Written by JR Robinson
When you think of Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu, you probably imagine endless hours of movies and shows, a global library of originals and classics, and easy, anytime streaming. You may flick over to YouTube for a live podcast, a Tubi for free films, or even tune into live satellite TV for breaking news or a major concert. But what if all this—the power of on-demand film, the excitement of live events, the trust of real journalism, and the reach of global streaming—joined forces on a single visionary platform?
That’s exactly what’s unfolding at MVP3 Network, a Memphis-based over-the-top (OTT) media powerhouse with ambitions that reach far beyond the usual streaming giants. At the helm stands Marie Pizano—author, producer, business leader, and lifelong devotee to the healing power of the arts—whose drive is not only to entertain, but to change how we make and experience content, uplift communities, and teach integrity in media.
A New Kind of Streaming Service
MVP3 Network is more than just a competitor for your entertainment dollar. Think of it as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube Live all rolled into one—with a sprinkle of Hulu, Tubi, and even the reach of satellite TV. Like its corporate cousins, MVP3 will soon offer a library of over 2,000 titles, from indie films and classic favorites to original series. But it’s the live capabilities that set MVP3 apart: it’s perfect for live concerts, live podcasts, breaking news, and anything that thrives when streamed in real time.
“We’re not building silos here,” says Pizano, MVP3 Foundation Chairwoman and President/Interim Executive Director. “We’re about creating content that includes everybody. We’re not exclusive to one genre or nationality. MVP3 Network isn’t just a marketplace for content - it’s the heart of a whole movement toward ‘integrity media,’ focused on what’s productive and constructive for our communities and the world.”
A core part of the MVP3 model is in-house creation. The plan is bold: film a movie a month, inspired by the approach of Hallmark or Lifetime, but with a more diverse, inclusive, and community-centered perspective. This steady production schedule isn’t just a strategy to fill the library; it’s a job engine, a creative factory, and an educational hub all at once.
Putting Memphis—and Creatives—on the Map
Pizano’s vision is rooted in Memphis, Tennessee, but designed for a global audience. Under her leadership, MVP3 is building a whole new system for making and distributing media—a strategy reminiscent of Hollywood’s early days, but reimagined for the streaming era and the real needs of aspiring artists, filmmakers, and musicians.
“There’s a lot of incredible talent here,” Pizano explains. “And I see the solution to help them—give students hands-on skills, give people work, and teach the industry not just as business, but with value and responsibility. Every division of MVP3—film, music, media—is separate, but they all work together. Our non-profit, MVP3 Foundation, is focused on healing communities through the arts and providing real pathways to careers. We teach integrity in film and music as essential to mental health and well-being.”
This all-in, community-centric approach is what distinguishes MVP3 from legacy models. The streaming service is already showcasing original programming that demonstrates its commitments, like “United Front: The 1991 People’s Convention Memphis,” a multi-award-winning documentary about the historic event that led to Memphis’ first African-American mayor, Dr. Willie Herenton. Offered as a $5.99 pay-per-view feature, it highlights MVP3’s dual role as an incubator for important regional stories and a platform with national reach.
Integrity in Journalism and Programming
While automation and algorithm-driven content dominate many platforms, MVP3 is reviving a fundamental value—integrity. This applies especially to news and public affairs content.
“Especially with news, we want to bring back the integrity of journalism and allow creatives to create,” says Pizano. “So much of what we see in the news and media today lacks responsibility. We’re determined to use these new tools not just to inform but to heal, to help society process the world productively.”
Integrity, for Pizano and the MVP3 team, doesn’t mean “shying away from reality” or glossing over tough topics. Instead, it’s about presenting stories that serve the community, practice honest reporting, and inspire constructive action. In a time when much of the media world drifts toward polarization and sensationalism, MVP3’s approach is remarkably counter-cultural.
A Platform for Creatives—and Real Opportunity
Key to the MVP3 strategy is education and economic growth. Each film and series means jobs—not just for above-the-line talent (writers, directors, actors), but for every role on set and behind the scenes. MVP3’s model fosters the kind of “learning by doing” that’s so hard to find for students, early-career creatives, and indie filmmakers or musicians.
Filmmakers not only get to see their visions realized but also learn how to sync and license music as part of their film budgets—a deal structure often reserved for big studios. MVP3’s multi-channel network (MCN) infrastructure makes this possible, giving creatives a direct pipeline to audiences, meaningful pay, and practical industry education without leaving Memphis or being forced into the Hollywood system.
Pizano describes herself as “mission-driven” and “determined,” undeterred by setbacks or naysayers. Her personal journey—documented in her acclaimed “From Barefoot to Stilettos” series—adds fuel to her belief in the power of entertainment to uplift, connect, and catalyze social change.
Building a New System—From the Ground Up
If this all sounds ambitious, it’s by design. “What we’re creating here is a whole new system,” Pizano says. “Hollywood built itself this way a century ago, with a handful of visionaries who saw a blank canvas. But we’re doing it with a different mindset, healthier approaches, and a win-win philosophy—content with values, jobs for local creatives, and learning opportunities for students.”
This self-reinforcing model is underscored by MVP3’s relationship to independent media like JustMyMemphis and JustMyNashville, which aim to amplify MVP3’s efforts and connect more people to the movement.
“We’re not here to sugarcoat what’s happening in the world, but to be part of creating something better—something more honest, productive, and ultimately healing.”
What’s On: Originals, Documentaries, and More
So, what will you find on MVP3 Network right now? In addition to the aforementioned “United Front” documentary, MVP3 carries a diverse and growing catalogue—including new movies, regional features, live-stream events, podcasts, and original series. Every month, expect a fresh feature-length film in the pipeline—a cadence unmatched by most independent platforms.
Its selection is designed to be global, inclusive of all genres, backgrounds, and perspectives, driven not by algorithms, but by curators dedicated to constructive, responsible content.
Separate Paths, Shared Purpose
Even as MVP3 Foundation operates as a separate nonprofit from the streaming service and music group, the organizations are deeply aligned in mission: each serves a component in the movement to “heal community through the arts,” provide tangible career tracks, and teach the next generation what real integrity in entertainment can mean.
“Film, music, media—they all connect to who we are as people. They’re part of our mental health and our shared story,” Pizano observes. “Everything we do must be rooted in integrity. That’s the example we want to set, and why I’m so committed to teaching this.”
A Memphis Movement, A Global Vision
Pizano is quick to point out that while MVP3 is “from Memphis,” it’s “for the world.” She credits her lifelong passion for film and music to a calling she felt as a child, a faith-driven commitment that brought her and her industry colleagues to Memphis to start something radically new.
“I’ve got a lot of friends in Hollywood who believe in this and are coming here to help. It’s bigger than just the South—it’s a new way forward for the industry.”
Getting Involved: How You Can Join the MVP3 Movement
Whether you’re a student looking for a break, an indie filmmaker needing a platform, or an audience member craving uplifting, responsible content, MVP3 Network is actively seeking collaborators, viewers, and supporters.
If you’re interested in film, music, journalism, or simply making a difference through the arts, visit MVP3network.com, check out the non-profit work at MVP3foundation.org, and discover powerful programming like “United Front” (available pay-per-view at https://mvp3network.ottchannel.com/media/united-front-people-s-convention-memphis-1991-656152).
“We’re here to build a new pathway for creatives,” Pizano concludes. “This work is about serious change. If you share our values, let’s connect—and let’s make something better, together.”
MVP3 Network is a Memphis-based over-the-top (OTT) streaming service and multi-channel network (MCN) dedicated to delivering inclusive, integrity-driven content including films, original series, live events, and news. Through bold in-house production, educational outreach, and a commitment to community uplift, MVP3 is building a new model for media, where everyone has a voice, opportunity thrives, and the arts serve as a path to positive change.
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This article is published in partnership with JustMyMemphis and JustMyNashville to spotlight Memphis creatives, community builders, and the power of entertainment to heal and unite.
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