Turning 'Bad' Jokes into Millions

Tubi has emerged as a leading platform for Black independent filmmakers to showcase their work. Why Hip-Hop Needs an Adult Contemporary Category to Embrace Its Evolving Sound and Diverse Generations.

“Believe in your flyness…conquer your shyness.” - Kanye West

Welcome to the first edition of BFA Collective! (If I do say so myself, this is pretty monumental) We’re thrilled to have you with us. Every Tuesday, we’ll bring you fresh insights—so tap in each week. Love what you see? Share it with a friend, and if you have feedback, just reply to this email!

In today’s email:

  • Black Filmmakers Thrive on Tubi: A New Era of Success in Streaming

  • What AI Means for Black Jobs and Economic Security

  • Don’t Miss the Poll: We need your opinion!

Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest episodes and news of Allies by following our updates today!

MAIN STORY

How Black Filmmakers are Winning Big on Tubi

You want to know a crazy misconception about streaming? Tubi, with nearly 80 million monthly viewers, might just be the most underestimated platform out there.

Often dubbed the ‘Black Netflix’, the Fox-owned streaming platform scored more viewers in May 2024 than Disney+, Peacock, Max, and Paramount+.

Tubi has become a top platform for Black independent filmmakers, showcasing low-budget films with a cultural impact reminiscent of 1970s blaxploitation cinema.

  • Black filmmakers and creatives often produce low-budget work not due to a lack of skill, but rather a lack of access to necessary funding and resources.

  • "Streamflation" is driving millions of families to pay more for less as favorite shows vanish, ads increase, and password sharing tightens.

  • The rise of Tubi is a direct response to this trend, offering a free, ad-supported alternative that gives viewers more content without the extra costs.

Tubi: The New Indie Filmmaker Haven

Tubi has quickly become the go-to platform for independent filmmakers, offering the best payouts in the industry.

As Amazon significantly reduced its support and payouts for indie films a few years ago, many filmmakers have made the switch to Tubi, where they are rewarded more fairly for their work.

With its solid compensation model, Tubi is now the top choice for indie creators looking to maximize their earnings and reach a broad audience.

  • Detroit’s film scene has found a surprising ally in Tubi. Tubi has become their go-to platform, giving these projects the exposure they need.

  • This partnership has turned Tubi into a vibrant hub for Detroit's budget-friendly productions

  • Dennis L. Reed II, often referred to as the "King of Tubi," has 16 #1 films on the streaming service, a testament to his ability to produce content that resonates with a wide audience.

In conclusion, Tubi has become a major player in the streaming industry, especially for Black and independent filmmakers.

With nearly 80 million monthly viewers, it has outpaced many major platforms, thanks to its free, ad-supported model that appeals to those frustrated by rising costs.

Cast Your Vote

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Culture & Entertainment

Why Hip-Hop Needs an Adult Contemporary Category to Embrace Its Evolving Sound and Diverse Generations. [Read Here]

Beyoncé Absent, But Oprah, Spike Lee, Kerry Washington, and Steph Curry Rally Behind Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention

Top Black Films on Netflix: August Picks Featuring Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish & More. [Read Here]

Style & Wellness

Medical Schools Struggle to Recruit Black Students Amid Rising Anti-DEI Legislation: Health Disparities at Risk.

Demure vs. Brat Summer: The Gen Z Trends Taking Over TikTok—And Are You Confused Too?. [Read Here]

I’m a Black Vegan: Why You Don’t See More of Us in the Movement and the Struggles We Face. [Read Here]

Tech & Social Buzz

Apple's Big September Event: iPhone 16 and the Sleek New Apple Watch Series 10 with Larger Screens. [Read Here]

Mixed Reactions: J.D. Power Study Reveals Drivers' Love-Hate Relationship with New Car Tech in 2024

After Two Months Stuck in Space, NASA Astronauts to Return to Earth in 2025 via SpaceX After Boeing Starliner Failures. [Read Here]

Career & Financial Moves

Black Lives Matter Unveils New Leadership at Exclusive Invest Fest Kickoff in Atlanta.

Fed Chair Powell Signals Interest Rate Cuts Ahead, Timing Hinges on Economic Outlook. [Read Here]

2025 Power Shift: How Trump or Harris Could Shape Your Finances—From Social Security to Taxes. [Read Here]

AI REVOLUTION

What AI Means for Black Jobs and Economic Security

Artificial Intelligence has undoubtedly become the buzzword of 2024, with many integrating it into their daily routines. However, the stakes are high, especially for Black communities.

The Stakes for Black Communities

  • Livelihoods at Risk:

    • AI's impact goes beyond amusing content; it's a looming threat to millions of jobs.

    • Particularly within Black communities, where economic stability is already fragile, the rise of AI could have profound consequences.

  • Economic Divide:

    • As the saying goes, "When America catches a cold, the Black community gets the flu."

    • Whether AI will be the cold or the remedy remains uncertain, but its potential to widen the economic gap is significant

AI is No Longer a Futuristic Concept

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it's reshaping industries and threatening to widen economic divides, stripping away hard-won opportunities. This isn't just a job market shift—it's a battle for the future of Black families and communities. A December McKinsey report warns that the rise of generative AI could widen the racial wealth gap by $43 billion annually by 2045 and increase the risk of job loss for Black workers.

Smarter, faster, and tireless AI-powered robots are set to replace human workers, and without targeted policies, Black Americans could face further marginalization, leading to a significant loss of freedom and autonomy.

The future of our families, our livelihoods, and our freedom depends on how we respond to these challenges and ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment, not oppression.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Helen Ibe is Nigeria's leading female guitarist, known for her incredible talent and passion. With a humble and soft-spoken nature, you'd never guess the powerhouse of creativity she is until you see her on stage. Raised in Lagos by a single parent, Helen defied expectations to pursue her dream of music, becoming a top performer and songwriter. She's not just a musician; she's a humanitarian, using her gifts to make a difference. At such a young age, Helen's career is already impressive, and she's only just getting started.

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