Creative Cypher Emerges as a Powerhouse in Talent Discovery and Content Innovation—Echoing the Golden Age of Hollywood
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 overperformance of five Creative Cypher titles licensed through 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.
With selections at Tribeca—handpicked by Whoopi Goldberg herself—and a growing roster of original content in production, Creative Cypher is no longer a rising star; it’s a full-blown constellation.
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.
“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.”
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.”
“We wanted to do a Chicago x LA joint event so we kicked off XL Fest in Chicago at the same time Brand New premiered with the film team in LA. GLC hit the stage in the Chi for a surprise performance.” – Troy Pryor.
ABOUT CREATIVE CYPHER
Creative Cypher is an entertainment ecosystem founded by Troy Pryor, originally as a collective of 30 Black storytellers in Chicago. It has grown into a global network focused on eliminating barriers in media through original content, creator consulting, and platform partnerships. Cypher’s ventures include XL Film Fest, Cypher Newsroom, Cypher Live, and Dark Berry Productions. With a mission to “eliminate the need for permission,” Creative Cypher empowers underrepresented creators with resources, mentorship, and direct-to-industry opportunities.
ABOUT XL FEST
XL Fest is Creative Cypher’s flagship event—part summit, part festival, and all innovation. It brings creators, executives, and audiences together with immersive experiences, distribution-ready showcases, and industry access. With programming now reaching national and international audiences, XL Fest has evolved into a vital launchpad for diverse content creators.
ABOUT TATEMEN ENTERTAINMENT
Founded by the Tate Brothers, TateMen Entertainment is a multimedia company dedicated to producing high-impact content while cultivating community. With deep roots in Chicago and decades of industry experience, TateMen bridges the gap between studio quality and independent heart.
ABOUT AMC+
AMC+ is AMC Networks’ premium streaming bundle featuring exclusive access to original series, cult hits, and critically acclaimed content across AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films Unlimited. From The Walking Dead Universe to Interview with the Vampire, AMC+ is a go-to hub for fearless storytelling and cinematic excellence.
