Ammon K. Lyle is a producer, screenwriter and entertainment mogul specializing in Music, Television and Film. He graduated from Howard University with his degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Finance after becoming Usher Raymond’s inaugural scholarship recipient. This was in partnership with the United Negro College. Now he is Head of Content Acquisitions & Development, at Crazy Maple Studio.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
My first job was at The Walt Disney Company, where I managed celebrity talent deals and distributed royalties. It taught me the importance of attention to detail, relationship management, and strategic thinking.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
The projects I’m currently working on will be my proudest moments. Stay tuned.
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
The most challenging part is being able to balance making business happen and keeping creating story telling at the forefront.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
Excellence is defined by strong storytelling, memorable characters, and content that can resonate emotionally with a broad audience. High production value is key, but authenticity and originality matter most.
How do you unwind from work mode?
I love to dance, stay active, and enjoy good popcorn. Nothing beats a movie night with a classic film and a great snack!
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?
Staying active and engaged with different types of content—whether it’s music, film, or books—helps fuel my creativity. I also draw inspiration from attending events and connecting with other creatives.
When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?
I knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry when I saw how powerful storytelling could be in shaping culture and sparking change.
What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?
Being awarded the Usher Raymond scholarship during my time at Howard University inspired me to think bigger about the impact I could have in entertainment, not just as a creator but as someone who could help shape the future of media.
In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
A significant change is the rise of niche streaming platforms catering to specific communities and interests. To navigate this, it’s important to stay adaptable and continually seek out new voices and stories.
What’s a work tool you use every day and what’s one that is obsolete that you wish still existed?
I use content performance dashboards daily to track channel growth and viewer engagement. One tool I miss is [insert obsolete tool Ammon might remember fondly.
What company do you work for?
Crazy Maple Studio
What is your current role / title?
Head of Content Acquisitions & Development
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
I get to work with partners from different parts of the world, negotiate deals, and help bring compelling content to audiences globally. It’s exciting to help shape the future of streaming and digital media.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
I’m currently working on expanding Crazy Maple Studio’s vertical content offerings by partnering with writers, agents, international channels, and streaming platforms. I’m especially excited about working with the #1 App in Entertainment on IOS App Store and Google Play store.
