Jordan Benston has transformed the production landscape with her company, The Oracle Media. As one of the few Black and woman-owned full-service production companies in the industry, Benston has quickly made her mark since launching in 2019. Her work has already graced the covers of major publications like Essence Magazine, Cassius, and HelloBeautiful.
The Oracle Media stands out not just for its quality work but also for its representation. “It has been amazing over these last couple of years to be recognized by people who are surprised to see an all-Black crew when they come on set,” Benston told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “When they come in, they feel at home […], which helps you get the content you need.”
Black Woman-Owned Production Company Makes Industry Waves
Benston started The Oracle Media after experiencing frustration with existing production services. With over 10 years of production experience, she found herself constantly battling for deliverables and quality products that matched their price tags.
“I was working as a producer, researching companies and going through the processes with [these companies]. I was fighting back and forth for deliverables, or they weren’t delivering a quality product for the amount we were paying,” Benston recalled. That’s when she had the epiphany: “I could do that.”
The leap from thought to action came with help from a supportive friend who connected her with legal resources. “[My friend said] ‘I’m going to put you on an email with my lawyer so you can start the LLC and then go from there,'” said Benston. “He paid for all my legal fees to open my company.”
From Pandemic Launch to Major Media Projects
The Oracle Media faced a significant challenge right out of the gate. Just months after launching, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. However, this unexpected turn created an opportunity for Benston’s fledgling company.
One of her first major projects came when a friend needed production help. “A friend called me looking for help finding a production manager, producer, and camera operator, and I recommended myself,” Benston explained. This led to work on a press junket for the PBS documentary “And She Could Be Next,” executive produced by Ava DuVernay.
Since then, Benston has secured increasingly prominent projects. Her work on “Hip-Hop and the White House,” a Hulu documentary highlighting hip-hop’s influence on politics, marked a significant achievement. The production showcased her company’s commitment to storytelling that matters.
Representation Matters Behind the Camera
The Oracle Media represents important progress in an industry where Black-owned production companies remain rare. Benston brings a unique perspective and commitment to projects that goes beyond simply collecting a paycheck.
“I’m not just showing up because I’m getting a check, nor are the people I’m hiring. We are showing up because we are invested in the project and care about the story being told,” Benston emphasized. This genuine investment shows in the quality of work her team produces.
The impact of seeing an all-Black production crew cannot be understated. It creates a comfortable environment for subjects and clients while opening doors for more diverse talent in an industry historically dominated by white men.
Securing High-Profile Projects with Persistence and Quality
Benston’s persistence and quality work have led to exciting new opportunities. Currently, she’s working on “The Nene Leakes Show,” a talk show featuring the star from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” The show will feature candid conversations about current events and Leakes’ personal journey.
The connection with Leakes demonstrates Benston’s proactive approach to business development. During a digital cover shoot in 2023, Benston came prepared with a pitch deck for Leakes, who was posting videos on YouTube at the time. Though the timing wasn’t right initially, Leakes remembered Benston when she was ready to launch her show.
“She liked the pitch but the timing just wasn’t right,” said Benston. “Fast forward to 2025, I get a call from her executive assistant.” This persistence paid off, with Benston proudly stating, “Now, we have The Nene Leakes Show.”
Overcoming Barriers as a Black Woman Entrepreneur
Benston’s success comes against significant odds. According to J.P. Morgan analysis, while Black women represent the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States, they face disproportionate financial challenges. More than 60% must self-fund their startup capital due to limited access to external financing.
Between 2014 and 2019, businesses owned by Black women grew by an impressive 50%, representing the highest growth rate among any female demographic. This growth stems from women like Benston who are willing to bet on themselves and their abilities.
Unlike many entrepreneurs, Benston benefited from direct support from her network. Her friend’s willingness to cover legal fees represents the kind of community support that can make the difference between an idea and a successful business launch.
Future Plans for The Oracle Media
Benston shows no signs of slowing down. While continuing to produce stunning editorial content, she has ambitious plans for the future of The Oracle Media. “I am excited to get back to my first love of video and linear content,” Benston shared.
The company is also developing original in-house productions. “I hope to also put out some original content that I am producing in house with my creative producer, Haley Poole,” Benston explained. This move into original content could establish The Oracle Media as not just a production service but a content creator.
Through her work, Benston continues to create opportunities for Black professionals in media production. Each successful project expands her influence and ability to change industry standards for representation both in front of and behind the camera.
