We were lucky to catch up with Tanecia Britt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tanecia, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
“The Illusion of Profitability: How BVN is Carving a Sustainable Path Through Creativity”
It’s easy to look at the film and media industry from the outside and assume it’s all red-carpet premieres and lucrative deals. But in reality, profitability is a challenge that demands constant balancing between passion, investment, and an ever-evolving marketplace. The biggest hurdle to profitability in my industry—and specifically with Black Vine Network (BVN)—has been sustaining a mission-driven vision within a model that typically prioritizes mainstream, high-budget projects over original voices.
BVN was born from a desire to create a platform that amplifies diverse, impactful stories. But in an industry where traditional profitability models favor big names and predictable formulas, the question becomes: how do you fund a creative network that stands for more than what’s trending? For BVN, the answer was to leverage the resources we already had and create something unique from the ground up.
As a filmmaker, I used my own projects to build BVN’s foundation, creating Green Ivory as our anchor show—a project deeply personal to me and emblematic of BVN’s vision. By leading with this show, we’re not only delivering quality content from day one but setting a standard and attracting other creators who share our passion for storytelling. We opened our content library to showcase what BVN is all about, providing a springboard for like-minded creators to bring their visions to life on our network. It’s not about filling a roster; it’s about creating a collaborative community that reflects our values and creativity.
To further build our foundation, we strategically partnered with brands like Jane365, DMV International Film Festival (DMViFF), and DMV Nude as internal advertisers. This approach allows us to align our content with trusted brands in our ecosystem, creating mutually beneficial relationships that support our profitability goals. These partnerships enable BVN to maintain financial stability while reinforcing our identity as a network dedicated to authentic storytelling and impactful content.
Green Ivory serves as the cornerstone, but profitability remains a nuanced challenge. As we approach our official 2025 launch on Roku and Fire Stick, we’re navigating the unpredictable landscape of funding, competition, and visibility. For networks like ours, streaming platforms can provide reach, but often with revenue-sharing models that cut into profits. Balancing this with the costs of quality content and talented creators is a constant act of resilience, innovation, and belief in what BVN can become.
In the end, BVN is more than just a content network—it’s a movement fueled by a commitment to artistry, originality, and community. The 2025 release will be our chance to showcase not only Green Ivory but a lineup of original programming that tells powerful stories. Profitability is a challenge, but one we’re tackling with creativity and purpose. Our goal isn’t merely to break even; it’s to build a legacy that values artistic impact and sets a sustainable example for other creators.
Tanecia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
“My Journey: Building a Creative Legacy Rooted in Real Life”
Let’s face it—life doesn’t come with a playbook. I’m Tanecia Britt, a mother, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur, and my journey has been anything but straightforward. If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: real stories deserve a place to be told. From founding the DMV International Film Festival (DMViFF) in 2009 to launching Black Vine Network (BVN) with its official release in 2025, every project I’ve built is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
It started with a drive to give creators and communities something they could connect with and be proud of. I wanted to tell the stories that stick with you, the kind that aren’t often given a chance to shine in mainstream media. I grew up surrounded by complex stories and big dreams, and I know firsthand how essential it is for voices to be heard. Balancing my role as a mother and a business owner, I’ve worked to create a legacy that values creativity, diversity, and depth in storytelling.
Black Vine Network (BVN) is a reflection of that journey. With my flagship show, Green Ivory, BVN is designed to be more than a streaming platform—it’s a movement. Launching in 2025 on Roku and Fire Stick, BVN will be a home for original stories that challenge, inspire, and represent life as it really is. Green Ivory is not just an anchor show; it’s a promise of what BVN stands for: authenticity, depth, and a commitment to amplifying voices that are too often left out of the conversation.
As a single mother, I know what it’s like to balance a million priorities. Every project I take on, every story I help shape, and every experience I create is rooted in the reality that creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about finding a way to make life more meaningful, more connected. My work with Jane365 is all about creating elevated experiences that bring people together, while DMV Nude pushes the boundaries of art and expression. Together with DMViFF, they reflect the same energy I put into my personal life: building spaces where people can be themselves, feel seen, and experience something real.
Working with me means getting a partner who understands both the beauty and messiness of creating. My approach is hands-on, because I believe that telling a story means digging deep, and I bring that energy to every project, whether it’s creating a film, curating an event, or supporting a fellow creative. I’m committed to finding the heart of every narrative and making sure it resonates—just as I do in my own life.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’re building through BVN. It’s a place for anyone who’s felt unheard, anyone who’s looking for stories that mirror their own experiences or open up new perspectives. By partnering with brands like Jane365, DMViFF, and DMV Nude, we’re ensuring BVN is grounded in the very communities we aim to uplift.
So if you’re looking for a place where stories are told with impact, where every project is crafted with authenticity, and where creativity has the freedom to be itself, you’re in the right place. This journey isn’t just mine; it’s for everyone who believes in the power of real stories. Come join us on BVN and beyond—we’re just getting started.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a creative entrepreneur, I’ve faced many challenges, but nothing quite prepares you for the sting of betrayal—especially when it happens within the walls of your own business. Recently, I experienced a setback that not only tested my leadership but also reshaped how I approach trust, collaboration, and resilience.
It all began when I hired someone for what I believed would be a key role in my company. This individual entered my business with a certain charm, finessing their way from a simple position to a consultant role, and eventually convincing me they were a producer. At the time, I was deeply invested in an important project, and the timing seemed perfect. I allowed this person into my circle, trusting their words without asking for the proof that should have been required from the start. No resume, no credentials—just a good “vibe” and a title that turned out to be more smoke than substance.
This person claimed to hold the title of “Dr.,” a credential I took at face value because I was more focused on keeping the production moving forward than on vetting. I assumed their intentions were aligned with mine. I was wrong. From the moment they stepped onto my set, things spiraled. Their role was to manage production, yet their interest was in directing—a role they were neither asked nor qualified to take on. This mismanagement led to disastrous consequences. To this day, 70% of the footage from day one of shooting remains lost because of their failure to handle things professionally.
It wasn’t just the missing footage; it was the realization that I had allowed someone to disrupt the integrity of my work and my team. I had given them a title and responsibility based on nothing but words, and in doing so, I jeopardized an entire project. When the dust settled, I had to confront an uncomfortable truth: I had ignored the warning signs because I was too focused on the immediate need for support. The resume I never received, the credentials I never verified, the growing sense that this person was out of their depth—all were ignored in favor of keeping the production afloat.
When I finally saw the situation for what it was, I acted swiftly. Removing this person from my team was necessary—not just for the project’s sake but for the health of my business. I’ve learned that energy matters, and that kind of negative, disruptive energy can’t be allowed anywhere near my work or my vision.
This experience reinforced a few critical lessons:
Trust, but verify: It’s easy to get caught up in the “vibe” of someone new, especially when you’re desperate for help. But gut feelings must be paired with real proof—whether that’s a resume, references, or tangible results.
Stay true to your standards: Don’t compromise the integrity of your business or project just to fill a role. It’s better to be temporarily short-staffed than to let someone unqualified take control of something important.
Resilience is key: Betrayal can feel personal, but in business, it’s essential to separate emotion from strategy. Pivot, adapt, and move forward. Your vision and your team depend on your ability to stay focused and clear-headed, even when things go wrong.
Looking back, I see this experience as a pivot point. Yes, I was betrayed, but I also gained invaluable insight into the kind of leadership I need to provide for myself and my team. It’s easy to trust when things are going well, but true resilience comes from navigating the challenges with strength and vision.
So to anyone who finds themselves facing similar challenges—whether in business or in life—my advice is simple: Don’t let one setback define you. Let it refine you. Learn, pivot, and push forward with even greater clarity and determination. Every challenge, every betrayal, is an opportunity to grow and strengthen your resolve. Trust yourself and your journey, but always remember to protect the vision you’re working so hard to build.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
“The Creative Life: Beyond Inspiration Lies a World of Unseen Struggles and Relentless Drive”
For anyone looking in from the outside, it’s easy to think that the creative journey is just a flow of ideas and sudden strokes of genius. But if there’s one thing I want non-creatives to understand, it’s that the true heart of creativity is a messy, unpredictable, and sometimes painful road that goes far beyond inspiration. Being a creative is living in a world where there’s rarely a straight line to success, where each step is filled with trial, error, and endless pushing against doubt.
Think of every creative piece—whether it’s a film, a festival, or a single photo—as the result of a tug-of-war between vision and reality. There are days when you feel invincible, that your ideas will make a difference, and other days when you question why you’re fighting so hard for something others might never even see or understand. In those moments, it isn’t glamour or fame that drives you; it’s a hunger to create meaning and connection that reaches far beyond the limitations of words or images.
For me, creating Black Vine Network has been exactly that—a lesson in perseverance, with every piece of content, every collaboration, driven by a need to build something that stands the test of time. Creativity demands sacrifice and grit. There’s often an underlying financial strain, the countless nights of lost sleep, and a constant cycle of pitching, refining, and questioning if your work is even reaching the right people. But when you’re a creator, the stakes are more than just professional—they’re personal. Your art is an extension of yourself, and to put it out there is to expose part of your soul, knowing full well it could be misinterpreted, undervalued, or even ignored.
Yet, despite all of this, we create because we know the magic of those moments when someone feels seen, moved, or changed by what we put into the world. Creativity is the courage to say, “I’m here, I have something to say, and I’ll give everything to make it heard.” That’s what non-creatives might struggle to understand: that for us, this isn’t a job or a path to fame—it’s a calling that shapes every part of who we are.
So, the next time you see a film, a piece of art, or an event that speaks to you, realize it’s more than just the final product. Behind it lies a story of resilience, of someone willing to risk comfort and certainty to create something lasting. Because, in the end, true creativity is about connection—and there’s nothing we wouldn’t give to make that happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BlackVineNetwork.com
- Instagram: www.Intstagram.com/TaneciaBritt
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/TaneciaBritt
- Linkedin: https://www.Linkedin.com/TaneciaBritt
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/TaneciaBritt
- Youtube: https://www.Youtube.com/TaneciaBritt
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/TaneciaBritt
- Other: www.DMViFF.org
www.DMVNude.com
www.Jane365.com
Image Credits
Kendall Frost