Jordan Benston is making waves in the film and production industry as the founder of The Oracle Media, one of the few Black- and woman-owned full-service production companies. Since launching in 2019, Benston has been redefining what it means to create impactful content while breaking barriers in a predominantly white and male-dominated field.
The Rise of Black Women Entrepreneurs in Film
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., with businesses owned by Black women growing by 50% between 2014 and 2019. Jordan Benston is a shining example of this trend. She founded The Oracle Media to fill a gap in the industry, offering high-quality production services while representing a demographic often overlooked.
“It’s been amazing to see people’s reactions when they come on set and see an all-Black crew,” Benston told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “They feel at home, and that energy helps us create the best content.”
Her company has already worked on projects featured in Essence Magazine, Cassius, and HelloBeautiful, proving that her vision is resonating with audiences and clients alike.
How Jordan Benston Turned Frustration Into Opportunity
Benston’s journey to entrepreneurship began with frustration. As a producer with over a decade of experience, she often dealt with subpar service from other production companies. “I was fighting for deliverables or getting poor quality for the price we paid,” she recalls.
One day, she realized, “I could do that.” With encouragement from a friend, she took the leap. “My friend connected me with a lawyer and even paid my legal fees to start the company,” Benston shared.
Despite launching just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Benston turned challenges into opportunities. One of her first major projects was a live press junket for the PBS documentary And She Could Be Next, executive produced by Ava DuVernay.
Breaking Barriers With Hip-Hop and the White House
One of Benston’s most notable projects is Hip-Hop and the White House, a Hulu documentary exploring hip-hop’s influence on politics. For Benston, this project was more than just a job—it was a chance to tell a story that mattered.
“We’re not just showing up for a paycheck,” she said. “We care about the stories we’re telling and the impact they have.”
Her commitment to meaningful content has set The Oracle Media apart in an industry where Black-owned production companies are rare.
The Nene Leakes Show and Future Projects
Benston’s latest venture is The Nene Leakes Show, a talk show featuring the Real Housewives of Atlanta star. The show will cover everything from current events to Leakes’ personal journey of grief after losing her husband.
The collaboration came full circle after Benston pitched the idea during a 2023 photoshoot. “She liked the pitch, but the timing wasn’t right,” Benston explained. “Then, in 2025, her team reached out, and now we’re making it happen.”
Looking ahead, Benston is excited to return to her first love: video and linear content. She’s also developing original projects with her creative producer, Haley Poole.
A Vision for the Future
Jordan Benston and The Oracle Media are proof that representation matters in film and production. By betting on herself and her team, Benston is not only creating exceptional content but also paving the way for future generations of Black filmmakers.
“I’m here because I care about the stories we tell,” Benston says. “And I’m just getting started.”
