About

Inside the Industry is a one-on-one interview podcast that pulls back the curtain on the entertainment business by spotlighting the people who shape it. Through candid, in-depth conversations, each episode explores individual career journeys, current projects, and the realities of working behind—and in front of—the spotlight. The podcast aims to demystify the industry while celebrating creativity, strategy, and the many paths to success.

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