STORIES
Forbes
Emmy-Nominated Producer James Bland Shares The Blueprint For Building A Digital Giant
The dominance of digital streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, paired with the introduction of YouTube Red and powers like Apple Music and Spotify shifting their focus to developing original programming — a door has opened for content creators to redesign business models and rewrite the rules for breaking into the industry. Equipped with talent, resources and the unrestricted ability to build a loyal audience, Hollywood’s playing field has been leveled for more people to have a fair shot at the spotlight.
FastCompany
“Giants” Is The “Very Black” Digital Series Everyone Should Watch
If there’s one thing James Bland learned while creating his Emmy-nominated web series Giants, it’s that just because you’re great at wearing multiple hats, doesn’t make them any less heavy.
Shadow And Act
How 2019 RISING Award Winners Are Finding Their Place And Building Community In Black Hollywood
“There is something going on,” Bland remarked on the palpable cultural shift taking place in Black Hollywood right now. “There does seem to be more of a Renaissance of sorts happening amongst the Black artists in town. I’ve experienced it. I feel it when I go out,” he said. “Even on social media, the amount of support and the amount of just celebration that exists when one of us gets a victory, it really does feel like a rising tide is lifting all of our ships.”
Bleu
Giant Among Giants
It’s hard to miss Bland. He stands 6’6” amidst mere mortals. He is handsome yes, usually a prerequisite for an actor. But, there is something else. An energy maybe, or a presence that rings through the words he speaks and draws you to him. Perhaps that’s why so many fans gather around their phones, laptops or TVs to watch the show.
Essence
New Series 'GIANTS' Sheds Light On What's Important To A Generation Learning To Grow Up
The title for new YouTube series GIANTS, which airs on Issa Rae’s channel, comes from a conversation between one of the main characters and his sister. But the inspiration for the series comes from a number of things important to today’s cultural landscape.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Web series encourages black millennials to face their ‘giants’
A two-minute upload, which intertwines a scene from season one of the popular web series “Giants” with dialogue about mental health, took the internet by storm one year ago, garnering more than 3 million views on Facebook.
Bossip
“GIANTS” Producers Open Up About Funding, Filming And The Future Of Their Hit YouTube Series
For Bland and Joseph, as well as the rest of the “GIANTS” cast and crew, their endeavor has largely been a labor of love. Much of what makes the show possible are the friendships and relationships behind the scenes. “GIANTS” landed on ISSA RAE presents in a very organic fashion, thanks to a relationship between Bland and Issa Rae that stretches back for quite some time.
