Hollywood Code Black

Ever wonder why so many films with predominantly black casts are released straight-to-video, or die quickly in theatres without ever getting a real chance at box office greatness? Seasoned film-industry executive Jeff Clanagan says it is because, "As African Americans, we don't control any distribution channels."

To combat the dearth of black-owned distribution channels, Clanagan has launched Codeblack Entertainment, a company aimed at getting more high-quality fare in front of discriminating urban moviegoers by distributing film, television and home entertainment content.

In a fragmented marketplace where cellular ring tones compete with the conventional music industry, Clanagan believes offering multiple distribution platforms -- theatrical, video, DVD, mobile -- will give African-American features a more formidable presence in the marketplace. He notes, "The industry is chasing the technology right now. The thing that is happening right now is that technology is dictating where the industry is going. Same thing with music, but the movie industry is way behind the music business."

Giving black films and entertainment features an outlet will encourage filmmakers to tackle avant-garde projects that target urban moviegoers, Clanagan believes. "By me being in business, it will give filmmakers the incentive to go out and do projects that would otherwise not get done. If they don't have an outlet, what's the point?" he said, "If they know that they have an outlet, then it makes it a lot easier to do all the thing they have to do."

"Calling All Actors"
Clanagan is quick to admit that there will have to be something different in the mix for big Hollywood stars and starlets to gravitate to the projects he's thinking about: "There’s a lot of talent in Hollywood. Sure they are going to do the big studio project to get the check, but there are projects they want to do that they know will never get done by the studio." Since there is no one attempting to do what he is doing, he believes that having a movie company dedicated to the distribution of high quality African-American projects means that there will be more content for African American viewers.

Upcoming Releases
' Already in the cue for Codeblack is Steve Harvey's 'Don’t Trip… He Ain't Through With Me Yet,' a concert with Harvey’s observations about black church culture. Codeblack has entered into a broadcast licensing agreement with BET to premiere the film in March 17. "It's all G-rated," Clanagan promised. "The whole family could do this one."

The company's second project will bet the release of Patti LaBelle's 'Preaching to the Choir.' It will open in 22 markets in May and is being presented in collaboration with Radio One and TV One, a partnership significant for the marketing support Radio and TV One will offer to the release.

The Key to Success

 

 "Just nailing favorable deals with the exhibitors, and being able to collect from the exhibitors,” Clanagan says. “That is going to come down to a consistent flow of product from me so that they know that it’s not a one shot deal, but a reliable flow of content."

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