Creative Careers: Championing authentic Black stories on screen

How it all started

Demanding a change for Black creatives in the film sector, the late, great Menelik Shabazz and Keith Shiri pushed for the development of ‘The New Black’, a 1-year cultural leadership programme with Film London for Black filmmakers and exhibitors. Priscilla Igwe was one of the 15 people who joined this programme, bringing together creatives across a variety of specialisms including women-led, Nollywood, Caribbean, Hip-Hop and faith cinema (Priscilla’s particular interest). 

When the programme ended, the group realised there was something special in what they were doing, and they needed to build on the momentum and success of the programme. Priscilla was already working with Menelik on the BFM (Black Filmmaker) International Film Festival and was able to volunteer some of her time – and so The New Black Film Collective was born! 10 years later it continues to grow, disrupt, and push boundaries.

Supporting Black excellence

The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) works to spotlight, champion, and preserve Black excellence in the screen industries. As Priscilla says: It was born out of a need for “Black creatives to have a place where they can be autonomous, tell authentic stories and own the images presented of us”. 

TNBFC’s work is divided into 5 strands, to provide a 360-support package for all aspects of film. These are film Production, Exhibition, Education, Distribution and PR. Integral to their work is supporting Black people to begin and develop their journeys in media through mentorship and skills development. For example, they partnered with BYP (Black Young Professionals) to lead their Creators chapter and help their 150,000 members to navigate the screen industry. 

They also run several events throughout the year, including industry and networking events, and community screenings that have real impact. For example, they recently worked with the NHS on a film screening to raise the profile of sickle cell in the community, which resulted in more local people coming forward to donate blood. 

One of their biggest outputs is TNB XPO, an annual convention providing Black creatives and industry professionals a chance to exchange ideas, fill gaps in recruiting and develop a genuinely inclusive filmmaking ecosystem. This year’s event invited major names in the film industry, including Film London, BFI and Warner Bros. to present their equity and inclusion initiatives in a space where they can be challenged, informed, and enriched by those with lived experience.  

TNBFC is a small agency with a big ambition – to become a leading institution for Black-led media and creativity!

“Here to counsel, not cancel”

The screen industries can still be a hostile environment for Black creatives and a lot of change has felt performative. However, as Priscilla points out, TNBFC are “here to counsel, not cancel” – we are all learning, and the only way change can happen is through listening and dialogue. TNBFC aims to support these conversations and, ultimately, create and cultivate a vibrant and inclusive TV and film ecosystem.

Priscilla's top tips for a career in the screen industries

• Take a many-pronged approach. Subscribe to newsletters, look at job sites, email people working in jobs you’re interested in, and pick up the phone - you never know where it might lead.
   
• Find your niche. There are many aspects to film and television - making, programming, PR, production, distribution and so on. Being unique or better yet, being your authentic self is what is going to make you stand out and add value to your environment. 
   
• Seek out experiences. Internships, volunteer and mentorship opportunities can be a good way to get a taster of the industry and see what interests you most.
   
• Find safer spaces to fail. Freedom to fail is crucial to success. However, the creative industries, which are already hugely competitive, are even less forgiving on people from marginalised groups. Get a taste for the industry on a smaller scale by going to events and finding like-minded people. Our TNB XPO is a great place to do this!
   
• Have a driving licence! When starting off in a media career, you’ll have to travel around quite a lot and a licence will make a huge difference.
   

Priscilla Igwe is Founder and CEO of The New Black Film Collective, which is supported by Film London and the BFI.

Support TNBFC and get involved by: 

• Becoming a member
• Going along to events
• Explore their services for individuals and organisations

Priscilla delivered this talk as part of our Creative Careers series with UCL Careers, which aims to highlight different career pathways and employment options through talks and learning from inspiring speakers and leaders in the creative and cultural industries.