<![CDATA[TheBlkScript: Resources]]>https://media.blkscript.com/s/resourceshttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!-mpG!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffe864acf-7e2b-468e-8923-2b06e306ed72_1280x1280.pngTheBlkScript: Resourceshttps://media.blkscript.com/s/resourcesSubstackSat, 16 May 2026 08:23:47 GMT<![CDATA[Are Podcasts A New Form Of Mentorship? 9 Podcasts Paving The Way For Black Filmmakers, Artists, & Creatives ]]>https://media.blkscript.com/p/are-podcasts-a-new-form-of-mentorshiphttps://media.blkscript.com/p/are-podcasts-a-new-form-of-mentorshipTue, 14 Apr 2026 18:57:30 GMT

As artists, we are constantly observing, listening, and experiencing the people, places, and environments around us. These elements have served as our mentors. Before there were courses, masterclasses, and online coaches, came historical literature, visual art, and music. Mentorship has always appeared in a variety of mediums.

Within these mediums, lie the nuances of mentorship—from the professional to personal sectors of our lives. In early November on the Mel Robbins Podcast, Shonda Rhimes spoke of her mentors being drawn from literature. For Black women in a predominately white industry, we have often had to become our own mentors. She referenced:

“Basically what a lot of people do when they’re looking for a mentor is wait for that person to tap them on the shoulder and say, ‘you’ve got the thing.’ Well, I decided that I had to tap myself on the shoulder and decide I got the ‘thing,’ and so what I did was, I started reading books about people… Memoirs, autobiographies from people who’d done extraordinary things. It was everything from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight… to Becoming by Michelle Obama.”

It is often when we are most stuck in life, that we come across advice that changes the course of our journey. When I heard Ms. Rhimes’ perspective, I knew it was fate that I tuned into this specific segment. It was time to tap my own self on the shoulder.

Although podcasts have existed long before 2020, the influx of COVID-19 impacted the audio-visual landscape of Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Podcasts have rapidly grown, from financial dialogue, to identity-based conversations, to dating and relationship platforms, they have served as outlets for remote spectators.

In fact, many people are able to make a living from their respective podcast community. Social media has created financial, social, and educational networks that have redefined and restructured jobs, employment, and careers.

As a filmmaker, I have often found podcasts to be beneficial in my growth. I believe the key to unlocking creativity is healing all versions oneself. While the conventional form of mentorship still exists—in-person connections, networking events, and coffee-chats—COVID-19 unlocked a virtual, asynchronous style of counseling.

The issue with the conventional form is systemic and institutional racism has often blocked Black filmmakers, writers, and creatives from these spaces. However, due to technology, there has been a shift in the distribution of hands-on resources. For example, with one click, I am able to listen to Black industry professionals speak on their experiences. As a result of these discussions, I have become intentional about the questions asked and the steps I’m taking to achieve my goals.

Every morning, I begin my day with a clip, video, or interview that inspires me with my cup of Black tea in hand. Here is a list of podcasts grounded in Black creativity and industry impact—that are providing critical mentorship:

  1. Proximity Media’s “In Proximity”

From behind-the-scenes of the artistry to in-depth interviews—Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian’s podcast speaks to the ins and outs of Proximity Media’s legacy.

  1. Felicia Pride, Driadonna Roland, and Georgette Pierre’s The Creative Cut-Up

From writing a television pilot, to pitching your idea, to gaining a presenca in the media, this detailed podcast speaks to all aspects of the industry. From screenwriter and director, Felicia Pride, to Creative Executive at Comedy Central, Driadonna Roland, to Emmy-award winning producer, Georgette Pierre, this podcast is a true gift to creatives like myself looking to step foot into a rapidly growing industry.

  1. Baby, this is Keke Palmer with the one and only, Keke Palmer.

Fun, warm, and soulful are three adjectives I would use to describe this podcast. Each episode highlights an artist, athlete, or mentor who has impacted their community one way or another. Keke always finds a way to ask introspective questions and connect with her guests. You will leave having learned something about yourself in the process.

  1. CultureCon UnCut with founder of CultureCon and the Creative Collective, Imani Ellis.

From Elaine Welteroth, Fawn Weaver, to Kamie Crawford, this podcast focuses on the personal, professional, and creative journeys of each guest. Whether you are interested in journalism, business, film, or more, each segment seeks to inspire and motivate.

  1. Jemele Hill is Unbothered with Emmy-award winning journalist, Jemele Hill.

Pop culture, politics, and entertainment. What’s not to love? Honesty, authenticity, and integrity fuel the topics of conversation within this podcast.

  1. Writing Black with Maiysha Kai from theGrio

Features Black writers in music, journalism, and film. Each episode is an interview about the personal background and career of the esteemed guests.

  1. Black Girl Film Club with Britney and Ashley

A community space for Black girls to talk about cinema, analyze symbolism, and share opinions on television and more.

  1. The Black Film Space Podcast with Black Film Space, a non-profit organization focused on uplifting Black filmmakers, writers, and directors.

Black artists share their experiences in pre- and post-production on set. From acting, to directing, to producing, each guest shares their viewpoint on their respective roles in the industry.

  1. IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

From segments on life, ambition, and love, this sibling pair invites singers, CEOs, artists, athletes, and founders into our homes. Whether Spike Lee or Tracee Ellis Ross, there is always an exciting guest around the corner.

The aforementioned collection addresses the overarching question: where do artists turn for mentorship? Podcasts can offer indirect commentary to the listener. While the audio-visual medium has some limitations—such as one-on-one feedback—the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

This generation of Black storytellers is making a mark on the world, one viewer, listener, and subscriber at a time. The beautiful part of podcasts lies in its inclusivity. They allow for filmmakers to have a voice—especially for young Black creatives claiming space in the industry.

Like Rhimes said, our mentors are just within reach in one flip of a book cover—or the press of a button.

—Savanna Mai / @savanna_rust7

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]]><![CDATA[Looking To Enter The Film Industry? Renowned And Emerging Black Film Festivals Paving The Way For Creatives ]]>https://media.blkscript.com/p/looking-to-enter-the-film-industryhttps://media.blkscript.com/p/looking-to-enter-the-film-industryWed, 01 Apr 2026 01:01:59 GMT

Building a name for oneself can be daunting—especially for Black filmmakers in a predominantly white and male-dominated industry. The first question most artists ask themselves is: how can I share my voice with a larger audience? For example, film school provides resources for student filmmakers such as mentorship and hands-on access to equipment. Another strategy is one-on-one networking, which has expanded significantly with technological advancements. Networking is no longer only in-person, but remote as well via social media channels and professional applications.

However, beyond these approaches lies an enriching community of Black film festivals—regional, national, and global—waiting for the next storyteller’s perspective. Through these in-person and hybrid events, new talent can attend workshops, make valuable connections, and build interpersonal relationships with fellow filmmakers.

What Can Film Festivals Ultimately Offer?

They are not only for visibility—they serve as a launchpad. These festivals allow for:

  • Broader spectatorship from viewers, award-winning writers, filmmakers, and actors alike.

  • Connections with peers, mentors, and industry executives, directors, and producers.

  • Read-throughs for local actors and screenwriters.

  • Introspective panels and Q&As.

  • Screenings of features or short films.

Advice for Emerging Creatives:

  • Keep a journal, drive, or portfolio of your journey. Growth is key.

  • Develop festival reels, shorts, or trailers. This provides a tangible summary for viewers and festival coordinators.

  • Be intentional about which festivals fit your project, story, and voice. This includes considering the geographic location and the festival’s scale.

  • Pursue connections intentionally. Being visible is the first step to reaching financial, emotional, and social success. With that said, connections are a two-way street. What can you offer the executive, creative, or industry professional that they need? In this industry, experience is a currency in itself.

  • Be specific during coffee chats or entry-level calls. Make sure you are asking directly for what you need. Do not shy away from asking for help! This is an industry where you must rely on your community at every single stage: the students you went to school with, your professors, and your mentors.

  • Welcome constructive feedback. Through festival script reads and panel discussions, artists can receive valuable input from industry mentors and spectators.

  • Showing up matters. While an online presence is important, in-person visibility is vital. Social media can often remove the personal touch of a connection. Being present at events allows artists to see the human behind the camera.

For Post-Graduate Filmmakers:

It is crucial to explore your options, as Hollywood is always shifting. Entering the industry immediately may or may not be the right path for you. You may want to apply to graduate film programs or seek freelance work. There is no single correct answer—you must follow whatever fits your academic, professional, and personal goals at that moment. However, for Black creatives looking to carve their path, there is a diverse array of Black film festivals searching for emerging and established talent:

Renowned Black Film Festivals:

Regional Black Film Festivals:

Mid-Atlantic to Northeast

DMV

South

Midwest

West Coast

These are only a few of the Black film festivals reaching audiences nationwide and internationally. They are not only examples of cultural jubilee and exchange, but symbols of empowerment through community-based opportunities and initiatives. By supporting these festivals with intentionality and care, we spread love to the artists, leaders, and activists working behind the scenes.

—Savanna Mai

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