TROY OSBORNE PRYOR

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN

Troy Osborne Pryor is a 2x Emmy-nominated, 4x Telly Award–winning creator, producer, and radio host who has spent nearly two decades not just working in entertainment—but reshaping it. A dynamic performer both on screen and behind the scenes, Pryor is known for his ability to connect with diverse audiences and translate stories across mediums. As a visionary strategist and storyteller, he has built a legacy rooted in access, authenticity, and bold innovation.

Pryor’s directorial debut on TV One’s Change Agents opened the door to a series of award winning collaborations, earning him four Telly Awards and an ADColor Innovator of the Year nomination. A proud son of Chicago and former University of Illinois linebacker, he went on to become the youngest person ever elected to the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Board and served as a mentor for President Obama’s White House initiative, A Call to Arts.

As he steps into legacy-level leadership roles, Pryor reflects on a journey shaped by disruption, elevation, and cultural restoration. Recognized by Chicago Scholars, Black Enterprise, and Ariel Investments as a game changer and visionary, he remains grounded in faith and purpose ministering, mentoring, and paving the way for the next generation.

As Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Chicago and the founder of Creative Cypher—home to ventures like XL Film Fest, Cypher Newsroom, Dark Berry Productions, and a growing slate of media brands Pryor has helped shape a new blueprint for the industry. His approach channels the golden era of Hollywood deal-making, but with a bold, inclusive twist. Through Creative Cypher, Pryor doesn’t just produce content—he builds communities, elevating BIPOC creators and connecting overlooked talent to real opportunity.

Troy Pryor’s career reflects a deep understanding of how to move across diverse creative spaces. He began in runway modeling before expanding into voice acting and theater, gaining firsthand experience in multiple disciplines and learning the language and rhythm of each. These early opportunities shaped the adaptability and perspective he’s known for today, allowing him to bridge the artistic and business sides of storytelling with ease. His background positions him as a trusted collaborator who connects vision, performance, and execution.

BOARDS & TEAMS

Creative Cypher
Founder & Chairman

OBAMA Foundation
MBK Alliance Chicago Team

SAG-AFTRA Chicago
Vice President (Past) & Board Member

Soho House Global Inclusivity
Board Member

Flossmoor Arts Council
Board Member

Definition Theater
Artistic Advisory Board

Black Arts and Culture Alliance
Board Member

Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals
Advisory Board

Chicago International Film Festival 
Committee (Past)