About Chedda Boy Films
Our Story
Chedda Boy Films is a Detroit-based independent film production and investment company, founded by film investor Kwende Ried. Built on the legacy of Detroit’s music and entrepreneurial spirit, the company has expanded into feature films, digital content, and streaming distribution, providing a platform for authentic storytelling that reflects real-life urban experiences.
Our Mission
Chedda Boy Films is committed to:
• Authentic Storytelling – Bringing raw, unfiltered narratives to the screen that capture the complexity of urban life.
• Film Investment & Sustainability – Funding and distributing projects that thrive in the AVOD streaming economy.
• Education & Industry Development – Creating opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to gain real-world experience in production, budgeting, and content distribution.
• Economic Growth – Helping establish Detroit as a key player in film, ensuring that filmmakers can succeed without leaving the city.
Our Impact
Since its founding, Chedda Boy Films has:
• Released top-performing films on major streaming platforms, accumulating millions of views worldwide.
• Created opportunities for emerging and established Detroit filmmakers, proving that the city has a growing film economy.
• Partnered with schools, community organizations, and city officials to expand media education and career development programs.
• Bridged the gap between Detroit’s business, music, and entertainment sectors, creating sustainable opportunities for content creators.
Looking Ahead
As the streaming industry evolves, Chedda Boy Films is focused on expanding its AVOD presence, producing more high-impact films, and investing in Detroit’s next generation of filmmakers. Our long-term vision includes:
• Scaling independent film production with strategic funding and efficient budgeting.
• Strengthening partnerships with brands, investors, and streaming platforms to maximize film distribution and monetization.
• Developing more film education programs to train new storytellers in the business of entertainment.
- Chedda Boy Films is more than a film company—it’s a movement. We are committed to investing in talent, telling powerful stories, and proving that Detroit’s creative economy is thriving.
Lights, Camera, Action with Cheddaboyfilms.com!
We are a team of passionate filmmakers who love to tell stories through the lens. From pre-production to post-production, we've got you covered. Let's make some magic together!
Innovative Video and Film Production Services
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Fashion Video Production
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Short Film Production
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Biography
Kwende Ried
Kwende Ried – Film Investor & CEO of Chedda Boy Films
Kwende Ried, also known as Streetlord Rook, is a film investor, entrepreneur, and CEO of Chedda Boy Films, a company that has played a major role in expanding Detroit’s independent film industry. With deep roots in Detroit’s hip-hop legacy, Kwende was a founding member of the Street Lordz/Chedda Boyz, a collective that helped define the city’s rap culture and independent hustle. Recognizing the potential for Detroit’s storytelling to thrive in film, he transitioned from music to film investment, funding projects that have since gained national recognition.
Under his leadership, Chedda Boy Films has become a powerhouse in independent Black cinema, with projects distributed on Tubi, Amazon Prime, Freevee, and other AVOD platforms. These films have amassed millions of views, proving that Detroit-based stories resonate far beyond the city.
Kwende’s vision is not just about film investment—it’s about economic empowerment. By funding projects, collaborating with new filmmakers, and developing distribution strategies, he is laying the foundation for a sustainable film economy in Detroit. His business expertise, industry connections, and deep understanding of urban culture make him a pivotal figure in Detroit’s rise in the entertainment world.
His contributions to independent cinema and Detroit’s creative economy have been recognized in Fox 2 Detroit, CBS News, The Shade Room,
Ronnie Kirk
Ronnie Kirk – Filmmaker | Screenwriter | Production Manager | Community Leader
Ronnie Kirk is a Detroit-born, Torrance-based filmmaker, screenwriter, and production manager with a passion for authentic storytelling, cultural preservation, and community upliftment. As a Partner at Chedda Boy Films, he has established himself as a key force in independent cinema, bringing real, unfiltered stories to life while creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in media.
With over a decade of experience spanning film, television, music videos, and live event production, Ronnie has built a versatile career rooted in efficiency, cost-effective budgeting, and innovative production solutions. His expertise in maximizing resources, managing tight schedules, and executing full-scale productions with independent budgets has made him a sought-after production manager in the industry.
Film & Television Work
Ronnie’s work as a writer and director spans multiple genres, from gritty urban dramas (One More Flip, Chedda Boys, Off The Porch, 5 Minutes) to supernatural thrillers and horror films (The Black Witch, Hi), and even comedic found-footage storytelling (Good Ass Day). His unique writing style explores themes of survival, generational trauma, systemic oppression, and the pursuit of identity, offering narratives that challenge, engage, and inspire audiences.
Through his role as a production manager, Ronnie has successfully led projects across major platforms, including Tubi, Amazon Prime, Freevee, and more. His hands-on experience in every department—from pre-production logistics to post-production supervision—has equipped him with the versatility to bring any creative vision to life efficiently.
His collaborations include working with legendary Detroit artists such as Eminem, Skilla Baby, Sada Baby, Icewear Vezzo, Payroll Giovanni, Babyface Ray, and Streetlord Rook, merging the city’s rich music legacy with impactful visual storytelling. He has also worked on live event productions for Ultimate Rap League, Remy Ma’s Chrome 23, Universal Music Group, and Caffeine Live Events, managing multi-location shoots and coordinating high-profile talent.
Community & Youth Empowerment
Beyond film, Ronnie is dedicated to empowering Detroit’s youth through media education, storytelling workshops, and creative mentorship programs. His mission is to build bridges between Detroit’s past, present, and future, offering young creatives the knowledge and resources to pursue careers in film, music, and digital content creation.
Through initiatives like Detroit ASF, Ronnie is leading efforts to train students in filmmaking, distribution, and content monetization, ensuring that the next generation has real pathways to success in the entertainment industry. His goal is to shift the narrative around Detroit, showing that the city is not only a hub for authentic, powerful storytelling but also a place where young talent can thrive and be seen on a global stage.
Moving the Culture Forward
Ronnie Kirk is more than just a filmmaker—he is a cultural curator, a production leader, and a community advocate. Through his work, he is reshaping the landscape of independent Black cinema, using film as a tool for healing, empowerment, and change. Whether behind the camera or in the trenches of production, his focus remains the same: to create opportunities, tell necessary stories, and ensure that Detroit’s voice is heard loud and clear.
Contact:
Jeffrey T. Brown
Jeffrey T. Brown
Jeffrey T. Brown is an award-winning cinematographer with a career spanning nearly two decades. He has contributed to over 350 music videos and commercials, as well as 25 feature films. His work has been praised by critics worldwide for its visual appeal and dramatic flair.
Jeffrey’s portfolio includes projects for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Toyota, Old Spice, the U.S. Army, and Domino's Pizza. In the realm of feature films, he has served as the director of photography for titles like "One Week" (2000), "Dark" (2003), "Envy" (2005), and "C'mon Man" (2012).
His cinematography has earned him several accolades. The music video "Hey There Delilah" was nominated for the MTV Video Music Award for Monster Single of the Year in 2007. The feature film "Dark" received multiple honors, including Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival (2003) and "Best Feature" at the Urbanworld Film Festival (2003).
Jeffrey continues to apply his expertise in light and composition to a diverse range of projects, consistently delivering compelling visual narratives.