BOLD. CINEMATIC. STORIES.
DreamPlay TV is a locally-inspired, cinematic storytelling network, featuring original series, micro-docs, films, and more. Proud to beta launch in Newark, NJ.
OUR VISION
We believe stories are the currency of the human experience.
We believe in the local impact and the global appeal of visual storytelling rooted in People and Place - and we choose the City as our organizing Place. Why? Because cities are engines for human development and culture; and as the soon-to-be sites of 70% of the global population, cities will increasingly be the heartbeat of human sustainability, wellbeing and progress.
Inspired by "cities in transition," aka opportunity cities, such as our launch home of Newark, NJ, DreamPlay TV focuses on underserved places filled with talented creators, amazing people and fascinating dynamics. Their undertold stories deserve to go beyond the local newscast, niche blogs and social feeds. Our cinematic and docu-style approaches elevate these stories to premium status, from the production to the presentation.
Stories can entertain and inform; and the best ones, told with creativity, empathy and honesty, are way more than "content". In fact, we submit that truly impactful stories can open minds, change hearts, drive behaviors and just maybe, change the world.
This is why we created DreamPlay TV. And why we hope you will join us.
OUR APPROACH
We like to film real people doing real things in real places.
We tend to adopt a cinematic, docu-style approach: heavy on characters and depth, light on hosts and shtick. We collaborate with local subjects so they are active partners in sharing their talents and in their own storytelling. All of our stories, sponsored or not, must adhere to high standards of quality, integrity and professionalism. And while we may highlight important moments and trends in the city, we are not the local news.
We elevate people, performances, traditions, discoveries and more through gripping stories and films meant to impact you now and for years to come.
HOW TO EXPLORE
DreamPlay TV channels are theme-oriented, and feature stand-alone stories and films.
You will find some of our most ambitious works in the DREAMPLAY FILMS channel. These independent short films span documentary, narrative and experimental formats. Our inaugural selection features films by DreamPlay co-founder and award-winning filmmaker Yuri Alves. We will soon feature excellent works by other talented filmmakers.
Beyond FILMS, our current channels include:
BRAVISSIMA (Arts & Music)
CRAFTWELL (Heritage & Artisanship)
DELICIOSO (Food & Travel)
UPWARD (Resiliency & Education)
EXTRAS (Behind the Scenes & More)
Current original series, distributed across channels, include: DreamPlay Sessions, One Take Poetry, Jersey Greats, Top Eats, Upgraded and more.
DreamPlay TV is powered by DreamPlay Media
OUR FOUNDERS
Igor Alves
Founder & Managing Producer
Igor Alves is an entrepreneur, creative producer, and strategist. Alves is Co-Founder and CEO at DreamPlay Media. Alves has produced seven award-winning short films and an upcoming feature documentary. Alves holds a Master's Degree in Global Affairs and Economics from Rutgers University-Newark. Igor was born in Brazil and grew up in Newark, NJ - where he is an evangelist for the city, and a champion of social entrepreneurs, artists and dreamers everywhere.
Yuri Alves
Filmmaker-in-Residence
Yuri Alves is a multiple award-winning filmmaker who has written and directed films, primetime television programs and commercial projects in the U.S. and Europe. His most renowned short films include “Grind” “On the Cusp” "Broken Clouds" “Exit Road” and “Echoes of Fado”, earning over 20 festival awards. Alves directed two critically acclaimed, primetime television series in Portugal: “Tempo Final” and "Filha da Lei". Alves was born in Brazil and grew up in Newark, NJ, where he has set many of his films. Alves is the Co-Founder and Creative Director at DreamPlay Media. Yuri received a Bachelor's degree in Media Arts from New Jersey City University.
