In Motion: Black History Built the Industry

In Motion: Black History Built the Industry

An Homage to Black Production Companies, Crews, and Builders

In Motion

Black history in film, television and entertainment isn’t a moment.


It’s a contribution.
Before campaigns.
Before hashtags.
Before annual acknowledgments.


Black creators were already building the language, systems, and labor of the industry behind
the camera, on the floor, in post, and across every department that makes the work move.
Black history didn’t just shape entertainment.
It built it and continues to sustain it.


OTSA’s role here is simple - to witness, record, and name the people who carry the work forward.
Always in motion.

Recognition Over Representation

Representation is visibility.
Recognition is respect.
Representation asks who is seen.
Recognition asks whose labor is valued.


For too long, Black contributions to entertainment have been acknowledged only in moments - instead of recognized as infrastructure. As systems. As work that holds the industry together day after day.


This homage moves past optics.


It names the builders.

“Recognition over representation means honoring the people actually doing the work. Kevin Spence of Lampshade Films lives the production lifestyle on set, in the grind, and in real time.”

Kevin Spence - Cinematographer served as an industry DP for over 10 years under brands such as Viacom/Paramount +, Peacock, Vogue, Google, and Warner Bros Sports to name a few.

The Homage

What follows isn’t a list for optics.
It’s a record of respect.


This section exists to acknowledge Black-owned companies, collectives, and builders whose
labor sustains the film and television and entertainment ecosystem.


It is not exhaustive.
And it is not final.
It is a living document.

“These aren’t brands we borrowed from.
They’re institutions that built the road.”

Looking to Hire Black Creators? Start Here

"Every year, we hear the same thing: 'We want to hire more Black creators BUT we just don’t know where to look.'

So we removed the excuse!

Below is a growing list of Black-owned production companies, studios, and creators actively working in film, television, and digital media today.

These creators are doing the work on set, behind the scenes, and in post across New Jersey where OTSA started and beyond.

Bookmark it. Share it. Use it.

This is what access looks like.

Want to join this GROWING list please fill out this FORM

Black Production Companies | Black Crews | Black Creatives

The Mad Producer — Los Angeles Based / Worldwide Credits (Production Company)

Kyle Powell — New Jersey (Cinematographer)

Jade Martin — Los Angeles, CA (Producer/Director/Writer)

Need-A-Vid — Newark, NJ (Production Company)

NCJ Digital — New Jersey (Camera / DP Collective)

Mnandi Productions — Los Angeles, CA (Production Company)

Will Visualz Productions — New Jersey (Camera / DP Collective)

Darkechilde Productions — Jackson, New Jersey (Camera / DP Collective)

Jarred McGriff — New Jersey (Production Company)

OTSA’s Role

OTSA exists because these people exist.
Because this work exists.
Because the industry moves on the backs of crews and companies who rarely get named but
always show up. We honor Black history by saying the names and respecting the work.

A Shared Commitment

That same commitment lives inside On The Set Podcast, produced by a Black-owned production company founded by OTSA’s creator, Marlon E. Curtis II.


Season 2 continues this work by centering craft over clout and giving space to the people who
hold productions together.

Nothing more.
Nothing less.

Streaming on ALL Streaming Platforms

In Motion, Always

This homage isn’t complete.
And it isn’t meant to be.
Black history didn’t wait for permission.
It built the industry anyway.
We honor it by remembering and by continuing the work.
Always in motion.

CREATORS FIRST
BUILT FOR THE GRIND
GEAR THAT SPEAKS
PURPOSE IN EVERY PIECE
CREATORS FIRST
BUILT FOR THE GRIND
GEAR THAT SPEAKS
PURPOSE IN EVERY PIECE
CREATORS FIRST
BUILT FOR THE GRIND
GEAR THAT SPEAKS
PURPOSE IN EVERY PIECE

Five Frames From Five Years

Milestones that shaped our journey

The Launch

OTSA was born out of a mission to normalize wearing black on set again—but with creative flair. We officially launched during Pride Month in 2020 with this original logo, paying homage to the unsung heroes behind the scenes and celebrating individuality through style.

On Every Set

By 2021, we’d been on more sets than we could count—worn by creatives across the industry as our footprint grew from passion to presence.

#IndustryGrowth

Community Growth

By 2022, our movement had expanded beyond the set—connecting with creatives, crews, and storytellers worldwide who all shared one thing in common: purpose through creation.

#FromTheSetToTheWorld

It’s Deeper Than Film

A statement piece that speaks volumes without saying a word.
It shows in the creator pictured here—rooted, focused, and carrying the culture forward.

#ItsDeeperThanFilm
#MadeForTheSet

Cultural Impact

2024 was a landmark year. We dropped the Filmmaking Olympics Collection—our best-seller to date—because we believe every creator in this game is an Olympian.
That same year, our sister company launched On The Set Podcast (OTSP)—a platform dedicated to spotlighting the unsung heroes of film, TV, and entertainment as a whole.

Do you see the vision?#OlympiansOfTheIndustry

The Breakthrough

In 2025, OTSP finally launched—and it's off to the races. Built to inspire the entertainment world, the podcast puts the spotlight on the unsung heroes who make film, TV, and media magic happen behind the scenes.

This isn’t just conversation—it’s recognition.
#OnTheSetPodcast

  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 2025