They are legends in the advertising industry, but surprisingly (not really) the stories of the Black ad men and women who transformed the industry’s predominantly white landscape during the 60s, 70s and 80s remains largely untold. Now that is about to change with Gypsy Chicago Productions’ new documentary Channel Changers.
The documentary delves into how these pioneering African American professionals not only made significant contributions but also reshaped the face of advertising and media, leaving a lasting legacy .
Channels Changers features interviews with over 20 Black advertising pioneers, including industry legends Tom Burrell and Carol H. Williams, who later established nationally respected agencies. These trailblazers share their personal stories, highlighting the formidable challenges they faced as they entered an industry that didn’t look like, or represent, them.
The film also showcases numerous advertisements, commercials, and campaigns that were created and produced by African Americans, many of which were previously unrecognized.
Lowell Thompson, an acclaimed writer on the subject, introduces the film. He collaborated with veteran adman Cotton Stevenson to bring this remarkable era to life. The documentary explores how the Civil Rights movement and the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination prompted corporate America to finally embrace diversity and inclusion. Watch the trailer below:
Bringing the Documentary to Life
Stevenson assembled a team of top-tier filmmakers, many of whom were long-time friends from his days as a creative executive in Chicago. The Field Foundation of Chicago, along with prominent ad agencies such as FCB, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, and DDB, provided initial funding for the project. Additional financial support was garnered through a Go Fund Me campaign.
Channels Changers is set to premiere at the Siskel Center on July 1 at 6 pm.
CREDITS:
- Executive Producers Cotton Stevenson, Lowell Thompson, Terry Peigh
- Producer Laurel Dobose
- Writers Lowell Thompson, Alaric C. Martin
- Consulting Producer Alaric C. Martin
- Director/ Director of Photography Bill Youmans
- Editor/Motion Graphics Alaric C. Martin
- Title Design Animation/ Webmaster Dani Dudovick, Double Dog Productions
- Videographers Dennis Thompson Joe Brooks Cal Evans
- Location Sound Dustin Berta, Case Chamberlain, Daniel Hernandez
- Main Title Music Darryl Duncan, GameBeat Studios
- Colorist Pete Jannotta, COLOR BY PETE, INC.
- Trailer Colorist Bob Sliga
- Sound Design /Editor Sidney Jones, Jr. BAM STUDIOS CHICAGO
- Hair and Makeup Marcus Geeter
- Wheel Man Michael J. Manhoff
- Legal Ellen Duff Ratcliffe, Duff & Peel LLC
- Transportation Coordinator Maura Donahue
- Special Project Consultant Bill Izzo
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