Inside the ShadowForge Media Universe: Building Worlds, Legacies, and Billion-Dollar IPs
ShadowForge Media isn’t just a studio — it’s a creative movement. Founded by Daequan Winbush, the New England-based company has evolved into a powerhouse of independent innovation, spanning film, animation, music, combat sports, and emerging wellness technology. Each division under the ShadowForge banner — Forge Fight League (FFL), Forge+, ForgeyWorld, Hammer Index, 40RUM Films, and AuraLink — reflects one purpose: to forge original worlds that connect with real human emotion.
From the beginning, the company’s mission has been clear — to create a self-sustaining entertainment ecosystem where story, sport, and community coexist. Winbush’s early filmmaking journey, marked by personal resilience and independent grit, gave rise to a studio that embraces both heart and hustle. ShadowForge’s content doesn’t just entertain; it empowers creators, athletes, and audiences to see themselves as part of something greater.
The foundation was laid through small but meaningful victories — short films, early music productions, experimental digital releases — all leading to a larger cinematic and cultural vision. Today, ShadowForge Media is scaling that vision with the discipline of a studio and the heart of a start-up, projecting a growth path toward a $1.5 to $3 billion valuation by 2036.
That growth is driven by real, living franchises.
Forge Fight League (FFL) is transforming combat sports into cinematic storytelling — an arena where fighters become legends, streamed directly through Forge+, ShadowForge’s own digital platform.
ForgeyWorld, its emotional children’s brand, blends music, plush collectibles, and emotional storytelling into a world that teaches empathy and creativity.
40RUM Films brings bold, art-driven filmmaking to the forefront — with projects like Terror Don’t Sleep, which has already earned festival recognition.
Hammer Index introduces a new wave of cultural commentary through community-driven film and series ratings.
And AuraLink, the company’s most futuristic division, merges emotion-tracking with AI wellness tools, bridging technology and human connection.
ShadowForge Media’s strength lies in uniting these creative divisions under a single narrative universe — a connected ecosystem of stories, styles, and souls. Every project builds upon another, creating a cycle of innovation across mediums.
The goal isn’t just to build an entertainment brand — it’s to create a generational legacy. ShadowForge Media is proof that imagination, when forged with persistence, can become an empire.
Explore the universe at shadowforgemedia.com
Follow on socials: @shadowforgemedia
ShadowForge Media — Update & Next Steps
ShadowForge Media is evolving, and we’re excited to share some major updates with our community. As part of our ongoing 10-year plan, we’re focusing on expanding our creative universe, supporting our projects, and bringing fans closer to the content they love.
ForgeyWorld Kickstarter
Our next big move is launching a brand-new Kickstarter for ForgeyWorld. This is the first step in bringing our immersive world to life, with new stories, characters, and experiences designed for fans of all ages. We can’t wait to reveal more details about the campaign and how you can get involved.
FFL — First Event Funding
We’re also taking a critical step for Forge Fight League (FFL): securing the necessary funding to make our first live event a reality. Our team is actively exploring business loan options to ensure the event is safe, exciting, and professional for everyone involved. This will set the stage for future competitions and help establish FFL as a premier entertainment brand.
Looking Ahead
These initiatives are all part of our long-term vision. The 10-year plan focuses on building a sustainable media ecosystem where ShadowForge Media projects, including ForgeyWorld and FFL, can thrive and continue delivering unique experiences to our community.
Stay tuned for more updates — we’re just getting started, and the best is yet to come.