inside otv | 2024
Development Report Cycle 9
—
BY ELIJAH MCKINNON
Co-Founder & Executive Director
As we close the chapter on an extraordinary 2024, Open Television (OTV) reflects on a year of immense growth, groundbreaking innovation, and transformative impact in the independent media landscape. With each project, partnership, and initiative, OTV has reinforced its commitment to championing intersectional storytelling and creating spaces for opportunity challenged voices to thrive. This year was pivotal—not only for the milestones achieved but also for the foundation laid for our monumental 10th anniversary in 2025.
Amplifying Our Mission
OTV’s work in 2024 has continued to redefine the possibilities of independent media. By supporting creators who reflect the vast diversity of experiences shaping contemporary culture, OTV has cemented its role as a trailblazer in media innovation. With the release of our 500th title via the OTV APP, we celebrated a rich tapestry of stories that transcend conventional narratives, challenge industry norms, and invite audiences to see the world through fresh and inclusive perspectives.
This milestone reflects years of dedication to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where creatives are empowered to share their truths, audiences are inspired to engage critically with media, and communities are united through shared experiences. Each story released on our platform represents a step toward transforming the media industry into one that truly reflects the multifaceted realities of the world we live in and has helped us build a fiercely loyal and highly engaged subscriber base of over 10,000 members globally.
A Year Of Transformation and Impact
As a reminder, OTV’s platform – our mobile/TV app and in-person exhibitions—distribute stories cultivated by OTV’s three programs: OTV Fellows, offering professional development and project support to emerging-experienced creators; OTV Study Hall, training emerging filmmakers in basic skills or supporting filmmakers in refining skills they may not have training in; Brave Futures, training storytellers in opportunity challenged regions with high viewership to the OTV APP by producing, editing and exhibiting, with support of OTV staff, a short film within one weekend.
In 2024, OTV demonstrated the sustainability of its model while deepening its impact on the indie filmmaking ecosystem. Through expanded public programs, sold-out showcases at esteemed cultural venues, and the pilot launch of Table Read Club’s cross-continental tour, OTV reignited community engagement and fostered new collaborations. Our Brave Futures program was mounted in Salvador, Bahia and amplified Afro-Brazilian voices, proving the global resonance of intersectional storytelling, while partnerships with SeriesFest enabled us to award over $30,000 to emerging creators through the second iteration of Pitch, Please!, our artist driven launch-pad designed participants in our annual fellowship.
By hosting our first in-person Study Hall Retreat and expanding the OTV Fellows program to its largest cohort, we strengthened our commitment to talent development. Integrating these programs allows us to have deeper touch-points with artists and also build deeper pathways of access to our highly successful pipeline. Many fellows and retreat participants have secured prestigious opportunities before completing the program, highlighting the effectiveness of our artist-first approach and further providing us the opportunity to build trust amongst artists, community and industry as a critical node in the media arts sector.
OTV also took bold steps in reimagining community-centered spaces, by further expanding its residency model for independent film organizations and expanding programming at OTV Studio to include free artist wellness and professional development programs hosted by OTV and community partners across Chicago and the United States. These initiatives underscored our dedication to nurturing creative ecosystems.
Building Toward 2025
As we look ahead to our 10th anniversary, OTV is poised to reach even greater heights. Our efforts this year—amplifying voices, expanding global footprints, and strengthening community engagement—solidify our position as a leader in independent media. By investing in innovative platforms like #OTVDistro and initiatives like the OTV Atlas, we are ensuring that intersectional storytelling remains not just sustainable, but thriving.
Together, we’re creating a future where diverse voices shape culture, inspire communities, and drive systemic change. Join us in celebrating this journey and building with OTV as we continue to redefine what’s possible in independent media.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM 2024
〰️
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM 2024 〰️
A Renaissance of Public Engagement
Open Television (OTV) redefined public engagement in 2024 through its dynamic programs that sparked connections across communities. Hosting over three dozen activations globally, OTV showcased its reach and impact. Highlights included two sold-out showcases at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art (#OTVTonight) and the Gene Siskel Film Center (Deep Focus), six artist development initiatives at the OTV Studio (#OTVStudyHallRetreat, Work-In-Progress Screenings), and numerous community gatherings, workshops, and panel discussions. Virtual and in-person programs like Pause & Play and Table Read Club further expanded artist development efforts. These events not only celebrated diverse art forms but also reimagined cultural access, fostering a thriving ecosystem of independent media.
Building a Legacy of Independent Storytelling
Releasing its 500th title via the OTV APP marked a milestone in OTV’s journey, underscoring the resilience and creativity of its community. With over 50 new titles added, the platform saw a 26% subscriber growth and a 68% increase across social media engagement year-over-year. This achievement highlights the growing demand for intersectional stories and solidifies OTV’s position as a leader in indie media.
Expanding Global Footprints
Through Table Read Club, OTV bridged continents, hosting events in cities like Chicago, London, Johannesburg, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. These gatherings fostered cross-cultural collaboration and advanced intersectional storytelling. The #BraveFutures program amplified Afro-Brazilian voices with six films debuting to sold-out audiences in Salvador, Bahia, further cultivating international partnerships that emphasized the economic and cultural power of independent storytelling.
Deepening Talent Development
The inaugural #OTVStudyHall Retreat activated high-scoring fellowship applicants, strengthening OTV’s pipeline for artist development. The #OTVFellows program expanded to its largest cohort, with fellows securing placements in prestigious programs like SeriesFest, The Alliance for Media Arts and Culture, Sundance Institute, and Riseback Rise. Additionally, the launch of Pitch, Please awarded over $30,000 to intersectional storytellers, with participation from creative executives at Issa Rae’s ColorCreative and Janelle Monáe’s Wondaland Productions, cementing OTV’s role as an incubator for talent and ideas.
Innovating Community-Centric Models
OTV expanded its residency model at the #OTVStudio, offering affordable space to organizations like Mezcla Media Collective, Global Impact Producers, and One Earth Collective. Studio programming also supported artist wellness and professional growth, underscoring OTV’s commitment to nurturing local creative communities while scaling its national and global impact.
Strengthening Leadership and Advocacy
OTV’s founding role in the Chicago Media Coalition positioned it as a leading voice in media advocacy. Partnerships with Twenty43 Ventures and Reparative Media provided deeper institutional support for emerging media projects. The expansion of OTV’s board with eight new officer roles reflects a commitment to building leadership infrastructure to support future growth. Collaborations with organizations like Sisters in Cinema, Full Spectrum Features, the Chicago International Film Festival, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, Color Congress, T A P E Collective, Goethe-Institut, and DiaLAB further illustrate OTV’s expansive network.
Recognized for Excellence
OTV capped the year as a Webby Award Honoree for its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in video. This recognition, coupled with international collaborations and local engagements, highlights OTV’s leadership in reshaping the media arts sector. Additionally, OTV’s leadership earned a spot on NewCity’s Top 50 influential arts organizations in film for the fifth time in nine years.
As OTV prepares for its 10th anniversary in 2025, this year’s accomplishments illuminate a sustainable, community-driven model that empowers storytellers, inspires audiences, and redefines possibilities in independent media. Together, we’re building a future where intersectional storytelling isn’t the exception—it’s the standard.
#OTVAPP
〰️
#OTVAPP 〰️
Launched in late 2020, the OTV APP has become the central hub for intersectional storytelling, offering a beautifully designed streaming experience available on Apple, Android, Roku, and FireTV. In alignment with OTV’s mission to uplift underrepresented narrative film and TV artists, the platform continues to serve as a powerful tool for expanding audience reach and fostering global engagement.
2024 Milestones and Achievements
This year marked a significant milestone for the OTV APP with the distribution of its 500th title and a robust subscriber base surpassing 10,000 engaged members worldwide. These achievements underscore the platform's growth and its critical role in advancing diverse narratives.
Key Metrics:
26% Growth in Subscribers: A year-over-year increase in members, reflecting the app's growing appeal and impact.
1,000 Hours Viewed: A testament to the app’s ability to engage audiences and foster meaningful connections with content.
50 New Titles Released: Expanding the library of original programming and offering a broader array of stories to viewers.
Driving Engagement:
Two Sold-Out Showcases: Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer events successfully drove traffic to the platform, reinforcing its value as a destination for fresh, impactful content.
40% Increase in Acquisition Submissions: The significant uptick in submissions signals an expanding reach and deepened interest among global creators to collaborate with OTV.
Global Reach:
With audiences spanning the United States, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and India, the OTV APP has established itself as a global platform for intersectional storytelling, bridging cultures and amplifying voices from diverse communities.
As OTV looks toward its 10th anniversary, the continued success of the OTV APP demonstrates the sustainability of its model and the transformative potential of amplifying stories that challenge and reshape the narrative landscape.
#OTVFELLOWS
〰️
#OTVFELLOWS 〰️
Since its launch in 2019, the OTV FELLOWS program has been a cornerstone of Open Television’s mission to activate and nurture emerging storytellers. Designed to empower independent writers, directors, and producers, the program offers stipends, mentorship, and career consultation to support sustainable careers in the film and TV industry.
In 2024, we celebrated the sixth—and largest—cohort of OTV Fellows, welcoming 10 talented creators from across the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa. This cohort represents a vibrant cross-section of global perspectives and highlights OTV’s growing impact on the international filmmaking community.
Submission Highlights
To ensure thoughtful engagement and preserve program capacity, OTV capped submissions for the 2024 Fellowship and conducted a comprehensive survey to better understand our applicant pool. Key findings included:
Experience: Over 60% of applicants had 1-5 years of filmmaking or storytelling experience, demonstrating the program’s appeal to emerging creators.
Representation:
Nearly 50% of applicants came from the Midwest with a majority based in Chicago, Illinois.
Over 90% of applicants identified as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
More than 73% identified as LGBTQIA+ or non-heterosexual.
Over 30% identified as living with a disability.
Project Types:
40% of submissions were short-film projects.
30% of submissions were pilot concepts for TV or digital series.
Fellowship Highlights
As OTV prepares for its 10th anniversary, the 2024 Fellowship program stands as a testament to the sustainability and scalability of our model. By investing in intersectional storytellers, we are building a future where diverse voices shape the narratives of tomorrow. In addition to a year of intensive mentorship and career development, the 2024 OTV Fellows program achieved remarkable milestones:
Diverse Achievements: Fellows secured placements in top artist development programs such as Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival, SeriesFest ,Los Mochis Film Festival and The Alliance for Media Arts and Culture, underscoring their growing recognition in the industry. 100% participants felt positively about their experience in the fellowship program with over 80% of the screenwriters reporting that they feel confident with applying their skills they’ve learned to future projects and opportunities.
Career Readiness: Each Fellow received training in project development, world-building, inclusive screenwriting, development and pitching, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the entertainment landscape with confidence — with over 100% of participants noting an improvement in their skills and confidence as a screenwriter upon completion of the fellowship.
Global Impact: The inclusion of fellows from five countries highlights the international reach and relevance of OTV’s mission — with over 100% of participants noting finding extreme value in sharing experiences and insights with other cohort-mates upon the completion of the fellowship.
#OTVSTUDYHALL
〰️
#OTVSTUDYHALL 〰️
In 2024, Open Television (OTV) expanded its artist development initiatives with the launch of the OTV STUDY HALL Retreat, a full-day intensive designed to bridge gaps in programmatic offerings. This retreat created an inclusive, hands-on learning environment for high-scoring applicants of the #OTVFellows program who were not selected for the 2024 cohort but demonstrated exceptional artistic promise.
Retreat Overview
Set in Chicago, Illinois, at the OTV Studio, the retreat welcomed 12 emerging writers from across the United States into an intentionally curated space for growth and exploration. The program focused on three core areas:
Screenwriting: Participants refined their scripts through workshops and peer feedback.
Pitching: Hands-on sessions helped storytellers craft compelling pitches for their projects.
Creative Wellness: Emphasizing care and rest as vital components of the creative process, the retreat provided strategies for sustainable artistic practices.
Impact and Goals:
The #OTVStudyHall Retreat extended OTV’s mission to cultivate confident, capable, and inclusive voices while establishing itself as a vital bridge within the OTV ecosystem. As a model for artist support in the independent media landscape, the retreat underscores OTV’s commitment to innovation and inclusion, paving the way for storytellers to thrive in the broader film and TV industry — helping us to achieve the following goals:
Bridging Programmatic Gaps: Provided access to the OTV Fellowship curriculum’s foundational elements, including peer mentorship and industry feedback, for participants outside the formal cohort.
Field-Building Opportunities: Connected participants with OTV’s ecosystem of mentors, staff, and board members, fostering a nurturing space for storytellers from opportunity-challenged markets.
Supporting Inclusion and Growth: Empowered intersectional storytellers with tools to enhance their craft and build confidence in their creative journeys.
#bravefutures
〰️
#bravefutures 〰️
BRAVE FUTURES launched in 2019, continued to expand its global impact in 2024 with its latest iteration in Salvador, Brazil. This dynamic 48-hour film competition challenges creatives to craft films that inspire a braver world, using a single intersectional theme, a prop, and an action. Designed to prioritize intersectional identities, Brave Futures serves as a platform to amplify underrepresented voices, extending OTV’s reach far beyond its Chicago roots.
Impact in Salvador
In its Salvador debut, the Brave Futures Film Race mobilized over 75 artists, with 30 participating in creative labs, mentorship initiatives, artist development programs designed to elevate their craft. The competition resulted in the production of six compelling short films, each showcased to a sold-out audience in Bahia, highlighting the region’s vibrant talent and rich storytelling traditions.
Community and INSTITUTIONAL Support
The success of Brave Futures Salvador was amplified by significant local support, including partnerships with production companies, the Salvador Film Commission, the City of Salvador, the Goethe-Institut, and Cine Globacer. These collaborations not only bolstered the event’s impact but also demonstrated the potential for meaningful investment in intersectional storytelling as a driver of cultural and economic development.
Brave Futures Salvador underscores OTV’s commitment to fostering global connections, empowering creatives in underserved markets, and showcasing bold, intersectional narratives that inspire audiences worldwide. By cultivating talent and creating opportunities on an international scale, OTV continues to lead the charge in transforming the indie media landscape.
ACTIVATIONS
〰️
ACTIVATIONS 〰️
Open Television (OTV) enriched its programmatic slate in 2024 with a series of dynamic activations that expanded its reach, fostered community engagement, and amplified intersectional storytelling. Each activation reflected OTV’s commitment to creating opportunities for opportunity-challenged voices while cultivating vibrant, inclusive spaces for creative expression and dialogue through deeper coalition and partnerships.
#tablereadclub
〰️
#tablereadclub 〰️
This year, the TABLE READ CLUB evolved into a traveling series, bringing interactive script readings to cities like Chicago, London, Johannesburg, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. Emerging screenwriters had the chance to workshop their scripts with local audiences, receiving invaluable feedback to propel their projects forward. By fostering cross-cultural collaboration and creative exchange, the Table Read Club exemplified OTV’s mission to connect global storytellers and elevate intersectional narratives. Table Read Club participants have moved on to launch successful crowdfunding campaigns, secure producers and development meetings with creative executives and entered into prestigious pitch competitions. In addition to expanding OTV’s offerings this activation attracted many deeper partnerships and collaborations with new and established institutions such as Callo, Goethe Institut, Girls In Film, T A P E Collective, Girls In Film South Africa and more.
SOCIAL HOURS
〰️
SOCIAL HOURS 〰️
OTV’s Social Hours series in 2024 masterfully balanced professional development opportunities with creative wellness practices, creating a nurturing space for storytellers to grow both personally and professionally. These events combined casual networking with intentional programming that encouraged reflection, collaboration, and artistic refinement.
Two standout programs from the Social Hours series included:
Social Hours: Reset
This session focused on creative wellness, featuring guided meditation, journaling, yoga, and goal-setting exercises. Participants were encouraged to take a pause from their hectic routines to reflect on their creative journeys, align their goals, and rejuvenate their minds and bodies. It was a testament to OTV’s commitment to supporting storytellers holistically, ensuring they are equipped to sustain their artistic practices.Social Hours: WIP (Work-in-Progress)
Dedicated to filmmakers in post-production, this event provided a unique opportunity for artists to share their works-in-progress with peers and industry professionals. The session emphasized constructive feedback and critique, fostering a supportive environment where creators could refine their projects and deepen their storytelling impact.
PITCH, PLEASE!
〰️
PITCH, PLEASE! 〰️
In 2024, OTV’s Pitch, Please program continued to shine as a premier launchpad for emerging creators, combining mentorship, industry exposure, and funding opportunities. The program hosted two major pitch competitions in collaboration with SeriesFest, attracting a diverse group of talented participants with compelling projects at various stages of development.
Participants and Winners
The 2024 cohort included three exceptional participants from the #OTVFellows program, each presenting innovative projects that captivated the audience and advisors:
$15,000 Winner: Céline Tshika (“Surprise!”) – A vibrant narrative exploring unexpected twists in relationships.
$10,000 Winner: Laya Pellerin-Tate (“Not Like Other Vampires”) – A fresh take on the vampire genre infused with humor and introspection.
$5,000 + The Time is Now Award Winner = $6,000: Dante Ureta (“El Camino De Alex”) – A heartfelt coming-of-age story rooted in resilience and self-discovery.
Creative Advisors
Participants pitched their projects to an esteemed panel of industry leaders, including:
Chervine Naamani – ColorCreative, known for championing diverse storytellers.
Kiana Chambers – Wondaland Pictures, celebrated for developing bold, boundary-pushing projects.
Jen Loren – Cherokee Film, an advocate for indigenous and underrepresented voices in film.
Program Highlights and Impact
The creative advisors provided insightful feedback, helping participants refine their pitches and build momentum for their projects. Each storyteller left with actionable strategies for advancing their work and strengthening their artistic impact. Pitch, Please awarded over $30,000 in funding and resources, empowering intersectional storytellers to bring their projects to life. By blending mentorship, financial support, and industry connections, the program exemplified OTV’s commitment to fostering bold, intersectional storytelling and equipping artists with the tools to succeed in the competitive film and TV industry.
OUR RIGHT TO GAZE
〰️
OUR RIGHT TO GAZE 〰️
In 2024, Open Television (OTV) proudly curated and presented the third edition of Our Right to Gaze in partnership with Full Spectrum Features, an anthology series exploring the theme Bitter-Sweet Healings. This evocative collection of short films delved deeply into the persistent and nuanced efforts of healing within the Black community, celebrating the resilience, complexity, and intersectionality of Black-lived experiences.
Program Highlights & Impact
In a world marked by rapid changes and ongoing challenges, these films provided a powerful lens through which to explore the multifaceted journeys of healing and transformation. Each story illuminated a unique narrative of perseverance, offering audiences a moving and thought-provoking reflection on how healing unfolds in diverse, complicated ways.
The anthology celebrated:
Resilience: Showcasing characters who navigate adversity with strength and ingenuity.
Intersectionality: Exploring how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, and sexuality—shape the experience of healing.
Transformation: Highlighting moments of growth and renewal, often born from pain and struggle.
Our Right to Gaze: Bitter-Sweet Healings toured across several cities in the United States, bringing these vital stories to communities nationwide. Partnering with esteemed cultural institutions and independent cinemas, the tour included screenings in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and more. These events were designed to spark dialogue, foster understanding, and celebrate the artistry of Black filmmakers. Each screening featured:
Post-Screening Discussions: Facilitated by filmmakers, curators, and community leaders, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the themes of the films.
Community Building: Events that brought together filmmakers, activists, and audience members to connect and share perspectives on the healing process within the Black community.
By curating and touring Our Right to Gaze, OTV amplified opportunity-challenged voices and provided a platform for bold, intersectional storytelling that inspires reflection and change. The anthology reinforced the organization’s commitment to fostering deeper conversations about race, identity, and resilience while building bridges between communities through the shared experience of cinema This collaboration stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and OTV’s keen eye for identifying intersectional filmmakers that provide audiences with poignant exploration of the triumphs and challenges of healing within the Black community.
PAUSE & PLAY
〰️
PAUSE & PLAY 〰️
In 2024, OTV introduced Pause & Play, a reflective and rejuvenating initiative designed to explore the intersections of care and creativity within the filmmaking industry. This groundbreaking series emphasized the importance of holistic well-being for intersectional storytellers, focusing on the care of film workers, participants, and audiences. By offering a blend of artist talks, workshops, and wellness practices, Pause & Play reinforced OTV’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and supportive creative ecosystem that is anchored in care, equity and transformation. The series launched with an in-person event at the prestigious BlackStar Film Festival, in collaboration with Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM). This debut event set the tone for the series by creating a space for filmmakers, advocates, and audiences to come together and reflect on the role of care in their creative processes and storytelling practices.
Three-Part Virtual Series
Following the successful launch at BlackStar Film Festival, OTV rolled out a three-part virtual series that delved deeper into the critical aspects of care in filmmaking:
Session 1: Film Worker Care
Focused on the well-being of those behind the camera, exploring challenges and strategies for maintaining health and sustainability. Featured insights from Joie Lou Shakur (Comfrey Films), Kyla Harris (FWD-Doc), and Natalie Bullock Brown (Documentary Accountability Working Group).Session 2: Participant Care
Addressed ethics and care in documentary filmmaking, highlighting ways to prioritize the well-being of subjects. Featured perspectives from Pedro Navarro Aguilar (Unseen), Set Hernandez (Director, Unseen), and Jennifer Tiexiera (Director, Subject).Session 3: Audience Care
Examined filmmakers’ responsibilities to their audiences, focusing on storytelling that inspires change while fostering empathy and accessibility. Featured contributions from Day Al-Mohamed (FWD-Doc), Naeema Jamila-Torres (Mezcla Media Collective), and Nehad Khader (Impact Producer and cultural strategist).
Program Highlight & Impact
This series emphasized actionable strategies and sparked critical conversations about ethics, wellness, and sustainability in storytelling, setting a new standard for care in the media arts. Through Pause & Play, OTV created an intentional space for rest, reflection, and growth, challenging traditional notions of productivity in the film industry. The series provided filmmakers with actionable strategies for care while sparking critical conversations about the role of ethics, wellness, and sustainability in storytelling.
By collaborating with organizations like Brown Girls Doc Mafia and spotlighting leaders in care and advocacy, Pause & Play amplified the voices of underrepresented creators while setting a new standard for care in the media arts. This initiative stands as a testament to OTV’s dedication to supporting not just the creative output of intersectional storytellers but their overall well-being and impact on the communities they serve.
organizational development
〰️
organizational development 〰️
This year marked a transformative period for Open Television (OTV) as the organization made significant strides in building its capacity, expanding its reach, and solidifying its position as a leader in intersectional storytelling. By enhancing internal infrastructure and fostering strategic partnerships, OTV positioned itself for sustainable growth and deeper impact in the indie film ecosystem.
OTV expanded its team by adding two new support roles, a critical step that improved the organization’s ability to execute its growing roster of programs and initiatives. This investment in internal capacity not only ensured smoother operations but also enabled the team to better serve its network of creators and audiences.
The organization’s industry presence soared in 2024 through collaborations with influential partners such as Twenty43, Chicago Media Coalition, Color Congress, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and the Kashif Incubator. These partnerships elevated OTV’s profile, amplifying its reputation as a trailblazer in artist development and equitable storytelling practices. OTV’s strategic participation in pilot programs with these groups has opened new avenues for advocacy and visibility, while deepening its engagement with communities dedicated to transformative media practices.
OTV’s heightened visibility at prominent festivals, including SeriesFest, BlackStar Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, Milwaukee Film Festival, and Chicago International Film Festival, showcased the organization’s work on a larger stage. These platforms provided invaluable exposure for OTV Fellows and programs, strengthening the organization’s connections to key players in the film industry and reinforcing its status as a vital hub for emerging talent.
Guided by strategic consulting through Leading for Impact (LFI), offered via the Elevate Prize, OTV embarked on a comprehensive planning process to refine its long-term goals. This partnership has been instrumental in shaping the strategy for OTV’s 10th anniversary, aligning its vision with actionable steps to ensure relevance and resilience in a rapidly evolving indie film landscape.
Governance also took a leap forward with the expansion of OTV’s board and the implementation of a 3-5 year strategic planning process. These efforts brought diverse perspectives into the fold, strengthening oversight and providing a clearer roadmap for future growth. This strategic alignment ensures that OTV remains nimble and responsive to industry trends while staying firmly rooted in its mission.
Looking ahead to 2025, the soft launch and pilot of OTV ATLAS signal a groundbreaking evolution in artist development and distribution. This initiative aims to unlock new revenue streams and provide unparalleled resources for intersectional storytellers, further cementing OTV’s role as a linchpin in the indie film sector.
Through these advancements in organizational development, OTV has laid a solid foundation for the next decade of its journey. By prioritizing capacity-building, fostering strategic partnerships, and embracing innovative initiatives, OTV continues to lead the way in transforming the media arts landscape.
audience snapshot
〰️
audience snapshot 〰️
We executed all our proposed programs to the highest degree of quality based on past performance. Our content library is growing—representing ways we support diverse storytellers with funding, training, career and audience development—and we are maintaining quality in terms of audience engagement, production value and critical attention. Our social media following continues to grow, where our followers increased by around 68% across Instagram, LinkedIn, X and Mailchimp from the previous year. Through our live engagements we showcased our work to over nearly 3000 people, through our app we engaged over 10,000 unique users from across the globe and across our social properties we've received over 1.6 million impressions and over 125,000 engagements. Overall, OTV’s subscriber base grew over 20% in 2024 and our digital footprint grew over 60% in 2024. We track several metrics to assess our annual performance and impact.
Numbers of artists supported via their projects: Our total programming output continues to grow through original program distribution, showcase/screenings and artist development initiatives. In 2024, we supported over 500 artists directly and an estimated 1750 artists indirectly through our artist development pipelines which include project consultations, development programs and digital distribution. On the community front, we have served an estimated 3000 community members in-person and 10,000 digitally through public activations, screenings & exhibitions and coalition building initiatives. A snapshot of our live engagements from 2024 at the local, national and international level can be found highlighted below:
Chicago community members engaged: In person in Chicago, OTV offers a space for storytellers and their teams to come together to celebrate completing a project. We host a spring and fall showcase to screen new works, bringing together different writers, directors, actors and crew members to enjoy each others’ works. Additionally, we hosted a variety of activations at the OTV Studio and partnered with several organizations around the city to provide programming. We find these benefit our community by making new connections, which can lead to new stories about Chicago communities and job opportunities. In 2024, we engaged around 1500 people, over 50% increase since the previous year.
National community engaged: Nationally, participated in several film festivals, industry gatherings and networking events. This brings capacity to the organization by securing relationships for peer mentorship, artist development and board recruitment while also reminding established writers and directors of their connection to Chicago and each other. In addition, we also showcased our New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta and New Orleans in collaboration with other media nonprofits in Chicago and throughout the United States. Through these combined efforts we engaged around 750 people.
International community engaged: Internationally, we expanded our footprint significantly in key regions by producing another installment of our “Brave Futures” short film race, this time in Salvador, which was an incredible success, not only yielding six new stories that are distributed via the OTVAPP but also support community/audience development in Brazil, the second largest consumer of our content behind the United States. In addition to this we toured a pilot activation, Table Read Club to Mexico, United Kingdom and South Africa which garnered a huge success and cult-like following. Each iteration sells out and builds a highly engaged audience of screenwriters, filmmakers, producers, actors and executives that are eager to connect and provide feedback to intersectional storytellers. Through these efforts we engaged around 1250 people
closing reflections
〰️
closing reflections 〰️
As Open Television (OTV) reflects on the transformative year of 2024, we are reminded of the power of storytelling to shape culture, foster empathy, and reimagine systems of oppression as possibilities for collective transformation. Over the past decade, OTV has developed and refined a research-driven, intersectional framework that has become the foundation of our work. This proven model prioritizes authentic representation of underrepresented voices, fosters community engagement, and enables artistic excellence, making OTV a leader in reshaping the media landscape.
Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding that media influences how we see and engage with the world. By providing a comprehensive, 360-degree pipeline for diverse storytellers—spanning mentorship, development programs, consultation, and exhibition opportunities—OTV actively dismantles exploitative systems and replaces them with celebratory models of empowerment. This pipeline has helped countless artists secure accolades, development deals, and transformative career opportunities, underscoring the success of our vision and the impact of our programs.
While representation in media has improved in some areas, systemic inequities persist. OTV continues to address these disparities by cultivating the next generation of intersectional storytellers who challenge the dominance of normative identities in media creation. Grounded in Chicago yet reaching globally, OTV serves as both an anchor and a bridge, fostering cultural impact at home and abroad.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to anticipating future shifts in technology, distribution models, and cultural dynamics. Our plans include bolstering our digital platform, exploring emerging storytelling formats and diversifying our revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability. These efforts are guided by our proven model, developed through iterative processes that integrate artist feedback, audience insights, and a steadfast commitment to systemic change.
As we prepare for our 10th anniversary, OTV’s role as a trusted incubator for intersectional storytelling is more critical than ever. By fostering empathy, driving systemic change, and building an inclusive and empowering ecosystem, we are not only addressing immediate community needs but also shaping the future of media as a tool for collective power and cultural transformation.
Our work is far from complete, but our track record, research-driven approach, and commitment to addressing systemic inequities ensure that OTV is poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Together, we will continue to amplify underrepresented voices, drive cultural impact, and create a media landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of our shared world.