[press release] Chicago-BASED OPEN TELEVISION (OTV) LAUNCHES OTV ATLAS: A NEW INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER INTERSECTIONAL STORYTELLERS WORLDWIDE
#OTVATLAS Launch Commercial (2025)
Emmy-nominated nonprofit streaming platform and media incubator Open Television (OTV) proudly announces the launch of OTV ATLAS, an artist-driven initiative designed to provide critical resources and support to intersectional storytellers. This transformative effort features two key components: OTVATLAS.INFO, a centralized hub offering curated development resources, and OTVATLAS.FUND, a six-figure granting program supporting creators in the post-production and exhibition stages of their projects.
“OTV ATLAS represents a significant step forward in our commitment to artist development and trust,” said Sarah Minnie, Head of Artist Development and Production at OTV. “By offering intentionally curated resources and unrestricted financial support, we’re equipping the next generation of storytellers with critical tools we’ve cultivated over the past decade, empowering them to bring culturally rich narratives to life.”
Since its inception in 2015, OTV has been instrumental in advancing artists into the broader media and entertainment landscape. Alumni of OTV’s programs have secured opportunities at CBS, Netflix, Showtime, and Hulu. The organization has also established longstanding partnerships with leading art and film institutions, including the Sundance Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, showcasing its commitment to championing opportunity-challenged voices in media.
“OTVATLAS.INFO marks a bold new chapter for Open Television,” said Elijah McKinnon, Co-Founder and Executive Director of OTV. “It’s a platform that channels the wealth of knowledge we’ve learned over the past decade and transforms it into actionable resources for the incredible community we’ve built. This initiative reaffirms our dedication to empowering storytellers to build empathy over division through narratives that are often missing or misrepresented in mainstream media.”
OTVATLAS.FUND takes this mission further by providing unrestricted grants to help creators push their projects across the finish line. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, the fund prioritizes post-production finishing and exhibition strategy and community-driven impact campaigns. “With OTVATLAS.FUND, we are scaling distribution and putting power back in the hands of our subscribers,” added Chris Walker, Head of Exhibition and Marketing at OTV. “This initiative not only provides unrestricted grants but also facilitates ambassadorship opportunities and exclusive distribution via the OTV APP, ensuring that our community has a say in the stories and storytellers we invest in.”
OTV Members with active subscriptions will play a pivotal role in the OTVATLAS.FUND process, voting on which stories are greenlit, ultimately helping identify which projects receive funding to support their post-production and exhibition efforts. With OTV ATLAS, Open Television is scaling its impact by empowering storytellers nationally and globally while fostering deeper connections between creators, audiences, and communities.
For more information on OTV ATLAS, visit otvatlas.com or contact:
Rasheed Peters
Program Coordinator
Development@weareo.tv
About OTV ATLAS:
OTV ATLAS is a comprehensive initiative designed to equip intersectional storytellers with the tools they need to create meaningful, impactful work. The program focuses on fostering inclusive, culturally rich storytelling through short-form series, films, and video art, creating a space where opportunity-challenged voices can thrive.
Key Components of OTV ATLAS:
OTVATLAS.INFO: A one-stop online platform offering curated resources, industry insights, and guidance for storytellers navigating their development journey. Whether creators are seeking funding opportunities, festival strategies, or distribution pathways, OTVATLAS.INFO connects them with value-aligned tools and support to advance their filmmaking adventures—both within OTV and beyond.
OTVATLAS.FUND: A micro-granting initiative that offers unrestricted post-production and exhibition funds to help storytellers push their projects across the finish line. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, the fund enables creators to complete their work and engage their communities through powerful, culturally resonant narratives. In addition to funding, grantees gain access to:
OTV Ambassadorship Program: A platform to represent their work and OTV in broader storytelling ecosystems.
Exclusive Distribution: Projects receive a limited-term exclusive launch on the OTV APP, followed by non-exclusive distribution to expand their audience reach.
About Open Television (OTV)
Open Television (OTV) is a non-profit streaming platform and media incubator for intersectional storytelling, with artists and their creative visions at the center. Since launching in 2015 as a research project housed at Northwestern University, OTV has transformed the way the film and television industry supports independent artists and communities marginalized by their race, gender, sexuality, class, disability or nationality. Through intentional artistic development and holistic community development, the award-winning organization provides a network of care to identify, activate and mobilize the next generation of storytellers. Learn more about Open Television at www.weareo.tv and download the #OTVAPP on Apple, Android, Roku and FireTV. Tap into a new wave on Instagram, Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
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