New Series “Brooklynification” Provokes Thoughts And Laughs

Gentrification might be near the heart of Brooklyn’s politics, but few explorations of the topic have handled it with the aplomb of Brooklynification, a new series from BRIC TV that explores the borough’s changing demography with wit and verve.

A lucky few were treated to a sneak preview of the series at 7pm on December 14 at the BRIC Arts/Media House (647 Fulton Street between DeKalb Avenue and Fulton Street). The entire six-episode series is now streaming on YouTube.

“We are a Brooklyn show and we needed to be on a Brooklyn network,” said co-creator and director Chris Poindexter.

Brooklynification explores gentrification through the lens of the sale of a brownstone in Fort Greene. The six-episode story arc touches on issues like race relations, socioeconomics, and well… everything that is life in the modern Brownstone Belt.

“Everyone has a story waiting for you… Brooklyn writes itself,” said co-creator Keith Miller of South Slope, a veteran filmmaker and 2015 Guggenheim fellow.

The presentation opened with remarks from Fort Greene native Kuye Youngblood,‎ Head of Development & Production at BRIC TV, followed by a sizzle real of BRIC TV’s upcoming series and then a routine by local comedian Charles McBee.

“What I love about this show is that it finds a clever way to touch on really tough topics, not to belittle them but to laugh through them and open up the conversation,” said Youngblood.

Gentrification is a conversation which has consistently dominated local politics, and Brooklynification manages to ably navigate those waters, while the short, episodic format ensures that things move apace.

“I think they really captured in a really natural way. I really like how its eclectic, and how they aren’t preying on one version of the Brooklyn hipster… They got everyone. It’s very real,” said cast member Maya Klausner.

Brooklynification is now streaming on YouTube in its very bingeable entirety, and we encourage you at this new series that is as likely to provoke thought as it is a laugh.