Team 1 — Creative Cypher

Our Team

Troy pryor

Founder & CEO

TROY OSBORNE PRYOR IS A MEDIA PRODUCER AND HOST WITH THE SUPERPOWER OF CONNECTING WITH WIDE AUDIENCES.

Pryor serves as Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Chicago & founder of Creative Cypher, a portfolio of media entertainment brands, including XL Film Fest, Cypher Newsroom, Dark Berry Productions, Cypher Live & more. Pryor’s directorial debut on TV One’s Change Agents led to a host of award-winning collaborations across multiple platforms. He was nominated for ADColor Innovator of the Year and most recently won a Telly Award for the film “An Outfit.

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Kyle Marshall

Vice President of Operations

Kyle has a wealth of diverse experience in Operations, Information Technology, Customer Service, Sales Management, Business Process and Program/Project Management. He has worked for several Fortune 250 companies in key leadership positions. Kyle’s leadership has allowed him to play an instrumental role in helping these companies become more efficient and effective through leading enterprise wide programs/projects, driving global process improvements that drives sustainable results for the organizations.

Mike Abrantie

Vice President of Content

A well experienced, resourceful, and imaginative creative professional with 8+ years of experience locally and internationally. Versed in the areas of both digital and live production, content development & strategy, creative direction, logistics management, creative marketing, and all around management of the creative process across applications. With a focus on client and team facing interaction I'm seeking a position that provides the opportunity to innovate the way consumers engage brands.

Starr Gadson

Vice President of Events

A VIP Experience Executive, specializes in creating custom packages that fit the specific needs and goals of each client, whether they are looking to boost morale, host an appreciation event, plan a fundraiser, or enjoy a night out.

BRANDON POPE

Director, Cypher Newsroom

Brandon Pope is an Emmy-winning multimedia journalist with a talent for storytelling across politics, entertainment, and sports. As the host of On The Block, powered by Block Club Chicago, and the MAKING podcast series from WBEZ and NPR, Brandon brings compelling narratives to life. His work has been featured in publications like the Chicago Sun-Times, Ebony magazine, and The Triibe.

ROBIN ROBINSON

Senior Media Advisor

Award winning journalist and respected thought leader, Robin connects individuals and organizations to their power to achieve and manage change through effective communication.

Ken Hoyde

President, Dark Berry Distribution

Ken Hoyd, received a Juris Doctorate from DePaul College of Law and practiced Sports and Entertainment Law for 15 years prior to pursuing his passion for writing and producing. In 2010, he and partners formed an independent production company and produced and distributed several projects including several music videos, television show “The Cultural Xchange”, documentaries “Gonein an Instant” (2024), “Advice From Survivors of the Jheri Curl Era” (2025) and feature films “Mollywood” (2018) and “Long Division” (2024).

ALESSANDRA PINKSTON

Director of XL Labs & Mentorship

As an Award-winning Filmmaker, Award-nominated Actress and all-around Creative, with a passion for portraying complex characters in film/tv and sharing the modern tales of women through non-conforming storytelling. Alessandra lead Cypher’s work with youth, rising creators, and workforce development.

Patrick Wimp

Development & Production Executive

Patrick is the first MFA graduate from DePaul University Digital Cinema. Throughout his career, he has written and produced films, commercials, and TV series all over the world. Pat is the co-founder and owner of Digital Hydra, an Emmy award-winning production company that has crafted commercial and creative content for a variety of major brands and entities including Facebook, HBO, McDonald's, The Chicago Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks. It is also one of the largest content producers in Middle Eastern markets.

Dani Jackson

Director of Brand Partnerships

Dani Jackson-Smith is an award-winning creative powerhouse and a passionate advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion both in the industry and beyond. With a career spanning major milestones, Dani has made her mark as a leader who not only drives innovative campaigns but also ensures that diverse voices are represented in every project.

Jordan Sweet

Digital Engagement Specialist

Jordan Sweet is a digital marketing strategist and content creator with a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in Digital Marketing & Promotions. He has secured notable partnerships with brands like Marc Nolan, Levi’s, and was selected as a Hoorae Media x Walmart Creator Kit recipient. Currently a Digital Engagement Specialist at the American Planning Association, Jordan drives innovative strategies that enhance consumer experiences and elevate brand engagement. With expertise in content creation across all social channels, he crafts compelling campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. As a signed model and actor with BMG (Chicago, LA, ATL), Jordan blends creativity and strategic thinking to help brands influence culture and stand out in today’s digital landscape.

NK Gutierrez

Director of Festival Programing

Gutiérrez herself brings a strong background in multiple facets of the entertainment industry. As an actor and onscreen presence, her multiple credits include the likes of Showtime’s The Chi, NBC’s Chicago Fire and her 4th run of the hit show, La Gringa, at the 2022 Puerto Rican International Theater Festival in San Juan. Additionally she has served as an Intimacy Coordinator on film & TV sets as well as teaching mindful employee care practices in the corporate and nonprofit space. Gutiérrez serves as the co-chair of the Black Harvest Film Festival, Head of Programming for the XL Festival and Lead of the Film Club at Soho House Chicago.

LaTaryion PERRY “LT”

Creative Associate

LaTaryion Perry aka L.T. was born and raised in the Midwest in Gary, IN and currently a resident of Chicago, IL. He started out in film as a teenager doing various extra work & PA gigs as they came in while in high school. During his senior year of high school is when everything got more serious, He got his first speaking role on Showtime network “The Chi” executive produced by fellow Chicago native Lena Waithe, and business partners Elwood Reid, Aaron Kaplan. Through hard work and this amazing opportunity led LaTaryion to numerous other television and movie gigs.

ryan tippery

Design & Creative Associate

Ryan is a multidisciplinary artist and designer with a broad range of experience across industries such as entertainment, consulting, and beyond. With a deep passion for creativity and innovation, he leverages his diverse skill set to offer unique, tailored solutions to his clients. His expertise spans visual design, branding, digital media, and strategic consulting, allowing him to bridge the gap between art and business.

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