NOTES FROM AN EXECUTIVE DIVA: LET’S BUILD [THE CAPACITY]! (MARCH '23)

This newsletter was originally shared via our?#OTVProgram?Newsletter?in March 2023.

Hello friends of the future,??

Elijah here; your favorite Executive Diva reporting live from an intergalactic dimension. As we step into the first days of Aries season (also known as my season) I feel the collective rage that is running through our shared existence. The communities that I love, and many that I belong to, are experiencing an even more concentrated amount of violence and hate. These hyper visible attacks on the way we come together to build, learn and share are fueled by ignorance; they are deliberate and strategic.???

Before I dive into this month’s updates I wanted to mention that OTV is constantly exploring the ways we can continue to show up for the people that share their bravery with us each and everyday. The more that our world denies us our space to breathe and move freely the harder we will work to amplify those experiences. We know our lane and we pivot accordingly; always keeping our community of artists at the center of our vision. Now more than ever, the future depends on us to hold space for the celebration of our deeply nuanced stories. As always, I appreciate this portal where I’m able to share intimate parts of OTV’s growth and will continue to use this digital communique to keep you informed + share lessons in the divine.??

Keep scrolling for a long overdue update, a few digital breadcrumbs and some motivation to help you create more space in all aspects of your life. The time is now…LET’S BUILD!?

Now…onto some MAJOR MF NEWS…..?

WE’RE HIRING: BUILDING W/ OTV?

Explore Two New Career Opportunities Available?

As you may know, we have operated with a nimble team for the past several years but the time has officially come for us to expand our capacity to support the deepening of our impact as a streaming platform and media incubator for intersectional storytelling. We are currently hiring for two entry-level positions that will be housed in our Development & Production and Marketing & Exhibitions Departments.?

OTV is a queer, Black and gender-expansive-led non-profit media company on a mission to transform the film/tv industry by cultivating the next generation of intersectional storytellers to dream, be creative and thrive on their own terms. Folks who are queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, recent graduates, care-givers, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply for available opportunities by Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 23:59 CT..??

AVAILABLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT OTV:?

• MARKETING COORDINATOR (FT)??
• ARTIST DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR (FT)

[EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES]

OUTFEST FUSION X OPEN TELEVISION??

Learn How We’re Decolonizing Distributions via the OTVAPP?

For the first time in OTV history we’re spilling the Tea about our approach to independent and alternative distribution since the launch of the #OTVAPP. Presented in collaboration with #OutFestFusion, join me for a hybrid workshop/panel where I’ll be getting up close and personal with Chris Walker (Head of Marketing & Exhibition) and Sarah Minnie (Head of Artist Development and Production).?

Curious about OTV’s approach to independent distribution that is rooted in artistic vitality over ROI’s? Wanna know more about our curatorial process that centers amplification over performance? Keen on learning how we keep our values at the forefront of our work in an industry dominated by capitalism and exploitation? Tap into a new wave of exhibition as we share how we’re returning power back to QTBIPOC artists through a distribution model that is anchored in intentional artist development and holistic community development. Nothing is off the table! This workshop is free to attend and takes place on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 11am PT / 1pm CT.?

[RSVP FOR DECOLONIZING DISTRIBUTION]

OTV PROGRAMS ARE LIVE + IN FULL COLOR?

2023 Artist Development Initiatives to Watch + Engage + Share??

#OTVFELLOWS

It’s giving: record-breaking number of submissions!!! The 2023 #OTVFELLOWS application is now closed and reviews are currently underway. We’re sending a huge and heartfelt thank you to all of our community for helping us spread the word about this year's fellowship opportunity. There is so much that we have in store for you — including a special treat coming down the pipeline in the coming months — but for now we want to shout out our panel of previous #OTVFELLOWS who have the incredibly difficult task of selecting our 2023 cohort: Maya Wallace (2021) Grace Tranc (2020),? Adia Levy (2021), Shaan Dasani (2022), Latasha Mercer (2022) Vee Hua 華婷婷 (2022).??

Pro-tip: Curious about the #OTVFELLOWS? The best way to learn about the program is to keep up with our previous cohorts who are transforming the industry one story at a time. ?

#BRAVEFUTURES

It’s a wrap on #BRAVEFUTURES Cape Town Productions! All three teams have completed their films and we celebrate the world premiere of their bravery this week at The Labia Theatre, one of South Africa’s oldest independent cinemas. Tickets are sold out but we’ll have a limited amount of walk-up tickets available. Early arrival is encouraged. Can’t make it to Cape Town? Don’t worry —?we got you covered! All three films will go LIVE at midnight (local) on Saturday, April 1! Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive BTS we’ll be releasing over the next couple of days.?

Pro-tip: Strapped for cash but wanna travel the world? Consider watching one of the several dozen films created during #BRAVEFUTURES in Johannesburg, Berlin, Guadalajara, London and more!?

#OTVSTUDYHALL

We LOOOOOOOVE watching you expand your knowledge of the film/tv industry.! And you’re in luck because class is always in session with #OTVSTUDYHALL! We are incredibly elated to see you all getting your full lives from our most recent courses led by Chase Joynt and Dewayne Perkins. Designed for intersectional storytellers of all skill levels, these virtual classes are crafted to develop strong writers, directors and independent producers who identify with multiple communities! Tap into these courses and more exclusively via the #OTVAPP.?

Pro-tip: We’re plotting and scheming what the future of #OTVSTUDYHALL will look like. Do us (and yourself a favor) by taking this survey to help recommend future subjects, professors, formats and more.?

Building something that has never been done before requires the perfect balance of flexibility and grace. Is there something in your world that could benefit from increased capacity or a more stable foundation? Allow others to support you in manifesting something that will cultivate legacy. The time is now; build the capacity.?

We must remain grounded as we attempt to transform.?

Until we meet in the future...

never not dreaming,?

Elijah McKinnon

Co-founder / Executive Diva