Create the Writers Room Expands Partnership with Roku Channel, Making Short Films Accessible to 100 Million Subscribers

Create the Writers Room (CTWR) has broadened its collaboration with the Roku Channel, placing a selection of short films from its Five Film Fridays series on the free, ad‑supported streaming platform that serves more than 100 million households in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The move follows the organization’s 2018 launch as an incubator for underrepresented filmmakers and its ongoing effort to provide visibility, education and ownership opportunities.

Founded by filmmaker Rickey Castleberry, CTWR was created to give marginalized creators a stage and the tools to build sustainable careers. Five Film Fridays is the group’s flagship quarterly event, in which five short films or proof‑of‑concept projects are chosen by industry insiders and shown with panels that discuss ownership, authorship and industry navigation. Castleberry has said the partnership with Roku reinforces CTWR’s commitment to visibility and education.

The titles currently available on the Roku Channel include Sincerely Brad, Trailer Trash Magic, The Outtakes, The Errand and The Distinguished. The Distinguished, a sci‑fi fantasy short written and directed by Castleberry, generated more than 1.5 million views within 24 hours of a three‑second clip posted on social media before the Roku deal. Additional CTWR titles are expected to be added in the coming months.

The most recent Five Film Fridays, held on June 26, featured See You Soon—written and directed by Jay Pendarvis Jr. and starring Asante Blackk and Isaiah John—Halfrican, created by Vic Mensa and directed by Edgar Esteves, Bubble Pop, written and directed by Aeryn Michelle Williams and starring Emmy Raver‑Lampman, Mirage, written and directed by Jhanvi Motla, and Bukra, written and directed by Alex Aljouni. The lineup showcased a range of genres and creators, reflecting CTWR’s emphasis on diversity.

The next Five Film Fridays event is scheduled for October 16 in Los Angeles, with a special edition in New York City marking the first time the series will be shown outside of California. Submissions are open through September 25, and for the first time CTWR will accept feature‑length films in addition to shorts. Maya Jackson of 1Community serves as head of programming for Five Film Fridays, while Dwayne Davis has joined as creative operations manager. Castleberry is represented by Khalid Jordan at M88.

The partnership also reflects CTWR’s emphasis on education. Each Five Film Fridays event includes panels that address ownership, authorship and industry navigation, providing filmmakers with practical knowledge that can be applied to future projects. By broadcasting these films on Roku, the organization extends the reach of its educational mission beyond the live event audience to millions of viewers who may be early‑stage creators or industry professionals.

The Roku Channel, launched in September 2017, is the most popular free ad‑supported streaming service in the United States. According to Roku, the channel reaches 145 million people as of 2024 and has become a key distribution venue for independent and niche content. By placing CTWR titles on the platform, the organization gains exposure to a broad audience that includes many viewers who actively seek new and diverse storytelling.

Industry observers note that the partnership could help CTWR’s filmmakers secure additional distribution deals and build audience bases that support future projects. The collaboration also aligns with broader trends in streaming that favor content with strong creator ownership and community engagement.

CTWR’s representation by talent agency M88, through agent Khalid Jordan, positions the organization to negotiate further distribution and licensing opportunities. M88’s experience with independent content could help CTWR secure deals beyond Roku, potentially opening pathways to theatrical releases, additional streaming platforms or traditional broadcast outlets.

At present, CTWR’s partnership with the Roku Channel is active and expanding. The organization plans to add more titles and will continue to host its Five Film Fridays series, now with a larger geographic footprint and a broader format that includes feature films. The next event on October 16 will determine the next wave of content that will reach Roku’s extensive subscriber base.