BTFC End of Summer Mixer: Los Angeles

*Seats are limited; RSVP today to secure your spot for this exclusive event! Vaccination required.*

The BTFC will be LIVE in Los Angeles for the first time! Come mix and mingle with us on Saturday, September 17th at 3 PM PT at the Blackbird Collective for an evening of great conversation and networking.

Your ticket covers hors d'oeuvres catered by award-winning celebrity chef, Chef Q with a tasteful selection of wines by 1010 Wines, a Black woman-owned wine company!

Featuring LIVE soul-stirring performances by Aliya Mukamuri, LoveLogiq and ProphetBoy!

AND... we have BIG NEWS!

This mixer will feature members of our ADVISORY BOARD for our very first LIVE session of The Download.

If you've ever attended The Download, you know the line-up for this one will be INCREDIBLE!

The Download LIVE: Activate Your Passion, Make Your Work

Meet our Panelists

Hilliard Guess

Hilliard Guess is a writer/producer who has written on shows such as The Russo Bros SYFY series DEADLY CLASS and was recently the EP/Showrunner of the digital series TICKER (winner Best Series at the 2021 World International Film Festival). He has made a name for himself in the indie world and has built a strong career that's made him invaluable, from managing sets and productions, in numerous writers/development rooms and producing TV/Film from script-to-screen.

Currently, Hilliard is the Director of Development at Showrunner Ben Watkins Blue Monday Productions. He is a powerful voice in the writing community, promoting BIPOC writers and inclusion and dedicates his time to the WGAW Co-Chair - Committee of Black Writers (he co-penned the viral article DEAR HOLLYWOOD), serves as Co-chair of The Writers Education Committee and is also a member of the LGBTQ+, Latinx and Genre Committees.

Hilliard is building a name for himself across social media as the longtime host/moderator of the popular Screenwriter's Rant Room, as well as the WGAW 3rd & Fairfax podcasts where he interviews A-list writer/producers from a long list of our favorite films and TV shows.

D. Woods

D. Woods has performed throughout the U.S. and internationally in Johannesburg South Africa, trained at the Alvin Ailey School, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Acting Program and Study Abroad Dance Program in Havana Cuba. D. Woods received her Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Study through NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She performed and toured with major recording artists and appeared in music videos, and ultimately became a household name in the pop/R&B group Danity Kane, songwriting and contributing creatively to both of the group’s multi-platinum albums. In 2009 D. Woods launched her independent label WOODGRANE ENTERTAINMENT, releasing music and producing live performances and visual content.

Returning to her theatrical roots, D. Woods has been featured in many Film/TV, Off Broadway and Broadway theater productions such as; acclaimed film BLACKBIRD by Patrick Ian Polk, , HOLLA IF YOU HEAR ME directed by Kenny Leon, her semi-autobiographical One Woman show “MY FAVORITE COLOR: Trouble in Paradise”, TALES on BET and most recently the seven-time TONY AWARD nominated Broadway revival of Ntzoke Shange’s ‘for colored girls…” Audiences can now see D. Woods the ALL BLACK streaming network series STUCK WITH YOU and Yha Mourhia Wright’s new film “DON’T BE DESPERATE”. Stream her latest music release CALL IT QUITS, available on all digital music platforms.

Denzel Whittaker

Born in Torrance, CA, Denzel Whittaker is best known for his award-winning role in THE GREAT DEBATERS, performing opposite his namesakes Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Denzel has also graced the screen in film and TV fan favorites like BLACK PANTHER, CUT THROAT CITY, THE PURGE TV SERIES, WARRIOR, U SHOOT VIDEOS?, ABDUCTION, and TRAINING DAY.

In 2011, Denzel began developing his skillset behind the camera. Since then, he’s worked 5 years at Cartoon Network on hit shows including BOONDOCKS and BLACK DYNAMITE, became a published fashion photographer, and the music videos he’s directed have garnered millions of views.

Denzel founded his production company, BLACKMOUF, in 2013. His latest project, 5150, won SeriesFest’s Audience Award for Best Drama Pilot, and was selected for Tribeca Now and HollyShorts Film Festival. Directed and co-written by Denzel, 5150 stars Jovan Adepo, is executive produced by David Oyelowo, and is currently being developed as a TV series.

Noel Braham

Noel Braham is a writer, director, and producer who was nominated for two Daytime Emmy awards for his latest project, WATCHTOWER - Outstanding Special Class Directing and Outstanding Special Class Short Format Programming – the first time in Daytime Emmy history a short film was nominated.

Noel uses his creative platform to weave elements of social justice into his work, as well as using his voice to diversify traditional landscapes into his own world view. This concept is best realized in his project, STAR WARS EXILE, which was nominated and won in the Disney/ Lucas Fan Film Awards for Best VFX and Best Choreography - an honor Noel holds close to his heart as an avid sci-fi junkie. You can find Star Wars Exile on StarWars.com.

A stark advocate for the homeless community. Noel’s philanthropic accolades include his role as founder and co-director of the Micheaux Film Festival, which under his leadership, in 2022 was named one of the top 50 film festivals worth submitting to by MovieMaker Magazine the youngest festival to be recognized on the prestigious list. The organization has also partnered with media juggernauts SONY Pictures Ent, the Oprah Winfrey Network and Panavision where they have given away over 140K+ to their top filmmakers during their awards ceremony.

Noel has been featured in Forbes, Deadline and Black Enterprise for his work with the multicultural organization. Still eager to give back to the industry, Noel serves as a judge for the Daytime Emmy awards as an active member of the Television Academy. Living by the belief, “Our self-image is so powerful, it unwittingly becomes our destiny,” - a quote from Oscar Micheaux and a testament to Noel’s philosophy.

Don't miss out! You want to be in the room with heavy hitters and up-and-coming filmmakers in the film industry.

Come dressed to impress!

Get ready to:

• Mingle and network with the Black TV & Film Collective team, board and members
• Learn more about upcoming programs and initiatives at the BTFC
• Gain insight and information from industry veterans
• Enjoy great food and great company

We look forward to seeing you there!

This event is open to all.

Non-Members: $50 | Members: $35

*Members, email kelli@blacktvfilmcollective.org for your discount code.

Please Note: Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable.

*Proof of vaccination will be required in order to attend this indoor event. Masks are optional.