AMC Networks signs a two-year licensing deal for Brand New
CHICAGO – Sept 10, 2025 – In a bold move reinforcing its commitment to elevating authentic storytelling and emerging talent, AMC Networks has officially signed a two-year licensing deal for Brand New, a powerful drama from the Creative Cypher/XL Fest pipeline. The deal follows the over performance of five Creative Cypher titles licensed with TateMen Entertainment for AMC+, marking a significant milestone in a partnership that’s redefining the future of film discovery.
Written, directed, and edited by Quincy Ledbetter and Denzel Whitaker, Brand New stars Whitaker (The Great Debaters), Maestro Harrell (The Wire), and Kris D. Lofton (Power Book IV: Force). The film follows three estranged friends whose long-awaited reunion spirals into violence, unraveling the bonds of loyalty, survival, and brotherhood that once defined them. The production team also includes Yuki Maekawa-Ledbetter and Ramfis Myrthil, with John Rosario serving as cinematographer.
The success of the XL Film Fest titles on AMC+, AMC Networks’ premier streaming bundle, has prompted not only the multi-year agreement for Brand New on AllBLK, but also the green-light for a year-round talent scouting and development initiative in partnership with several partners. This included the highly anticipated industry panel at XL 25 this summer in Chicago and an ongoing showcase of emerging filmmakers on AMC+, spanning content from SundanceTV, Shudder, BBC America, and more.
“Creative Cypher and XL Fest are doing the kind of grassroots talent development the industry desperately needs,” said a spokesperson from AMC Networks. “The storytelling, the quality, and the resonance of their films speak for themselves—and audiences are responding.”
"This isn’t just a film deal," said Pryor, who also served as immediate past VP of SAG-AFTRA Chicago. “It’s validation that our model works: giving talented, overlooked creators the access and infrastructure they need to soar. AMC saw that, and they’re not just licensing content—they’re investing in a movement.”
GLC hit the stage in Chicago for a surprise performance at XL Fest.
"We wanted to do a Chicago x LA joint celebration so we kicked off XL Fest in Chicago at the same time Brand New premiered with the film team in LA. " -Troy Pryor
Troy Osborne Pryor, founder of Creative Cypher and a four-time Telly Award winner, has created something that feels like the resurgence of classic Hollywood power-brokering—only this time, it’s inclusive, disruptive, and fully independent.
