Creative Cypher is an entertainment ecosystem founded by Troy Pryor.
Established as a dynamic collective of 30 Black storytellers in Chicago, Creative Cypher has grown into a global network of entertainment partners. Its mission is to “eliminate the need for permission” by producing, consulting, and operating a diverse portfolio of media and entertainment ventures. The organization serves as a resource bank for visionaries, fostering organic collaboration among hundreds of diverse creators and providing access to industry professionals who guide and empower independent artists.
TROY PRYOR
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
Troy Osborne Pryor is a 2 x Emmy-Nominated, 4x Telly winning, creator and radio host. Pryor has spent the better part of two decades not just navigating the entertainment industry as an actor & producer—but reshaping it. A media producer, host, and visionary strategist with the innate gift of connecting with diverse audiences, Pryor built a legacy rooted in access, authenticity, and audacious innovation.
As Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Chicago and the founder of Creative Cypher—an expansive network of ventures including XL Film Fest, Cypher Newsroom, Dark Berry Productions, and catalog of media ventures—Pryor crafted a new structure in entertainment. One that feels like the golden era of Hollywood deal-making, but with a bold, inclusive twist. Through Creative Cypher, he doesn’t just make content—he builds communities, championing BIPOC creators and bridging overlooked talent.
Leadership
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Troy Pryor
Founder & Chairman
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Kyle Marshall
Vice President of Operations
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Starr Gadson
Vice President of Marketing
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Mike Abrantie
Director, Content
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Cambren Grimmett
Director, Live Events
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BRANDON POPE
Director, Cypher Newsroom
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Cindy Beasley
Sr. Newsroom Producer
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Ken Hoyde
Director, Dark Berry Distribution
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NK Gutierrez
Director, Festival Programing
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NAKIA WHITE
Festival Coordinator
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ALESSANDRA PINKSTON
Director, XL Labs
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LaTaryion PERRY “LT”
Associate Producer
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Patrick Wimp
Associate Producer
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Jordan Sweet
Digital Engagement Specialist
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ryan tippery
Design & Creative Associate
Brain trust
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Kurt Cherry
Founder, Fertile Ground Factory
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Robin Robinson
Journalist, Host
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Louis Carr
President, BET Media Sales
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TATEMEN ENTERTAIMENT
Larenz, Laron, Lahmarrd Tate
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GEORGE DANIELS
Entertainment Legend
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Cynthia Kaye McWilliams
Writer, Actor, Producer
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Teri Arvesu González
Former Vice President, Univision
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Pemon Rami
Director, Producer, Author
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Bashir Salahuddin
Writer, Actor, Producer
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Regina Taylor
Director, Writer, Actor, Producer
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MARIA TAYLOR
Founder, Creative Media Group
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ZENA COLLINS
FOUNDER, GRAND STRATEGY CONSULTING
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Terry Jervis
Media Executive
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Sean Harden
Political Advisor
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STAN WOZNIAK
Partner, CineCity Studios
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Vee L. Harrison
Journalist
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DAVE JEFF
Brand Architect
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Dani Jackson
Brand Partnerships Advisor
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Brenda Gilbert
Producer
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Chris Baccus
Financial Advisor
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RJ Inawat
Legal Advisor
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Cesar Rolan
Founder, Imagen Consultants
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Qadree Holmes
Founder, Quriosity Productions
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Eric Williams
Founder, Silver Room
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Erica Duffy
Co-Founder, Camera Ambassador