Built Different
Black-owned businesses. Untold stories. A cinematic documentary series honoring the entrepreneurs who built something from nothing — and kept going.
Black-owned. Built to last. Finally on screen.
Built Different is a Netflix-style documentary series dedicated to Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses — the shops, studios, restaurants, and service providers their communities run on. Season 1 spotlighted Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Season 2 is heading to Detroit.
Each episode is a cinematic short film — real interviews, intentional b-roll, and the behind-the-scenes moments that define a brand. Not a promo. Not a highlight reel. A full story, told with the production quality it deserves.
Claim Your EpisodeExclusively Black-Owned
This series is built for and about Black entrepreneurs — Chicago, NWI, Detroit, and every city we film next. Your community, your story, your spotlight.
Cinematic Quality
Professional lighting, multi-camera capture, cinematic post. Every frame is intentional.
Owned & Licensed
Full rights to use your episode across marketing, social, your website, and pitch decks — forever.
Navy Vet-Owned Production
AYWC Media is veteran-owned. We show up, execute, and deliver. No exceptions.
Simple process. Serious results.
Apply
Submit your application. We review your business and confirm you're a fit — Black-owned, brick-and-mortar, in a market we're currently filming.
Secure Your Spot
A $699 production investment secures your episode. No tiers, no upsells — one package, done right.
We Film
We come to your location. Shawn handles filming, lighting, and audio personally. You run your business — we capture the story.
Your Episode Drops
Your finished episode is delivered with full usage rights — ready to feature on your site, socials, and pitch decks.
One package. Full production value.
Every episode includes a 30-minute interview-style episode and full ownership of your content.
- 30-minute interview-style episode
- Professional lighting & audio
- Cinematic editing & color grade
- Full usage rights — forever
- Delivered as standalone episode
Season 1 — Chicago & Northwest Indiana
Six Episodes. Six Legacies.
2 Spots Remaining
Pilot
The Foundation
The story that started it all. Our completed pilot sets the tone — what's possible when a Black-owned business finally gets to tell its full story on its own terms.
Your Story Here
This episode is open. Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses in Chicago & NWI — retail, food, service, creative — are invited to apply.
Your Story Here
Two episodes available for Black-owned businesses in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. First to commit secures the spot.
Your Story Here
Built Different isn't a commercial. It's a cinematic portrait of who you are, what you built, and why it matters to the community you serve.
Your Story Here
When the series releases, featured businesses become part of a lasting body of work — not just a standalone video. Legacy content.
Your Story Here
The final episode of Season 1. High visibility. Maximum impact. This spot will not last.
See What's Coming.
Season 1 pilot footage — Chicago.
Put Your Brand in the Story.
Align your brand with a series celebrating Black entrepreneurship across every city we film — starting with Chicago, NWI, and Detroit.
Associate Sponsor
- Logo in episode credits
- Social mention on release
- AYWC Media website listing
Presenting Sponsor
- "Presented by" title card
- 30-second branded segment
- Logo in all promotions
- Dedicated social post
- Series page placement
Series Sponsor
- Title sponsor — all 6 episodes
- Branded intro/outro
- Co-branding on all promos
- 60-second branded segment
- First priority to sponsor Season 2 before anyone else
"AYWC Media didn't just film us — they told our story in a way we never could have on our own. The final product made us look like we were on Netflix."
— Past Client, Chicago Business Owner
Two episodes left. One is yours.
Built Different is filling fast. If you own a Black-owned brick-and-mortar business in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, or Detroit — and you're ready for your story to be told — this is it.
Only 2 episode spots remaining — first come, first served