Algee Smith has never played it safe — and this conversation proves exactly why that's his superpower.

From sleeping on a friend's couch in North Hollywood, surviving on El Pollo Loco and 7-Eleven Slurpees, to booking the New Edition Story AND Detroit in the same month — Algee's journey is one of radical faith, relentless study, and a refusal to shrink. In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with the actor, recording artist, and NAACP Image Award nominee to talk craft, ownership, representation, and what it really takes to build a career across two industries.

In this episode, we unpack:

→ How Algee chooses roles — and why the script always comes first

→ Working with Jamie Foxx on Netflix's Fight for 84 and what he learned watching Jamie set the tone on set with a boombox

→ The story behind his EP Love Lost — the breakup, the healing, and why men needed to hear it

→ Flying from Atlanta to Connecticut just to track down clearance for a sample on 'Spiraling.'

→ What it felt like to book New Edition and Detroit while broke and days away from flying home

→ How playing both a Black Panther and a cop forced him to wrestle with his own identity

→ His tribute to late co-star James Van Der Beek and the gems shared in an RV between scenes

→ The real difference between working on Black-led sets versus majority-white productions

→ Why ownership is legacy — and why he's never signing another deal without equity

→ Practical advice on contracts, AI, community building, and protecting your peace in Hollywood

Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T

️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807

Follow Algee Smith: https://www.instagram.com/itsalgee/ https://youtube.com/@itsalgee?si=se6LrU3mfdh-2oxu

Follow Ariana Drummond: https://www.instagram.com/arianad_pr/

Learn more about NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus

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What does it actually take to shape the careers of Hollywood's biggest stars — and survive the chaos behind the scenes? Veteran publicist Shannon Barr pulls back the curtain on 20+ years in entertainment PR, from her early days at ICM to managing crises at 3 am, losing client John Singleton, and what it really costs to get the press you deserve.

In this episode, Shannon covers:

→ How she got her start — and the friend named Caprice who changed everything

→ The toxic ICM boss she finally quit on (out loud, by accident)

→ Why braids cost her job opportunities and the racism she faced climbing Hollywood's ladder

→ What publicists actually do during a celebrity crisis (yes, the Will Smith slap comes up)

→ Why PR is a marathon, not a sprint — and what that means for your career

→ The real cost of hiring a publicist and why boutique pricing matters

→ Her 20-year relationship with Kenya Moore and why she fell in love with her instantly

→ The deeply emotional story of losing John Singleton and writing his final statement

→ How she represented Damson Idris, Isaiah John, and Malcolm Mays as emerging talent

→ What she wants her legacy to be as a star maker

️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 

Watch the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T 

Learn more about NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus

Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/naacpplus/

Follow Shannon Barr: https://www.instagram.com/sbarr06/?hl=en

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What does it actually take to build a two-decade career in entertainment journalism — across NBC's Today Show, Hot 97, Essence, Access Hollywood, BET, and the Met Gala red carpet with Rihanna?

In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host ArianaDrummond sits down with her close friend and NAACP Image Awards-nominated journalist, podcaster, and host Gia Peppers for one of the most candid, funny, and genuinely inspiring conversations in the series so far.

Gia breaks down:

→ How she went from overnight shifts at CBS Radio News to   the Met Gala carpet — and what happened in between

→ What her dad's 23 years at NPR taught her about   storytelling before she ever stepped into a newsroom

→ How she co-created Black Girl Podcast before Black women   podcasting was even a thing — and what it feels like to have built a blueprint you don't always get credit for

→ What it was really like interviewing Rihanna, Kobe Bryant, and Vice President Kamala Harris

→ How to navigate microaggressions as a Black woman in media without losing your voice or your career

→ Why she did the New York to D.C. commute for four years straight while working at Hot 97, Essence, and hosting   for the Washington Wizards simultaneously

→ The pay equity conversation that changed how she thinks about negotiating forever

→ Why she's launching Creatives of Faith — and what it means to keep creatives on assignment from God

→ The state of Black media right now and what we all need to do about it

→ Why dragging the rooms you want to be in is her most unpopular industry opinion

Plus — her most honest reflection on legacy, what she still wants to build, and the moment at her friend's funeral that made her decide to go all the way in on her dreams.

This is the episode for every aspiring journalist, content creator, and Black woman trying to take up space in an industry that wasn't built for her.

Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations 

Guest: Gia Peppers — Today Show, Hot 97, Essence, More Than   That with Gia Peppers, Healed Girl Era, Black Girl Podcast

New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T 

Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 

Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus

If your film has been rejected by festival after festival, this episode is going to change how you think about everything.

In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with Kimberley Browning — veteran film programmer, festival director, and Senior Associate Short Film Programmer for the Tribeca Film Festival — to pull back the curtain on how film festivals actually work, what programmers are really looking for, and the costly mistakes filmmakers make that have nothing to do with the quality of their films.

Kimberley breaks down:

→ How programmers actually decide which films get selected

→ Why most festival rejections have nothing to do with your filmmaking

→ The biggest mistake filmmakers make when building a festival strategy

→ Why you should stop obsessing over the top 10 festivals you can name

→ How to build a festival strategy unique to the film you actually made

→ What really happens after your film gets accepted to a major festival

→ How to qualify for the Oscars without spending thousands of dollars

→ The insider tip on completion dates that most filmmakers don't know

→ Why submitting a rough cut could cost you more than just this festival

→ How film festivals are evolving in the streaming era

→ What the rise of virtual festivals means for filmmakers worldwide

→ The one music licensing mistake that's killing independent films

Plus — Kimberley shares the story of the film that helped a woman get clemency, why rejection letters are not commentary on your talent, and what she wants her legacy in this industry to be. This is the episode every filmmaker needs to watch before their next submission. Period.

 Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations 

Guest: Kimberley Browning — Tribeca Film Festival, HBO, AFI, ABFF

New episodes every Wednesday.

Subscribe so you never miss one.

Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T 

Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed&nd=1&dlsi=316fca0df52b4a1e 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807 

Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus

#InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #FilmFestival #TribecaFilmFestival#IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #BlackFilmmakers #FilmFestivalStrategy#KimberleyBrowning #ArianaDrummond #ShortFilms #IndieFilm#FilmDistribution #BlackCreatives #OscarQualifying

What does it actually take to become a working television writer in Hollywood?

In this episode of NAACP+'s Inside the Industry, host Ariana Drummond sits down with writer and producer Chuck Hayward — whose credits include Ted Lasso, WandaVision, and Dear White People — for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the realities of building a writing career.

Chuck breaks down:

→ How TV writers actually get staffed on shows

→ The difference between a spec script and a pilot (and which one to write first)

→ What showrunners are really looking for when they read your script

→ How to handle notes without killing your creative vision

→ The mistakes that quietly stall careers — even for talented writers

→ Why the streaming bubble burst changed everything for writers

→ How to stay competitive when the industry is shrinking

Plus, Chuck shares the writing philosophy that drives everything he does: more Black weirdos on screen. And why writing authentically — not to the market— is the only strategy that actually works long term. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a creative trying to break in, or someone already in the industry looking to level up, this episode is your blueprint.

Host: Ariana Drummond, NAACP Director of Talent & Media Relations 

Guest: Chuck Hayward — Ted Lasso, WandaVision, Dear White People

New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Watch more Inside the Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnLI7v57zoc&list=PLaaTUaaxeh-IBd36D0P3FzFcu17Ij2S4T&pp=sAgC

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iny4YTd9NfUBB51aWOpYr?si=8657ebed5b5049ed 

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naacp-inside-the-industry/id1894940807

Follow NAACP+: https://linktr.ee/NAACPPlus

#InsideTheIndustry #NAACPPlus #TVWriter #HowToBeAWriter#BreakingIntoHollywood #Screenwriting #TedLasso #WandaVision#BlackCreatives #EntertainmentIndustry #ChuckHayward #ArianaDrummond

DeVon Franklin rose from intern to executive producer in Hollywood—but how did that actually happen?

In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, DeVon Franklin—producer behind films like "The Pursuit of Happyness," "Moneyball," and "The Karate Kid"—shares what it really takes to grow in this business, navigate opportunity, and build a career with purpose.

We'll cover topics such as:

- What it takes to stand out early in your career

- What ownership means in today’s entertainment industry

- Where the biggest opportunities are for creatives right now

From studio systems to independent production, this conversation breaks down what it takes to create and lead projects at the highest level of filmmaking.

About Devon Franklin:

Devon Franklin is a producer, author, and former studio executive at Columbia Pictures. His work spans major box office films, faith-based storytelling, and independent production, with a focus on purpose-driven content and long-term impact.

Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, and digital media.

Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry

Instagram: @naacpplus

YouTube: @naacpplus

The making of a fashion powerhouse—how does a designer go from starting out to dressing Hollywood’s biggest stars?

Brandon Gray has built a brand that commands attention on the red carpet—from the NAACP Image Awards to the Oscars and the Met Gala. But behind those moments is a story of persistence, strategy, and learning how to build in an industry that rarely gives you a clear path.

In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, Brandon Gray breaks down how he turned House of Gray into a sought-after fashion brand, how he broke into the industry without connections, and what it really takes to build something that lasts in fashion.

We'll also cover:
- What it takes to dress high-profile clients
- How to turn talent into a real business
- How designers can stay relevant as fashion evolves

If you’re a designer, creative, or entrepreneur trying to build something of your own, this conversation gives you a real look at what it takes to go from starting out to becoming a recognized name.

About Brandon Gray:
Brandon Gray is the founder of House of Gray, a fashion brand known for dressing top talent at major events, including Colman Domingo, Tyler Perry, and Niecy Nash.

Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, fashion, and digital media.

Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry
Instagram: @naacpplus
Facebook: @naacpplus

How do you break into Hollywood without connections?

For most people, the biggest barrier to entering the entertainment industry isn’t talent—it’s access. So how do careers actually get started when you don’t know anyone?

In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, James Swoope—Partner at M88—breaks down how aspiring creatives can break into Hollywood, how talent managers identify potential, and how opportunities are built behind the scenes.

From building relationships to creating leverage without traditional access, this conversation reveals how careers gain traction in today’s entertainment industry.

We cover:

If you’re trying to get into the entertainment industry—or build a career from the ground up—this is your starting point.

About James Swoope:

James Swoope is a Partner at M88, where he helps guide talent strategy, package projects, and build opportunities for clients across entertainment and sports.

Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside the Industry for weekly conversations with leaders across film, television, music, and digital media.

Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry
Instagram: @naacpplus
Facebook: @naacpplus

Welcome to the vertical storytelling era.

But how do you actually break into vertical storytelling and short-form content right now?
Short-form content is reshaping the entertainment industry—and creating new opportunities for writers, producers, and creators looking to build in vertical storytelling.

In this episode of NAACP+ Inside the Industry, Wendy Calhoun—writer, showrunner, and co-executive producer behind Empire—shares how she built a powerhouse career across traditional television and the rapidly growing world of micro dramas.

We cover:

If you’re a writer, producer, or creative trying to understand how to get into vertical storytelling and short-form content, this conversation gives you a clear look at where the industry might be headed. 

About Wendy Calhoun:
Wendy Calhoun is a writer, showrunner, and executive producer known for her work on Empire, and is now building projects in vertical storytelling and micro drama formats.

This episode explores vertical storytelling, short-form content, and micro dramas, and how these formats are changing the entertainment industry. If you’re interested in TV writing, digital storytelling, or building a career in film and television, this conversation breaks down how the industry is evolving.

Subscribe to NAACP+ Inside The Industry for weekly conversations with industry leaders across film, television, and digital media.

Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry
Instagram: @naacpplus
Facebook: @naacpplus

What does it take to build a career in entertainment today?

NAACP+ Inside The Industry is a new original series exploring how film, television, music, fashion, and digital culture actually operate—through conversations with the professionals shaping the business.

Hosted by Ariana Drummond, a publicist with over 15 years of experience across multiple areas of the industry, the series connects the dots between creative work and the business behind it.

Each episode features real stories, practical insight, and the decisions that define long-term success across entertainment careers.

Guests include producers, executives, designers, and creatives working at the highest levels of the industry.

- New episodes drop weekly on NAACP+.

Follow NAACP+ ITI: @naacpinsidetheindustry
Instagram: @naacpplus
Facebook: @naacpplus