Hey, it’s Jerrica.

Here to remind you: your time is now, and everything you want for your creative career is possible.

This week’s issue was sparked by a trip to the movies.
Mid-popcorn, a trailer for A24’s The Legend of Ochi stopped me in my tracks.

As a filmmaker, marketer, and creative—it hit me. That kind of impact doesn’t just happen. It’s built. Intentionally. Strategically. Boldly.

So I did what I do best: I dug in.
A24 has built a brand that turned “small and weird” into Oscar-winning and culture-shifting. It’s not just inspiring—it’s a blueprint for underdogs.

Inside this issue, I’m breaking down A24’s brand positioning and what you can learn from it, including:

Here’s what’s inside this issue:

• The A24 Blueprint – A framework you can steal for your own brand

• The Barry Jenkins Case Study – How it all comes together in practice

• Opportunities You Can’t Miss – Tyler Perry’s Dream Collective, The Black List, voiceover gigs, Hollywood Black Film Fest, and more

• New: 1:1 Coaching – You asked, I’m delivering. If you’re ready to grow your brand, clarify your positioning, and Greenlight Yourself—apply here.

THE MAIN ATTRACTION

Forget formulas. A24 has proven that a distinct brand, built on voice and vision, resonates more than any blockbuster blueprint.

We're dissecting their strategy and showing you how to apply it to your creative career.

A24: Beyond the Box Office

A24 demonstrates the power of strategic positioning. They've built a brand, not just an entertainment company, cultivating a loyal audience through a distinct cinematic voice.

This wasn't luck; it was deliberate branding.

While you don't have to replicate A24, their example highlights a crucial truth: in 2025 and beyond, talent alone isn't enough.

To truly 'Greenlight Yourself' and build a sustainable career, strategic positioning is essential.

Positioning: Your Creative Compass

Just like A24, you need a clear position in the creative landscape. It's not enough to be talented; you need to be known for something specific.

It's what makes someone choose Moonlight over any other film.

The A24 Positioning Framework: Voice, Vision & Impact

We're breaking down A24's success into a framework you can use:

Step 1: Awareness → Defining Your Unique Voice

• What this looks like:

  • Content Type: Showcase the distinctive elements of your creative work that make it uniquely yours.

  • A24 Example: Everything Everywhere All At Once blends genres and styles, showcasing a bold, risk-taking creative voice.

  • Why it works: Establishing a clear, distinct voice is crucial for attracting your ideal audience.

  • Actionable: Review your last 3 projects. Do they convey a consistent and recognizable artistic voice?

Step 2: Interest → Articulating Your Creative Vision

• What this looks like:

  • Content Type: Share the inspirations, influences, and creative processes that shape your artistic vision.

  • A24 Example: Eighth Grade authentically captures the teenage experience, demonstrating a clear and specific vision that resonates with a target audience.

  • Why it works: Communicating your creative vision helps build a deeper connection with your audience.

  • Actionable: Are you effectively sharing the "why" behind your creative choices?

Step 3: Consideration → Delivering Impactful Work

• What this looks like:

  • Content Type: Showcase your mastery through compelling storytelling and visually striking work that leaves a lasting impact.

  • A24 Example: Moonlight captivates audiences with its poetic language and emotional depth, creating a powerful and lasting impact.

  • Why it works: Impactful work demonstrates your creative authority and builds trust with your audience.

  • Actionable: Does your content create a memorable and impactful experience for your audience?

Step 4: Conversion → Fostering Collaborative Engagement

• What this looks like:

  • Content Type: Create opportunities for your audience to engage with and support your work through collaborations, commissions, or patronage.

  • A24 Example: A24’s merchandise and curated collections foster a sense of community and exclusivity, encouraging audience engagement.

  • Why it works: Building a collaborative environment strengthens your connection with your audience and builds a loyal following.

  • Actionable: Are you creating avenues for your audience to actively engage with and support your creative work?

Barry Jenkins: A Case Study In Brand Building

Barry Jenkins, director of Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, demonstrates how a director cultivates a powerful personal brand within the A24 ecosystem.

• Voice: His films are immediately recognizable for their poetic visual language and focus on intimate, often marginalized narratives. He uses a distinctive, quiet, and deeply emotional storytelling style.

• Vision: His films are characterized by a clear artistic vision, exploring themes of identity, love, and social justice through an empathetic lens. He maintains a consistent visual aesthetic and narrative approach.

• Impact: Moonlight resonated deeply with audiences and critics, sparking cultural conversations and earning critical acclaim. His films leave a lasting emotional impact, solidifying his reputation as a groundbreaking voice.

Your Takeaway:

• Develop a distinctive artistic voice that sets you apart.

• Cultivate a clear and consistent vision that guides your creative choices.

• Create work that has a lasting impact on your audience.

CUE THE OPPORTUNITIES

• Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective Contest Opens soon | Find out more here

• CW Studios is looking for voice over artists | Apply here

• EVENT: Teachable x Creator Economy NYC are hosting CONNECT Conference | Join here

• LA Shorts Screenwriting Competition is open for submissions | Deadline: Today | Apply here

• Liverpool Film Festival is accepting submissions | Deadline: Today | Apply here

• The Black List x Theatrical Rights Worldwide Collection is accepting submissions for plays | Deadline: 5/1 | Apply here

• The Black List is accepting submissions for their 2025 Annual Labs | Deadline: 6/1 | Apply here

• LGBTQ+ Toronto & Los Angeles Film Festival is accepting submissions | Regular Deadline: TOMORROW | Apply here

• Hollywood Black Film Festival is accepting submissions | Regular Deadline: 4/27 | Apply here

THAT’S A WRAP

With 12+ years in entertainment, I’ve co-written for TV, developed with Hello Sunshine, and led audience growth at Netflix. I help creatives turn big visions—like getting their own comedy special on Netflix or their own TV show about their life—into brand strategies, content plans, and monetization blueprints.

WHEN YOU'RE READY, HERE'S HOW I CAN HELP

Personalized Strategy Playbooks for Creative Growth

Invest in your career with a tailored strategy playbook, designed to build your audience and elevate your brand.

Includes:

• 90-Minute Deep Dive

• Personal Brand Positioning (So you can be seen the way you want to be to get to your big goal)

• Custom Platform & Content Strategy

• Audience Growth & Monetization Roadmap

• Content Feedback

• 30 Days WhatsApp Support

• 4-Week Delivery

• And more…

CHOOSE YOUR PLAYBOOK

• Laugh Strategy (Comedians): Launch your comedy career. Build a loyal audience, sell out shows, and create a lasting legacy. (For all levels.)

• Spotlight Strategy (Entertainers): Elevate your visibility. Attract career-changing opportunities and build your spotlight. (For professional & emerging talent.)

• Storyteller Strategy (Filmmakers/Storytellers): Empower your vision. Connect with your ideal audience and create buzz around your work. (For visionary creators.)

Ready for a personalized strategy?

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