9B Collective, founded by Phillip Boutté Jr., Mike Uwandi, and Aldis Hodge, is the first black-owned concept art studio made up primarily of BIPOC artists. The studio’s goal is to provide a shift in the entertainment landscape by working towards true inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera. The studio consists of artists working across multiple disciplines including Feature Films, Animation, Television, Video Games, XR, Graphic Design and more.
We’re so excited to welcome founders Phillip Boutté Jr and Michael Uwandi to TAD Berlin where they’ll dive into their experience in founding their concept art studio alongside actor Aldis Hodge.
Phillip Boutté Jr. has worked as an actor, production designer, and concept artist finding his niche in costume concept art. After majoring in illustration, he’s spent the past 12 years working in music videos, films and television. Credits include Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, A Wrinkle in Time, Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers Infinity War, Thor, Jungle Cruise, and Joker: Folie à Deux. Philip has also production designed music videos for notable artists like Ariana Grande, The Black Keys and Panic at the Disco, to name but a few.
Michael Uwandi is known for his work as both a concept artist and art director for live-action film and video games. His career has seen him work with the likes of Marvel Studios, Warner Bros, ILM, Disney, The Third Floor, EA Games, CBS, Sony Pictures, 21st Century Fox, MPC, Niantic, Kabam, Mattel and more. His most recent work for Moon Knight, the Mandalorian, and Westworld were all nominated for the Emmy in Outstanding Sci-Fi Costume.
In addition to his work through 9B, Mike has partnered with accredited nonprofits such as Bric Foundation, Vijona, and Compton Alliance to motivate underprivileged youth from Africa and Los Angeles County to pursue a career in the arts.
