Houston's creative community is getting an opportunity to learn from the people working behind the scenes and in front of the camera in Hollywood.

The NAACP Hollywood Bureau will host the fourth edition of its Be in the Biz initiative on Saturday, November 14, 2026, bringing an impressive lineup of actors, directors, producers, writers and entertainment executives to Houston for a full day of industry conversations, professional development and networking.

The initiative is designed to make entertainment industry knowledge, resources and professional connections more accessible to underrepresented communities. Aspiring creatives will have opportunities to hear directly from established industry professionals about developing their craft, navigating Hollywood, building sustainable careers and creating opportunities for the next generation of storytellers.

Among this year's featured participants are actor and activist Kendrick Sampson, director Steven Caple Jr. and producer and entertainment executive DeVon Franklin.

The lineup also includes director Christine Swanson, showrunner Wendy Calhoun, documentary filmmaker Alex Stapleton, producer Stephen Love and entertainment marketing executive Steve Jones.

Additional participants include actors, independent filmmakers, production professionals and industry executives representing several areas of entertainment.

The confirmed lineup includes:

• Kendrick Sampson, actor and activist
• Steven Caple Jr., director, producer and writer
• DeVon Franklin, producer, entertainment executive and actor
• Christine Swanson, writer and director
• Wendy Calhoun, showrunner
• Tiffany Yvonne Cox, actor, director and writer
• Alex Stapleton, documentary filmmaker
• Stephen Love, producer
• Steve Jones, entertainment marketing executive, producer and content creator
• Brian Walker, CEO of Picture Motion
• Nathan Edwards, director
• Cheyenne Ewulu, independent showrunner and actress
• Kira Kelley, director of photography
• Dave Brown, Indie Night Festival
• Ahmadou Seck, vice president and scripted television development executive

Through panel discussions and candid conversations, attendees will have opportunities to learn about different career paths and gain insight into the business of entertainment.

For Houston's growing creative community, the event offers a chance to make connections, ask questions and explore possibilities in film, television and digital content creation.

Be in the Biz will take place at Seremoni Edit, 1145 Providence St., Houston.

Doors open at 9 a.m., with panel discussions scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A reception will follow at 6 p.m. 

Whether pursuing a career in acting, filmmaking, writing, producing or another area of entertainment, Houston creatives will have an opportunity to hear from professionals who understand the industry's opportunities and challenges.