In an era with so many streaming services to choose from, it is essential to have something that makes your service stand out. Diverse representation can be hard to find on platforms such as Hulu and Netflix, but media entrepreneurs like Dee Brown CEO are doing something about it.
Brown is the founder of Self Made TV, a new Black-owned streaming service that made its debut on June 2, 2022. This platform was designed by Black creators for Black audiences, offering several exclusive and original movies, television shows, docuseries, and podcasts from independent Black creators, as well as a catalog of thousands of movies, shows, podcasts, and arcade games.
How Self Made TV was born
Brown is also the owner of Dee Brown, Inc., the network’s parent company. An entrepreneur, talk show host, author, and philanthropist, Brown is passionate about elevating other underrepresented voices in the minority community.
Brown, who is also the CEO of the real estate development and consulting firm The P3 Group, Inc, created the idea for Self Made TV after experiencing firsthand the reduced opportunities BIPOC creators have in the entertainment space. “I wanted to create a platform that allows culturally diverse groups to showcase their work in an authentic manner that supports the vision of the producer,” asserts Brown. “The network aims to be a safe place for creative minds to express themselves and showcase people of color in a diverse and positive manner.”
What to watch on Self Made TV
One of the first major programs that Self Made TV is working on is a three-episode docuseries about star-athlete-turned-maestro-coach Deion Sanders and his Jackson State University football team. The series highlights the student athlete’s eligibility for the 2022 NFL Draft and gives viewers an exclusive look at Coach Prime’s JSU football program, including its Pro Day this past March which included 22 NFL scouts and 36 players.
In addition to the exciting original content that Self Made TV will be creating and showcasing, the service offers an extensive back catalog full of movies and series, both new and old. Some films and shows included on the service star A-list actors such as Chris Rock, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Tom Hardy. Additionally, the service features many of the talk shows Brown has produced for PBS, such as Self Made With Dee Brown CEO and #HBCYou, which allows audiences to catch up on his excellent advice.
Creating opportunities for better BIPOC representation
With the launch of Self Made TV’s platform, Brown hopes to change how people of color have been depicted in the media. “I have seen people of color cast in a negative light, especially on reality TV,” Brown explains, “but the shows we are giving a platform to cast people of color in a positive light. They are intended to instill hope and inspiration in our communities.”
As Brown explains, the ultimate goal of representation is not only to see people who look like you, but to see them presented in a way that benefits the communities they are a part of. The best way to ensure that the media represents these cultural backgrounds well is to showcase creators from those backgrounds, which is precisely what Self Made TV was designed to do.
For Black film, television, and content creators, there is an exciting opportunity to pitch projects for inclusion on Self Made TV. For many creators, this is the opportunity of a lifetime — one that will provide an opportunity for them to get their foot in the door.
Getting a project released in Hollywood is remarkably difficult, especially if you are making a project aimed at underrepresented communities, but Self Made TV is providing that opportunity for several creators.
How to watch Self Made TV
Subscriptions to Self Made TV start at the low price of $6.99, and users can start with a free 7-day trial. The Self Made TV app is now available on Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick, as well as web platforms and all mobile app stores.
