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.

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Leadership

  • Troy Pryor

    Founder & Chairman

  • Kyle Marshall

    Vice President of Operations

  • Starr Gadson

    Vice President of Marketing

  • Mike Abrantie

    Director, Content

  • Cambren Grimmett

    Director, Live Events

  • BRANDON POPE

    Director, Cypher Newsroom

  • Cindy Beasley

    Sr. Newsroom Producer

  • Ken Hoyde

    Director, Dark Berry Distribution

  • NK Gutierrez

    Director, Festival Programing

  • NAKIA WHITE

    Festival Coordinator

  • ALESSANDRA PINKSTON

    Director, XL Labs

  • LaTaryion PERRY “LT”

    Associate Producer

  • Patrick Wimp

    Associate Producer

  • Jordan Sweet

    Digital Engagement Specialist

  • ryan tippery

    Design & Creative Associate

Brain trust

  • Kurt Cherry

    Founder, Fertile Ground Factory

  • Robin Robinson

    Journalist, Host

  • Louis Carr

    President, BET Media Sales

  • TATEMEN ENTERTAIMENT

    Larenz, Laron, Lahmarrd Tate

  • GEORGE DANIELS

    Entertainment Legend

  • Cynthia Kaye McWilliams

    Writer, Actor, Producer

  • Teri Arvesu González

    Former Vice President, Univision

  • Pemon Rami

    Director, Producer, Author

  • Bashir Salahuddin

    Writer, Actor, Producer

  • Regina Taylor

    Director, Writer, Actor, Producer

  • MARIA TAYLOR

    Founder, Creative Media Group

  • ZENA COLLINS

    FOUNDER, GRAND STRATEGY CONSULTING

  • Terry Jervis

    Media Executive

  • Sean Harden

    Political Advisor

  • STAN WOZNIAK

    Partner, CineCity Studios

  • Vee L. Harrison

    Journalist

  • DAVE JEFF

    Brand Architect

  • Dani Jackson

    Brand Partnerships Advisor

  • Brenda Gilbert

    Producer

  • Chris Baccus

    Financial Advisor

  • RJ Inawat

    Legal Advisor

  • Cesar Rolan

    Founder, Imagen Consultants

  • Qadree Holmes

    Founder, Quriosity Productions

  • Eric Williams

    Founder, Silver Room

  • Erica Duffy

    Co-Founder, Camera Ambassador