"The Raven" 1983/1990 Pilot Episodes

The First Black "Dynasty" With The Music Industry Backdrop

Click On Circles Above To View Show Clips, News Clips and Music Video

The story of "The Raven" began in 1983. It was the brainchild of husband and wife Baltimore production team, Darryl and Renée Pugh.

Their first 22 minute pilot, shot in 3/4 inch broadcast video, became one of twelve shows chosen to be at the National Association of Broadcasters first annual minority television producers convention held in Las Vegas in 1984.

Other producers chosen that year included Michael Shultz of "Cooley High", Topper Carew of "DC Cab"/"Martin", Essence Magazine and Bill Cosby of "The Cosby Show" just to name a few.

BET offered us a deal for 8K per 1/2 hour episode. We declined because we were in serious talks with NBC who ultimately went with "The Cosby Show". And the rest is Black History.

After that, I took a job at a Baltimore Network affiliate station and worked as a topical producer for the syndicated Oprah Winfrey show from 1986-1990.

In 1990, we produced a second one-hour pilot shot in 16mm film. The following year it would make television history.

On January 12, 1991, at 11:30pm - 12:30am, this groundbreaking pilot episode of the nation's first black "Dynasty" drama series made television history when it aired on WJZ-TV Channel 13 in Baltimore. The same station that gave Oprah Winfrey her big break. It was the first "Empire" created more than 26 years ago.

Darryl Edric Pugh, Sr.
Renée W. Pugh
Executive Producers

Included: 4 FREE Bonus Films:

The 1983 Pilot Episode of The Raven

The Life & Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Life & Times of a Champion- The Harry "Hicky" Pugh Story

Journey For Justice - The A.P. Tureaud Story (Civil Rights Before Dr. King)

The Bombing of MOVE

The Dr. Vicki Show - A 48 hour film project

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