Five Questions with OTV Executive Director Elijah McKinnon
What do Mariah Carey, The Great British Bake-Off, and the best bartender in Chicago have in common? They’re all right here as OTV – Open Television Co-Founder and Executive Director Elijah McKinnon stops by for a thoroughly entertaining round of Five Questions with SCREEN. Let’s get to it!
SCREEN: If someone is brand-new to OTV, can you recommend a first series for them to dive into on OTV?
This is a tough one because there are so many great titles in our catalog of over 500 intersectional stories from around the globe. But if I had to give you a starting place, I’d recommend Chicago-grown classics like Brown Girls, Code-Switched, and Brujos – all essential, groundbreaking series that capture the depth and brilliance of indie storytelling.
I’d also highly recommend diving into any of the short films from our #BraveFutures program or the beautiful stories created by our #OTVFellows – both showcase bold, visionary work from emerging and established intersectional storytellers. No matter where you start, you’ll find storytelling that challenges, expands, and redefines what TV can be.
Here’s the trailer for Code-Switched and you can click here to watch the full season for free!
SCREEN: If you could be a contestant on any reality TV show or competition, what would it be?
ELIJAH: I’m a strategist to my core, so drop me into The Mole or The Circle, and I’d thrive. Social experiments, mind games, and high-stakes strategy? Count me in! I also love banking so definitely count me in for The Great British Bake Off!
Elijah, this mashup of funniest Great British Bake-Off moments is for you!
SCREEN: What is your most prized possession?
ELIJAH: My tarot deck. A loved one gave it to me on the anniversary of my mother’s death many years ago, and it’s never left my side since. I travel a lot, but no matter where I go, it’s always with me – along with my jade, tiger’s eye, onyx, and rose quartz. They’re more than just objects; they’re grounding forces, reminders of protection, clarity, and connection.
SCREEN: Your go-to karaoke song?
ELIJAH: Karaoke is my least favorite activity on the planet – but I’m a team player. So if we’re doing this, cue up Mariah Carey and I’m in. “Fantasy” or “Honey” especially – I’ll hit the notes, serve the drama, and make it a moment to remember…
SCREEN: What is your favorite restaurant on the planet? What do we order when we go?
ELIJAH: Hands down, Kumiko in the West Loop. It’s more than a restaurant – it’s where I’ve celebrated milestones, launched and closed ventures, marked birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Every visit feels like a moment in time. And when it comes to ordering? I leave it entirely in the hands of the brilliant Julia Momosé – she never misses.
Here’s an ABC7 interview with Julia Momosé and her exquisite artistry…
BONUS QUESTIONS!
SCREEN: If you could play any superhero in a major motion picture, who would it be?
ELIJAH: If I could play any superhero in a major motion picture, I’d obviously create my own—The Executive Diva. A non-binary force of nature, master strategist, and champion of artists, their superpower would be Reality Bending—the ability to rewrite the rules of power, visibility, and access in real time. They’d move through boardrooms, film sets, and festival circuits effortlessly, ensuring opportunity-challenged voices don’t just take up space but own it – on their own terms.
SCREEN: And Elijah, that superhero creation is the perfect lead-in for the final question: What is OTVAtlas and why is it important to the future of storytelling? How can a filmmaker apply?
ELIJAH: OTV Atlas is here because independent filmmakers deserve better. As OTV celebrates 10 years—after releasing and distributing over 500+ intersectional stories—we’re doubling down on what matters: making sure that intersectional storytellers have the resources to finish strong and get their work seen.
We’ve been listening, and the need is clear. Post-production, exhibition strategy, impact campaigns—these are make-or-break moments for independent artists. That’s where OTV Atlas comes in—a micro-granting initiative designed to bridge that gap, giving today’s storytellers the support they need to finish strong and launch their work with purpose.
What makes it different? The community calls the shots. This six-figure fund is powered by subscribers via the OTV APP, who will vote on which projects we greenlight. It’s a new way to democratize the pipeline—where artists get funded by the people who want to see their work thrive.Applications are open on a rolling basis. Filmmakers can apply now at www.otvatlas.com, with more opportunities dropping throughout the year.
Thanks for playing, Elijah! For more from OTV, click right here.
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