Sharese Bullock-Bailey named Director of the Festival and Chief Innovation Officer of Urbanworld

ExclusiveSharese Bullock-Bailey has been named Director of the Festival and first Chief Innovation Officer of Urbanworld, which presents feature fiction films, documentaries, short films, web originals, spotlights, conversations and musical performances with blacks. , native and Latin artists.

In her new roles, Bullock-Bailey oversees the brand, oversees all key components of annual festival planning and execution, expands Urbanworld Innovation, drives strategy and optimizes resources and skills, builds on current and potential partnerships throughout. the year. .

“We are delighted that Sharese Bullock-Bailey will join the Urbanworld family as Festival Director and First Chief Innovation Officer,” said Stacey Spike, founder of Urbanworld. “She brings a rare combination of talent, experience and leadership to our team as we continue to expand our influence in storytelling, technology and game-changing.”

“Urbanworld is a legacy and blueprint for the future of storytelling, technology and the global spectrum of artists and brands,” added Balock-Bailey. “The festival has always been a leader in innovation and inclusion and, after 25 years of unprecedented impact, I am thrilled to strengthen the festival’s access and influence for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Bullock-Bailey is an Emmy-nominated producer and strategist who has worked in the media, arts and technology industries, focusing on influence, philanthropy and talent development. He is the founder of Overstand, a global consulting firm that has partnered with Urbanworld Innovation since 2016 to produce a square-style fundraising event known as The Stand. Most recently he was chief strategist and director of partnerships at the Ghetto Film School, with major partnerships with Netflix, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Frieze / Deutsche Bank, National Football League, Synchrony Bank and Neutrogena Studios, among others. Bullock-Bailey also served as director of Tribeca Teches, overseeing film residencies and educational initiatives at the Tribeca Film Institute and the festival from 2014 to 2017. She is trustee and vice president of The Frick Collection Independent Television Service.

2021 marked the 25th anniversary of the Urbanworld Film Festival and was the final year for Gabriel Glory, the festival’s longtime director and head of programming. Along with Spike, Glory led the efforts to fill Bullock-Bailey’s position. “This is a closing time,” said Glor, “as I have personally seen Sharese develop her role in both the industry and Urbanworld over the years as a producer, partner and now as a leader in wealth management. innovation. “

Urbanworld is a five-day festival that has long supported BIPOC directors, with notable directors sharing their early work there, including Ava Doverney, Ryan Kugler, Dee Rice, Tina Mebri and owner Cudi Simmons & Chillo. The 2022 edition of Urbanworld will be a hybrid festival that will reveal personal footprints in New York State, as well as a global online platform that will showcase official selection projects and virtual conversations. The festival is an initiative of the Urbanworld Foundation, historically supported by founding partner HBO / WarnerMedia, which helps engage and influence diverse content creators across its platforms, delivering to storytellers from around the world.