TWO SETS OF BRIC COMMUNITY PRODUCERS WERE GRANTED THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR “DEAR BULLY – THE 30 MINUTE MOVIE MUSICAL” AND “RIGHTS”
On October 30, 2021 the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter announced that two sets of producers from BRIC’s community media network Brooklyn Free Speech TV were granted New York Emmy® Awards for their films “Dear Bully – The 30 Minute Movie Musical” and “Rights.” This year’s New York Emmy® recipients were honored at the 64th Annual New York Emmy® Awards virtual gala that was streamed live on www.nyemmys.org.
“Dear Bully – The 30 Minute Movie Musical,” which aired on Brooklyn Free Speech in October 2020, collected an Emmy® in the category “Children/Youth (12 and Under) – Long Form Content (longer than 10 minutes).” This award honors “excellence in content that is of interest and value to a target audience 12 years of age or younger.”
This anti-bullying film follows Ace (played by Brooklyn-based rapper Malcom Small) and his crew as they struggle to deal with bullies at BeYou High. The musical takes us through a daydream sequence in which Ace envisions himself as President of the United States and his friends as Vice President, Senators, and cabinet members. In this dream narrative, which is told through animated visuals and “Hip Hope” music produced by three-time New York Emmy® nominated music producer Brandon “KingSiNEVO,” Ace and his crew use their legislative muscle to create a bully-free world.
The “Dear Bully” production team includes Raymond Thomas, Producer; Marcelle Lashley-Kabore, Producer; Shane “Scenario” Howard, Director; Tyrell Vaughn, Editor; Brandon “SiNiCaL” Tyree, Music Producer; Kiara “Vitamin K” Mudd, Post Audio Engineer; Malcolm Small, Performer; Shadaje Small, Performer; James Waldron, Performer; Rich McKinny, Performer; Frankelly Frias, Performer; Marvin Hatchett Jr., Performer; Alexus Alejandro, Performer; Brianna Holley, Performer; and Shazard Grant, Performer.
“Rights,” which also aired on Brooklyn Free Speech in October 2020, took home an Emmy® in the category “Teen (13 – 19) – Short Form Content (up to 10 minutes),” which is awarded for “excellence in content that is of interest and value to a target audience 13 through 19 years of age.”
“Rights” is a music video that is honest and hard-hitting in its depiction of the terror Black people continue to endure in America after 400+ years. The song, written and performed by Bronx teen Rich M., lyrically illustrates the plight of being young and Black in America: “IF YOU WON’T GIVE ME FREEDOM IMMA TAKE IT! IF YOU WON’T HELP MY PEOPLE WE’LL STILL MAKE IT! MARTIN KING, MALCOLM X YOU WON’T DIE IN VAIN! RIGHTS! CIVIL RIGHTS! I JUST WANT MY RIGHTS!”
“Rights” was produced with Bronx youth from the CLUB neXt after-school program. The production team includes Raymond Thomas, Producer; Marcelle Lashley-Kabore, Producer; Chris Felix, Producer; Rich McKinny, Performer / Songwriter; Brandon “SiNiCaL” Tyree, Creative Director; and Sarina Steele, Director.
Since 2014, BRIC’s two community media networks – BRIC TV and Brooklyn Free Speech TV – have won 14 New York Emmy® Awards and received 66 nominations.
About Brooklyn Free Speech
Founded in 1990 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, Brooklyn Free Speech is the borough’s community media station. BRIC creates possibilities through education and provides a platform for all to be heard on our TV and podcast networks.
About BRIC
BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. For over forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers. As a creative catalyst for our community, we ignite learning in people of all ages and centralize diverse voices that take risks and drive culture forward. BRIC is building Brooklyn’s creative future. Learn more at bricartsmedia.org.
About the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
The New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, founded in 1955, is the preeminent membership organization serving media professionals by offering career enhancing events and networking opportunities. NY NATAS fosters creativity and inspires artistic and technical excellence through the renowned Emmy® Award, the coveted peer-recognition symbol of distinction in television. NY NATAS continues to evolve playing a vital role in recognizing outstanding content in our changing industry. As distribution platforms have expanded to include broadband and portable devices, NY NATAS honors television the art form regardless of the delivery platform. For more information, please visit www.nyemmys.org.
