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The new Netflix documentary on Sean “Diddy” Combs doesn’t just expose personal misconduct — it reveals a business model  that eerily echoes both traditional sharecropping and its modern cousin, digital sharecropping. In both systems, the laborers create the value while the landowner (or platform) owns the land, sets the terms, and harvests the profit. In music, that landowner was often Puffy. Sharecropping 101 — and How It Morphs in the Music Business Traditional sharecroppin

Diving into the world of independent filmmaking can feel like stepping into a vast ocean without a map. But trust me, with the right filmmaker support tools , you can navigate these waters confidently and create stories that resonate deeply. Whether you're crafting a powerful narrative or showcasing diverse voices, having access to the right resources makes all the difference. Today, I want to share some of the best tools and strategies that have helped me and countless other

You made the movie. You put your soul into it. But once the credits roll, the real work begins. Because making the film is half the job. Selling it is the other half. Most indie filmmakers secretly hope they can dodge the marketing part: “Maybe a distributor will pick it up…” “Maybe Netflix will call…” “Maybe it’ll go viral like Blair Witch …” “Maybe someone will stumble across it on YouTube at 1AM…” But hope is not a business model. Not if you want to keep making films. Not

In 2015, Lee Daniels sat at The Hollywood Reporter  roundtable and did something rare for a Black showrunner in a white-dominated industry: he flipped the script. Instead of politely nodding through the usual “diversity is important” platitudes, Daniels pushed the white showrunners in the room to reckon with their empty writers’ rooms and their fantasy-land excuses. He said what we all knew: You don’t hire us. Not because you “can’t find any.” But because you don’t look for u

Diving into the world of independent filmmaking is thrilling, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your craft, having the right tools and knowledge at your fingertips makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of indie filmmaker resources that have helped me navigate everything from scriptwriting to distribution. Today, I want to share some of the best essentials that can empower you to tell yo

If you’re an indie filmmaker, you probably don’t have shit for a budget. No money for shootouts. No money for explosions. No money for car chases. Hell, sometimes you barely have money to feed the crew. So what does that mean? You need a small, tight, character-driven story that can be filmed in one or two locations without your whole life collapsing. And here’s the real kicker: the story has to actually hold the viewer’s attention. That’s where conflict comes in. Now listen—

Recently, I was offered a deal that sounded… off. The more I listened, the more familiar it felt. And because I grew up reading Black history and listening to old Black folks talk plainly about how the world works, I recognized it immediately: Sharecropping. Just updated for Wi-Fi and metadata . What’s new is old. In the digital age, independent filmmakers—especially Black creators—are being handed contracts that mirror the same exploitative mechanics used on our ancestors af

Cinnamon Brown was created out of adversity and necessity. The Cinnamon Brown journey started in 2009 when my late wife, Shauna Brown was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I’d been writing for years and failing at it, by writing folk literature and political books. I was working two jobs at this point, but cancer isn’t cheap and so I needed another hustle to cover the medical bills. I was going to book festivals and independent book shops and didn’t sell very many bo

If you’re like me, you know how refreshing it is to find movies that truly reflect diverse stories and voices. Black cinema offers a rich tapestry of narratives, culture, and creativity that often goes underrepresented in mainstream media. Luckily, streaming platforms have made it easier than ever to dive into this world. Whether you want to explore independent black films or discover new TV shows, there’s a growing space dedicated to celebrating these stories. Let’s talk abo

Where to Watch Black Films in 2025: Platforms to Explore Independent Black Cinema Cinema has always been a powerful vehicle for storytelling, identity, and cultural memory. In 2025, with streaming and digital platforms proliferating, viewers have more options than ever to discover Black voices in film—from grassroots indies to curated archives and direct-to-consumer platforms. Below is a guide to where to watch Black films today, including both emerging and established hubs.