PROJECT OVERVIEW
Hollywood Black is an MGM+ docu-series directed by Justin Simien, based on historian Donald Bogle’s book. The series traces the untold story of Black filmmakers, actors, and creators who shaped American cinema.
I partnered with Justin and Culture Machine to build the full visual identity — from the logo and type system to motion direction and title design.
Project Highlights
Created the series identity rooted in the idea of visibility and erasure — type emerging from a cinematic void.
Built a complete type and motion system inspired by archival film, focal depth, and cultural resilience.
Featured Marsha by Tré Seals (Vocal Type) as the lead typeface, grounding the design in Black typographic history.
Delivered main titles, lower thirds, showcase graphics, transition animations, and end-credit looks.
Goals
Express the history and struggle of Black filmmakers through a bold, modern identity.
Make typography an active storytelling device, not decoration.
Honor Black cinema while creating a system flexible for an entire docu-series.
Results
A cohesive visual language used across all episodes and MGM+ marketing.
An identity that amplified the series’ cultural message and emotional tone.
The project won a Spirit Award and received multiple Emmy nominations.
