Brown Gold – A Documentary Series
Uncovering a lost legacy in American cigar culture.
ORIGIN STORY – “THE WAGER
One quiet evening, two friends – Thomas Scott, Jr., a veteran filmmaker and Ray Robinson, a successful businessman and philanthropist, sat in the haze of an Ybor City cigar lounge,
routinely engrossed in one of their passionate discussions about cigar culture, its prestige, and its traditions. Indulging in the sweetness of his favorite Maduro, Ray disclosed the story of an ancestor who once worked as a cigar craftsperson in South Carolina. Intrigued by this
revelation, Thomas listened intensely before suddenly having an epiphany.
“But tell me,” Thomas asked, “how many people know that Black hands, Black farmers, and
Black communities once shaped the very foundation of this culture?”
Knowing where the discussion was leading to, Ray smirked and remarked, “I know that look of yours. Man, there’s not enough meat in that story to make a compelling film.”
Thomas grinned. “Wanna bet?”
And there it was—the wager. If Thomas could prove that the Black roots of American cigar
culture ran deeper than anyone imagined, Ray would bankroll the project. If not, Thomas would walk away with nothing but the smoke curling into the ceiling.
Over the next weeks, Thomas dug. The more he uncovered, the more undeniable it became: there was a history buried in the fields, a culture erased from the lounges, and a story that needed to be told. Ray, a man of his word, honored the wager. Yet not only did he write a check, he became a partner – a converted believer in the mission. What started as a bet between friends evolved into a movement, a documentary named Brown Gold—a title that carried the weight of a forgotten legacy.
PROJECT SUMMARY – BROWN GOLD
More Than a Film. A Cultural Revival.
Brown Gold is a cinematic journey into the overlooked Black legacy that influenced American tobacco and cigar culture. But the project extends far beyond the screen.
Documentary Film
A visually rich, emotionally charged exploration of the artisans, farmers, and communities whose contributions shaped an industry but were written out of its history.
Events & Experiences
Exclusive gatherings where culture, storytelling, whiskey, and cigars converge—creating space for community, conversation, and celebration.
Lifestyle Brand
A curated line of heritage-inspired products—whiskey, cigars, and handcrafted pieces that honor the past while shaping the future.
The Movement
At its heart, Brown Gold is about reclaiming stories, honoring contributions, and inspiring pride. What began as a friendly wager has become a movement to redefine the narrative of cigar culture—and celebrate the legacy that made it possible. Brown Gold isn’t just history—it’s heritage reborn
Industry Experience
Thomas Scott, Jr. — Writer, Director, Producer
Between Light and Legend: The Story of Thomas Scott, Jr.
An enigma behind the lens, Thomas Scott, Jr. transforms vision into story with a rare blend of intellect and intuition. Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, and shaped by the artistic traditions duality—Southern soul refined by European influence during his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Paul Valéry University in Montpellier, France.
As founder of La Scène Media Group, Thomas has built a dynamic career as a producer, director, editor, and screenwriter, crafting television, short films, and commercials that resonate with emotional precision and visual sophistication. His credits include the nationally aired reality series Taking Off With Evin Gibson and the acclaimed children’s program Cooking With Capital Kidds.
A filmmaker of depth and discipline, Thomas Scott, Jr. continues to shape the evolving language of modern media—one frame at a time.
Dr. Ray Robinson — Executive Producer
Dr. Ray Robinson is an executive producer of Brown Gold, a groundbreaking documentary highlighting the overlooked contributions of African Americans to cigar production and culture in the United States. With a career deeply rooted in leadership, cultural advocacy, and community development, Dr. Robinson brings a unique blend of historical insight and strategic vision to his
work.
He currently serves as a Healthcare Administrator, where he leads operations, drives growth initiatives, and champions organizational excellence. Dr. Robinson holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with a focus on Healthcare Management from Regent University, advanced degrees from High Point University and Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Elizabeth City State University.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Robinson is a committed advocate for the arts and civic engagement. He serves as a subcommittee member for the National Black Theatre Festival, where he contributes to expanding representation and youth involvement in Black performing arts. His dedication to equity and community empowerment extends through his work with Democracy North Carolina and the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, where he has advanced initiatives supporting minority participation in democracy, sustainability, and environmental justice.
A longtime supporter of civic and philanthropic causes, Dr. Robinson has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the George W. Edmonds Scholarship Fund, United Way, and the Black Philanthropy Initiative. His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, empowerment, and the belief that cultural storytelling and civic action are essential to social progress.
Marvin D. Bryson — Consulting Producer
After successfully completing an Avid editing program and earning an Additional Editor credit on Carmella Cardina’s modern-day film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” (2001), Bryson secured a position on the administrative staff at the world-renowned American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory. From there, he moved onto episodic television post production working on programming for ABC, TLC, and Lifetime among others; and most notably, a 5-season run on NBC’s historic “Law & Order” series. During this time, he earned membership working on literally hundreds of episodes of broadcast television, and thereby becoming a subject matter expert regarding the shaping of a narrative storyline. Bryson’s first acknowledged writing effort, a television pilot entitled “Capitol Help,” was selected to the Producer’s Guild of America’s Diversity Workshop in 2007 where participants were taught all aspects of showrunning for broadcast television. Subsequently, Bryson has produced documentary and narrative films, authored two novels, created the 17-episode “Life Tracks” PodCast limited series, optioned a holiday-themed screenplay, and created an additional television pilot that was selected as a semifinalist in the 2024 Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Diversity Initiative. Now in his early-sixties, Bryson continues to work as a creative writer, consulting media producer, and family-caregiving advocate.
Contact Us
Dr. Ray Robinson – Executive Producer
Email: info@kingforestventure.com
Phone: 302-302-4896
We welcome inquiries for press features, partnership opportunities, and investment collaborations. Feel free to reach out to us using the contact details provided above.