Whats Black About It? Movie

Denise Pendleton Producer

Creative visionary and dynamic Producer, Denise Pendleton, has had a long and varied career that has allowed her to cement her position as a trailblazing, consummate professional in the entertainment industry...

Recently, in recognition of her work in the music industry, City Bank of California honored Denise, alongside President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and pop music superstar John Legend, for her contribution to the success of the Motown Exhibit at The Grammy Museum.

Denise's remarkable life story is a testament to the power of her determination, passion, and unwavering resilience. After surviving a tragic, life-changing car crash at age 9, Denise spent several years as a student at the renowned Jesse Spalding School for Disabled Students in Chicago. There, her passion for music and dance was ignited.

After graduating from Spalding, she studied modern dance. As a dancer, she won several local competitions and caught the attention of Soul Train’s Don Cornelius. As Assistant to the Producer, she later created the Chicago Soul Train Dancers, “The Kicks,” and “Hot Ice,” all of which performed as opening acts for The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Chi-Lites, etc.

During a trip to Motown’s LA offices, Denise KNEW that this was where she belonged -- a place that not only produced music, but also film, and television! At Motown Productions and Motown Records, she served as Production Coordinator and Marketing Strategist. She also created and developed the enduring image of DeBarge, Suzanne DePasse, and Claudette Robinson, the First Lady of Motown.

Burrell Advertising approached their former intern to hire her as their Hollywood talent booker. Denise’s known innate ability to spot star potential amongst emerging talent in front of, and behind, the camera was exactly what they were seeking. At Burrell, Denise had a crucial hand in launching the careers of notable talent such as EnVogue, New Edition, Cameo, DeBarge, Sinbad, Otis Sallid – director- all of whom were featured in the company’s award-winning television commercials.

Coming full circle in 2024, Burrell is the subject of Denise’s debut documentary film, “What’s Black About It? Burrell: Advertising Revolution.” The film documents the journey of genius adman, Tom Burrell, an innovator in niche marketing in advertising media, whose company, Burrell Advertising Agency was the first to feature Blacks in national television ads. Denise is currently writing the companion television series, “Burrell: Advertising Revolution,” to the “What’s Black About It? Burrell Advertising Revolution.”

Her prior freelance producing credits include black entertainment news magazine specials: “An African American Salute To The Academy Awards,” “Urban Entertainment Buzz,” and “The Buzz,” an entertainment news magazine series. In addition to her television productions, Denise recently produced the first Motown Children’s Book and audio companion titled: “Claudette’s Miraculous Motown Adventure.”

Darryl Manuel Director

DARRYL MANUEL is a native of Chicago IL. He has always been involved in the creative industry, starting as a PA, now producer, screenwriter and director.

Darryl got his big break in advertising as a producer with Burrell Communications. The advertising industry being the perfect place to develop and hone his creative and production skills by working with some of the most creative people in the biz. He’s won several industry prizes including Cannes Awards and Best Super Bowl Spot for Anheuser Busch.

He's currently Executive Producer/Partner at Spin Artist which has been in business for over 14 years. Spin Artist partners with ad agencies and brands, putting their creative spin on content for broadcast and social media. They've made content for ad agencies on brands like McDonalds, MillerCoors and General Motors Company, to name a few.

He’s had the pleasure of getting several people a start and watch them develop into successful members in the production and creative industry. Darryl likes to write stories that will hopefully make people want to envision a better life for their community.

Reginald Bullock CO-PRODUCER

REGINALD BULLOCK is a writer, director, and producer who was born in South Carolina on the Fourth of July.

As an only child, he developed a love of words and storytelling, which became an outlet for his creativity. But the words and images that Reginald saw in the media, and from Hollywood, did not reflect the world in which he lived. He saw two interpretations of the Black male in America: angry or accommodating. This lack of authenticity led him on a journey to deconstruct the stereotypes and to reconstruct a more accurate narrative.

Consequently, Reginald founded the production company Barzoo Collective, his creative platform to share multi-dimensional stories of the Black experience in America.

When I heard about this project I immediately wanted to be a part of it. It checked so many boxes for who I am and what I am doing in the industry. As an undergrad advertising major at university, I was never taught about this incredible Black man (Burrell) and his revolutionary accomplishments in the field of advertising. Furthermore, as a writer and producer, I want to align myself with people and projects that continue to show the wholeness of Black men in America. My goal is to (help) reclaim the Black American narrative.

Sharon Kimbrough Co-Producer

SHARON KIMBROUGH is an author and an award-winning producer who started her advertising career as a Creative Secretary in 1974 with Burrell Communications Group. As the company grew, Kimbrough worked her way up the corporate ladder to Senior Vice President/Director of Broadcast Production Services and Executive Producer. She produced countless TV and radio commercials for many blue-chip clients and worked with numerous celebrities.

Kimbrough, along with longtime industry friends, won first place at the Orlando Urban Film Festival for the short film, Raggedy Man. Most recently, she served as Co- Producer on a documentary entitled What’s Black About It? Burrell: Advertising Revolution which highlights Tom Burrell and the positive impact his agency had on advertising targeted to the African American community. In 2022, she authored her memoir which is her first book entitled “How Far Is A Mighty Long Way?”

Joseph Alexander Videographer/Sound Engineer

Creating energetic atmospheres around the world, Joseph D. Alexander also known as J.Star is an accredited music and live production producer, DJ, and sound engineer born in Chicago Illinois.

As a sound engineer, Alexander has worked for some of entertainment's biggest names such as Tom Burrell, Fred Hammond, Louis Price, Fred Nelson III, and The First Lady Of Motown Ms. Claudette Robinson. In addition to being a DJ, he has played alongside the likes of Mike Dunn, Terry Hunter, Jamie 3:26, Ron Carrol, Osunlade, Natasha Diggs & Deon Cole.

Alexander marks history as the youngest person to perform at the Chosen Few DJ festival in 2022 and wishes to share his love for the genre of music with his generation.

"Burrell is bigger than just advertisement; it is culture. Being able to be a part of preserving its legacy has been one of the biggest honors I have had in my career."

Nichelle Joi Alexander Videographer/Asst. Editor

NICHELLE JOI, a standout 17-year-old high school senior, defies convention with her impressive array of talents. A four-time author, accomplished dancer, skilled violinist, and emerging director and filmmaker, she has garnered accolades including recognition from the Midwest Media Educators Association (MMEA) and the Best Short Film award at the 2023 Richards High School Film Festival for her work on "Bittersweet." This film recently screened at the iconic AMC Theater in New York’s Times Square as part of the All-American High School Film Festival. Nichelle's passion for filmmaking isn't just about personal success; she aims to inspire others to share their stories and plans to pursue filmmaking in college, driven by a desire to make a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Nichelle's dedication to storytelling extends beyond her own projects. She recently contributed as Videographer and Assistant Editor to the documentary "What’s Black About It? Burrell: Advertising Revolution," adding another significant chapter to African American history. Her involvement underscores her commitment to amplifying underrepresented narratives and reflects her broader mission to inspire and empower through the art of film.